Summary
- Borderlands 4 is likely to be released between 2025 and 2026, and could explore multiple plot threads and character options.
- There is speculation that a Borderlands MMO or live-service game could be in the works, potentially changing the franchise. Vault Hunters may have to adapt and be more akin to Tiny Tina's Wonderlands' protagonist.
- Borderlands 4 could either stick to the classic approach of predefined Vault Hunters or offer fully customizable protagonists, each with their own pros and cons.
Borderlands 4 has been a long time coming between all sorts of rumors and leaks and the way Borderlands 3 and games before it ended up massively reshaping and expanding the in-game universe, paving the way for even more stories and characters to see the light of day. It remains unclear whether there will be a fourth Borderlands game since it was never officially announced, but it's nonetheless likely to arrive at some point between 2025 and 2026. Just like a Borderlands 4 can tackle multiple open-ended plot threads from the series, it is also at a fork in the road with the way its Vault Hunters will be portrayed, player agency, and how possible DLCs factor in.
It's long been rumored that Borderlands would eventually get some sort of MMO or live-service game based on the infamous "The Watcher's War" from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequels, and such a game could change everything for the franchise - including Vault Hunters. Similarly, the more recent Tiny Tina's Wonderlands showed what a Borderlands-adjacent game can do with its main character, and that too is an interesting path for Borderlands 4 to take. Finally, Borderlands 4 could even go the classic route of on-launch protagonists and the possibility of DLC Vault Hunters.
Borderlands Element Tier List
The Borderlands franchise features a variety of unique Elemental damage types that players can wield, with a few that provide must-have utilities.
Why Borderlands 4 Should Use Customizable Vault Hunters
The Pros and Cons of Customizable Borderlands Vault Hunters
The reason why a Borderlands MMO game or one with live-service elements seems unlikely is that this sort of title is caught between a rock and a hard place in modern times, especially with the public generally preferring games that don't require an indefinite amount of playtime to progress. If such a game is made, though, it would make the most sense to have playable Vault Hunters that are customizable in all of their aspects in order not to conflict with the game's story, and that's something Gearbox has proven to be able to achieve.
This is thanks to Tiny Tina's Wonderlands' character creator, which not only allowed players to fully customize their character's appearance, but also choose a preferred RPG class and then build from there with perks and even multi-class options. This approach does give players lots of freedom, and it could be great to see in a mainline Borderlands game due to how good for replayability it would be to have characters capable of becoming all possible Vault Hunters without starting from scratch. A fully customizable protagonist wouldn't have to be exclusively for an MMO title, and Borderlands 4 could toy with this concept if Gearbox wanted to.
Why Borderlands 4 Should Stick to Classic Vault Hunters
The Pros and Cons of Borderlands 4 Using Classic and DLC Vault Hunters
On the other hand, Borderlands' Vault Hunters do work as they are thanks to a combination of factors. For starters, they are voiced characters with a script, which means their personality, goals, and even Borderlands' typical sense of humor are all part of the package from the get-go. These characters can not only be good to try out in a new game, with Borderlands 4's Vault Hunters possibly having different roles and playstyles, but they can also help build the in-game universe. A good example comes from past Vault Hunters becoming main cast characters, returning in future titles when needed, and that's something a custom protagonist may not do.
For this reason, having Vault Hunters in Borderlands games all have defined identities can be beneficial, and it also leads to the possibility of featuring DLC characters. There have been games in the series where characters were introduced in Borderlands DLCs as new Vault Hunters, such as Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and that's something the open-ended approach may struggle with. Essentially, Borderlands 4 may want to determine what sort of game it wants to be with this Vault Hunter-based choice in mind, as these options do collide a bit for better or for worse.
Borderlands 3
- Released
- September 13, 2019
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 RIDE
Stop 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 PLAYSTYLE
Become 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 LOOT
With 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 BORDERLANDS
Discover 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 ACTION
Play 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.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- Metascore
- 91
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 Players
