Overview of Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4
- Several Vault Hunters from previous installments will not be making a return, citing deaths and brief cameos as reasons.
- Fan favorites such as Lilith and Zer0 are confirmed to be alive in Borderlands 4.
- The franchise has introduced a total of 20 playable Vault Hunters throughout its main titles, yet it remains uncertain which characters will return apart from Zane.
The Borderlands franchise has built its reputation on a dynamic lineup of Vault Hunters and engaging loot mechanics. As excitement builds for Borderlands 4, it’s clear that these two elements will be integral to its success. Recent criticisms surrounding the design of the characters suggest that fans remain highly invested in the eclectic appeal of previous Vault Hunters. With four main games as a backdrop, an examination of the returning characters is timely.
Tragically, several Vault Hunters met their end throughout the series, making their return in Borderlands 4 highly unlikely except perhaps through flashbacks or the introduction of NPCs who bear resemblance to them. Nevertheless, the unique storytelling style of Borderlands allows for surprises, and some confirmed appearances in the latest trailer have stoked fan anticipation. The historical roster of Vault Hunters in the series includes:
- Four in Borderlands
- Six in Borderlands 2
- Six in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
- Four in Borderlands 3
The Status of Each Playable Vault Hunter
Roland
Roland’s fate was sealed during Borderlands 2, where he was shot by the infamous Handsome Jack. His death significantly impacted the trajectory of the series; however, his presence in future installments seems unlikely.
Brick
Brick makes a cameo in Borderlands 3, albeit briefly, featuring primarily in a specific mission and a few side quests. He is alive and likely enjoys the company of Mordecai and Tiny Tina.
Mordecai
Returning alongside Brick in Borderlands 3, Mordecai does experience a loss, having lost his companion Bloodwing in the previous game. He returns with a new pet, Talon, and both are alive as of now.
Lilith
Initially thought to be deceased after Borderlands 3, Lilith is confirmed alive and is expected to play a prominent role in Borderlands 4. Her appearance may vary following the climactic events of the last title.
Status of Borderlands 2 Vault Hunters
Axton
Information on Axton post-Borderlands 2 is sparse, but he resurfaces in the Arms Race DLC for Borderlands 3, serving as a commentator. He is confirmed alive ahead of Borderlands 4.
Salvador
Salvador mirrors Axton’s situation and appears as an ECHO caster in the same DLC, remaining alive as well.
Zer0
Zer0 plays a more significant role in Borderlands 3, becoming embroiled in the Maliwan vs. Atlas conflict. Despite a formidable boss battle whose silhouette echoes Zer0’s form, he survives and continues to operate with Atlas.
Maya
Marked by a controversial fate, Maya’s demise in Borderlands 3 is often attributed to the actions of Ava, a Siren-in-training. Since her death, it is highly improbable that Maya will return in Borderlands 4.
Dude
As the inaugural DLC Vault Hunter, Gaige makes a comeback in the Guns, Love, and Tentacles DLC for Borderlands 3. She survives the events of this DLC, leading to expectations for her continued existence.
War
This playable Psycho received dedicated DLC in Borderlands 3, which focuses on the aftermath of Maya’s fate. By the end of the DLC adventure, Krieg is confirmed to be alive.
Status of Vault Hunters from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Athena
Although closely linked to the storyline of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Athena has not re-emerged in subsequent games. However, she is alive, serving as a CEO in the spin-off New Tales From The Borderlands.
Wilhelm
Wilhelm’s journey concludes in Borderlands 2, and the Pre-Sequel narrative depicts his loyalty to Handsome Jack which leads to his demise. His return seems improbable.
Nisha
As a boss in Borderlands 2, Nisha could potentially be defeated in an optional mission. Consequently, her return as a playable character in The Pre-Sequel was never meant to be permanent.
Claptrap
As perhaps the most recognized character in the Borderlands universe, Claptrap became a playable character in The Pre-Sequel. He remains active and continues to be the franchise’s mascot.
Timothy
Known as Jack’s Doppelganger, Timothy reappears in the DLC for Borderlands 3 titled Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, where he acts as a supportive character and is still alive at the conclusion of the DLC.
Aurelia
Aurelia Hammerlock, the sister of Sir Hammerlock, faces a tragic end as a boss character in Borderlands 3. She is confirmed dead before the events of Borderlands 4, making a return highly unlikely.
Status of Vault Hunters from Borderlands 3
Design
Zane is confirmed to return in Borderlands 4, appearing alive in the most recent trailer, although he appears to have aged. His specific role in the narrative remains uncertain.
Amara
Details regarding Amara’s fate post-Borderlands 3 are limited, but she was alive by the game’s conclusion. Her potential return in Borderlands 4 is still a mystery.
FL4K
As a favorite among fans, FL4K, the robotic beastmaster from Borderlands 3, similarly lacks confirmed status updates. Like Amara, they are presumed alive.
It can
Moze shares the uncertain fate of both Amara and FL4K; her status remains unknown after Borderlands 3, although she is presumably alive. However, this doesn’t guarantee her presence in the upcoming sequel.
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