Why Borderlands 4 wants to put its most iconic enemies to rest

Border 4 It's finally been officially confirmed, after five years of waiting since the most recent mainline title, and after general speculation that a fourth entry was actually in the works at developer Gearbox Software. Although the series experienced a bit of a bump in the road due to the divisive theatrical adaptation and subsequent subpar reception earlier this year, the reveal Border 4 Sometime later gave fans of the seminal looter-shooter franchise more to chew on in a positive light, and sparked theories about the direction the upcoming title would take.

As shown during Gamescom, the first trailer for Border 4 An apocalyptic sequence was included, in which a strange dimensional rift appeared around the planet as meteors rained down on it. While it's currently unclear whether it's for either Pandora, Promethea, the moon Elpis, or the planets of the new locale, it certainly made an impression and provided at least a glimpse of what the next title is setting up. and as border area Appears to be developed, there is a previous aspect that it wants to shake; Shifting focus away from psychos and bandit groups as basic antagonists in favor of a new type of archenemy.

Why it might be time to put bandits in the backseat for Borderlands 4

Bandits of the Borderlands have become its mainstay mob

from the beginning, border area' Bandits were its go-to enemy type, as their over-the-top behavior and stylistic design were inherent and iconic to the world's lore and atmosphere. Encountering endless hordes of psychic/bandits was ideal for Vault Hunter heroes, and they served as standard fodder enemies for healthy portions of each release. However, even with their ubiquity and connected location, there were times when games took a step back and changed the pace for players. For example, in Border 2Hyperion loader robots were given a prominent role, and offered a different range of enemies and how players approach combat.

Then the bandits made a big comeback Border 3where the COV (Children of the Vault) served as a combined bandit faction under the Calypso Twins. While this made sense narratively, it over-relied on a single enemy throughout the experience. Although they are undeniably iconic for the series, if the gearbox is looking to enter border area Especially since the previous formula is carried forward into a new era, it might consider putting the bandits on the back burner in the fourth installment.

Borderlands 4 should mark the emergence of a new threat beyond bandits

How Borderlands 4 can move on from bandits as standard enemies

Although details about its anti-power are still up in the air at this point, Gearbox has said that border area' Another villain “more dangerous and sinister than Handsome Jack.” In the trailer, a mysterious robotic arm pulls a psycho mask from a smoldering crater, and based on this glimpse, it might hint at what might happen. This could indicate an Eridian or Guardian-like enemy, and possibly their army. Fans have encountered this before, but usually to a much lesser extent, often until the latter legs of a campaign. BL4 Thus already teasing the new, non-bandit faction that players will encounter.

While it's unlikely that the bandits will be completely absent from the next entry given their position in the universe, they could instead be retooled and presented in a different light. a way Border 4 Perhaps, however otherworldly this threat may seem, it probably goes beyond the everyday danger posed by ordinary bandits. This potential setup could throw fans an even bigger curveball with the Vault Hunters teaming up with their old enemies, and see Hunters and Bandits working together in what could be a huge existential threat. Either way, it might be time to retire bandits as the default enemy for Gearbox Border 4Along with any other major changes to the story and gameplay in store.