Summary
Developer Gearbox Software has recently given fans an encouraging update regarding its beloved looter-shooter series,Borderlands. After almost five years of radio silence since the latest release, the studio was acquired by Take-Two Interactive earlier this year. In the wake of this deal, it was revealed that the nextBorderlandsgame is currently in “active development.” Though not much else has been stated about its status so far, the news alone is likely comforting for fans who felt that the franchise had been quiet for too long.
While theories begin to pick up aboutwhereBorderlandswill take fans in the fourth installment, especially in the wake of the dramatic ending ofBorderlands 3, there are some existing aspects where the story left off that inform who the upcoming iteration and generation of Vault Hunters might be. In this case, Ava, a young adolescent duringBL3, but who inherited a unique position as the remaining Siren in the core group, having been mentored by the two previous ones.Borderlands 4is likely to see Ava in a key role, andBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel’s selection of Hunters has already provided a template for having her fully playable in it.
While no official date has been given yet, some factors may point toBorderlands 4possibly releasing in 2025.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Paved the Path to Ava Possibly Being Playable in Borderlands 4
Borderlands The Pre-Sequel’s Vault Hunters Were Previously All Series NPCs
In the first twoBorderlandsgames, each batch of Vault Hunters was a completely new set of characters that were introduced in their respective titles, and joined the Crimson Raiders in their quest. However,Borderlands The Pre-Sequelbroke from this prior standard, and allowed fans to choose fromClaptrap, Wilhelm, Nisha, and Athena, who all featured prominently in the plots within and even beyond the mainBorderlandsreleases. DLC later added Lady Aurelia Hammerlock and “Handsome Jack” i.e. Timothy Lawrence as well. The precedent has been set then, and it would not be out of the realm of possibility that this idea is revived forBorderlands 4, especially given Ava’s present status.
Ava Could ‘Graduate’ to a Playable Protagonist in Borderlands 4
Ava is set up to play a major part inBorderlands 4’snarrative, given the current circumstances. The Director’s Cut DLC forBL3further teased the mystery and aftermath of Lilith’s disappearance following her apparent self-sacrifice at the end of the third title. Despite some fans not warming to her, Ava’s arc has dovetailed with the Crimson Raiders' ongoing mission, and she has had two wise teachers, Lilith and Maya (who was slain inBorderlands 3),who helped guide Ava in learning and mastering her Siren abilities. Every numberedBorderlandsentry has given fans a Siren class character as an option, and Ava naturally fits this bill for the fourth installment.
SinceBorderlands The Pre-Sequelestablished that the series is willing to have characters already appearing as NPCs be playable, and Ava is poised to take on the mantle of leadership or at least a prominent spot in the Raiders, it would be an easier leap for her to be the Siren Hunter in the upcoming release.Borderlands 4could even split the difference, and perhaps contain a mix of previous characters, like Ava and Hammerlock, along with some new blood, creating a bridge between the older guard and the rising generation.Borderlands 4might jump ahead some years, showing how Ava has grown her knowledge and skills, and come into her own, thus setting her up to take charge firsthand in the next step of the journey by including her as a fully playable Hunter.
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.
