The Borderlands video game series has had many cool traditions over the years. But one tradition has not been so good – not allowing past playable Vault Hunter characters to return in future games.
I think Gearbox Software should change this in Borderlands 4 and bring back some fan favorite Vault Hunters from past games. This would make the next Borderlands even more fun!
Why Bringing Back Past Vault Hunters is a Good Idea
Part of what makes Borderlands so fun is the different playable characters, known as Vault Hunters. Fans get attached to their favorite Vault Hunters from each game. So it’s a shame we never get to play as them again after that game ends.
Borderlands has also added lots of new weapons, abilities, gameplay features and quality-of-life improvements over the years. Bringing back old Vault Hunters would let longtime fans experience all the new stuff with their favorites from past games. It would be like a special treat for them!
And for new players, adding both brand new Vault Hunters alongside some returning favorites would add more variety and choice in Borderlands 4’s character lineup.
Basically it’s a win-win – more happy fans, more variety, and more ways to experience the game!
How Past Vault Hunters Could be Re-Introduced
Gearbox wouldn’t need to completely rework any returning Vault Hunters. The basics of their class and action skills could stay the same so their fans will recognize them. Just add some new abilities here and there to keep them fresh.
As an example, imagine if Borderlands 3’s Zane returned as a playable character in Borderlands 4. He would still have his cool gadgets and drones. But maybe add the ability to mount and ride his SNTL drone for faster travel!
Small tweaks like that would make a returning Vault Hunter feel familiar, but updated to take advantage of the latest gameplay features.
The real key is making sure a returning Vault Hunter still fits within Borderlands’ ongoing story. For example, bringing back someone who died in a past game probably wouldn’t work too well. But as of New Tales from the Borderlands, most major Vault Hunters are still alive and could logically return.
Melee Weapons Should Also Make a Comeback
Another tradition that Borderlands 4 should adopt from Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is proper melee weapons. Past Borderlands games have never had dedicated melee weapons – just guns with bayonets.
Adding real melee weapons would perfectly complement bringing back past playable characters. Imagine slicing up bandits with Zer0’s sword from the first Borderlands! Melee combat would provide a whole new dimension of gameplay for familiar Vault Hunters.
The Tales from the Borderlands Crew Deserves an Upgrade Too
While Tales from the Borderlands characters aren’t full Vault Hunters, some of them have appeared in the main Borderlands games now. Bringing back and upgrading someone like Gortys or Fiona to a playable Vault Hunter status in Borderlands 4 could be amazing!
The Tales characters are fan favorites, but usually play minor roles in the main games. Promoting them to fully fledged playable characters would let fans enjoy these personalities even more. And their wacky skill trees would add more diversity to Borderlands 4’s roster.
It’s a great way to bridge the two Borderlands sub-series together more.
Final Thoughts
After four main games, it’s time for Borderlands to break its tradition of not repeating playable Vault Hunters across multiple games. Bringing back and upgrading select characters from past titles, like Zer0 or Athena, would delight longtime series fans. More choice and variety is also good for new players just diving into Borderlands.
Adding proper melee weapons also meshes perfectly with this concept of refreshed yet familiar Vault Hunters. And elevating personalities from the Tales from the Borderlands series creates more connections between the mainline games and spin-off content.
In closing, repeating playable Vault Hunters is clearly a smart evolution for Borderlands moving forward. Let’s hope Gearbox finally goes for it in the eagerly awaited Borderlands 4!
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