Summary
Gearbox Software’sBorderlandshas been a mainstay of looter shooters since helping to popularize the genre back in 2009. After establishing its satirical sci-fi-meets-Western flavored world and setting, and introducing a host of memorable characters throughout,Borderlandsmaintained its course with a string of entries stretching from the first until the most recent third major release in 2019. Along the way,BLreceived a helping of DLCs for each, as well as two larger related spin-offs, all of which contributed to the franchise’s ongoing success.
Fans having been waiting for five years (and counting) at this time for any news or updates aboutwhatBorderlands 4might be like. With that in mind, it might be a good moment to take stock of the situation and detail a couple of items thatBL4will likely have to do in order to keep up its reputation for advancing its core gameplay loops, genre components, and major storylines.
Nothing is confirmed yet, but recent rumors as well as updates on its official X/Twitter channel at the time of writing could indicate thatBorderlands 4will soon be announced.
Borderlands 4 Needs to Ensure It Feels Like a Faithful Modern Series Entry
Borderlands 4 Should Be More ‘Borderlands’ and Less ‘Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’
Based on the widely popularAssault On Dragon KeepDLC forBorderlands 2,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandscould provide some good influences forBorderlands 4in certain areas of design and expansions to its mechanics.TTWwas an excellent experience and distinguished itself in various ways to ensure it didn’t just feel like a glorified full version ofDragon Keep. But even if it does lean into more of what was seen in it, Gearbox would do well to avoid the largely negative reception and perception ofTiny Tina’s Wonderlands’approach to DLC and related content.BL4should be sure to distance itself from the direction taken in that respect, as well as not being overreliant upon elements fromTTWthat may not translate well in a completely newBLtitle.
An alternative source of inspiration could beBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel.While a bit of an outlier in the series' history, as it was in large part developed by 2K Australia (though Gearbox also assisted with parts of development and published it),Borderlands: The Pre-Sequelhad some great ideas and mechanicsthat have yet to be revisited or iterated on in any subsequent content. It might make for a welcome surprise and a good fit to see new versions or interesting evolutions of them inBL4. Taking this angle could makeBorderlands 4seem more like a true series successor.
Borderlands Has Plenty of Options At its Disposal to Make the Fourth Entry Both Familiar and Fresh
Another big aspect to consider is howBorderlands 4will advance and continue its now-extensive and emotionally engaging narrative. Not onlydidBorderlands 3leave major story threads hanging, some with big implications for the future of its universe, but there are still a number of outstanding overarching mysteries that have yet to be given firm answers. Providing players at least some substantial information regarding some of these while keeping others hidden until the time is right to reveal them is something that Gearbox has hopefully planned appropriately for in the fourth entry.
A few other possibilities might be forBorderlands 4to return to a number of familiar locationsto show what became of them and the related characters in the aftermath of the previous events, and introduce more types of playable Vault Hunters alongside this. Lastly,BL4is all but certain to expand and enhance its pool of lootable weapons and equipment, and the way it will do so will again hopefully be a positive step in making the nextBorderlandsan incredible and rewarding experience for the many fans who are highly anticipating it.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
