Summary
If there’s one thing that theBorderlandsfranchise has never been short on, it’s personality. Developer Gearbox Software establishedBorderlands' signature style from the very start, with its abundance of unique weapons and absurd sense of humor. At the center of everyBorderlandsgame, however, are its characters, and few are as important as the vault hunters. These intrepid explorers are more than just the series' playable characters, they’re essential facets ofBorderlands' overarching narrative.
Now that the franchise’s latest entries—Borderlands 3andTiny Tina’s Wonderlands—have had room to breathe, many fans are looking forward toBorderlands 4. Some are specifically looking forward to what the new entry’s vault hunters will be like, and while Gearbox will likely demonstrate its usual amount of creativity, it could look to a series tradition for further inspiration. When approachingBorderlands 4’s list of playable vault hunters, Gearbox could revisit vault hunters fromBorderlands' past.
Borderlands Has Never Been Shy About Returning Vault Hunters
The firstBorderlands' vault hunters became iconic along with the game itself, andBorderlands 2acknowledged that by incorporating each of them into the main narrative. Lilith, Roland, Brick, and Mordecai were instrumental inthe fight against Handsome Jack, providing a healthy bit of nostalgia while advancing their character development.
This decision to bring back previous vault hunters also helped provide a sense of consistency across games, and Gearbox has made this feeling of narrative consistency a hallmark of the series.Borderlands 3furthered this tradition by featuring the living vault hunters from the firstBorderlands, as well as Maya and Zer0 fromBorderlands 2. Even if some of these fan-favorites have met an untimely demise when they return, it’s nonetheless become an essential part of the series.
Playable Past Vault Hunters Could Be Perfect Borderlands 4 DLC
WhereaspastBorderlandsgameshave used vault hunters as a narrative addition,Borderlands 4could go in a new direction and make them playable once again. The benefits of this would be two-fold: Fans of particular vault hunters would get a chance to revisit their favorites, and those who never got a chance to play olderBorderlandstitles would get an opportunity to use them.
Gearbox could add further value to returning vault hunters by giving them new skills. Whether it’s passive buffs or updating abilities like Axton’s Sabre Turret, these DLC characters could provide a new spin on the series' usual DLC vault hunters.Borderlands 4already has a lot of story to follow up on fromBorderlands 3, and gettingclassicBorderlandsvault huntersin on the action could serve as a pleasant full-circle moment for the franchise.
Vault Hunters Who Could Return In Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4has a lot riding on it, asBorderlands 3left fans with a lot of unanswered questions. If Gearbox makes the next entry even bigger than the last, it may have room to reintroduce old vault hunters as playable characters once again. This could help the developer include vault hunters across all titles in one massive conclusion, giving longtime fans closure that’s been over 15 years in the making. It’s all wishful thinking for now, butBorderlands 4has an opportunity to be a true celebration of the entire franchise with some well-planned DLC.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic adventure full of whimsy, wonder, and high-powered weaponry. Bullets, magic and broadswords collide across this chaotic fantasy world brought to life by the unpredictable Tiny Tina. Roll your own multiclass hero and loot, shoot, slash and cast your way through outlandish monsters and loot-filled dungeons on a quest to stop the tyrannical Dragon Lord. Tiny Tina is your disorderly guide through an extraordinary tabletop realm where rules rarely apply. Explore a vast overworld spanning majestic cities, dank mushroom forests, foreboding fortresses and more! Joining you at the table are headstrong captain Valentine and rule-obsessed robot Frette. During your quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, you’ll meet a cast of lovable misfits like a lute-wielding Bardbarian and your very own Fairy Punchfather. Everyone’s welcome, so join the party, throw on your adventuring boots and be Chaotic Great!
