One joke quest fromBorderlands 3could be an inspiration for a broader game mechanic inBorderlands 4if the studio seizes the opportunity. The games have been steadily evolving with each new release as each game keeps creating new protagonists and abilities. Since the games keep advancing in such a way, it may be time for players to gain yet another new ability. It may not be combat related, unlike most of the game, but it could be worthwhile. In particular,Borderlands 4may be able to let players customize their game further than before.
Customization has been astaple of theBorderlandsseriessince the first game. Players are given a choice of protagonists to choose from and can edit their heads and outfits, largely in the form of swapping color palettes. From there, they also build their character as they go through the game, leveling up and taking skills based on their preferred playstyle. As a result, two players could play the same character, but have entirely different builds and strategies. This has helpedBorderlandsfind a niche in the crowded first-person shooter genre and has helped it turn from a single quirky game to a successful franchise, but little details matter too.
RELATED:One BL3 DLC Deserves a Sequel in Borderlands 4
More Outfits For Side Characters Could Give Borderlands 4 More Personality
One ofBorderlands 3’s quests tasks players with assistingformerly playableBorderlandsmascot Claptrapwith finding a replacement for his lost antenna. In the Bad Reception quest, what Claptrap asked the player to find for him were comedic replacements, such as a wire hanger or tinfoil hat. In a twist on the usual formula, the players were searching for cosmetic options for an NPC rather than themselves. It’s a relatively early quest in the game and entirely optional, so it’s just a fun early-game diversion. However, it could lay some breadcrumbs for an idea thatBorderlands 4could latch onto.
Borderlands 4could use Bad Reception as inspiration to let players customize NPC appearances. While players can expectpast characters to return inBorderlands 4, it’s worth considering ways to incorporate them aside from just being quest-givers. One way could be for the players to unlock cosmetics for these characters, through either finishing quests or finding collectibles. Similar to Claptrap’s search for a new antenna, players could customize the other characters, changing their hairstyles, headgear, and outfits. Similar to how the players build their own characters, the option to change NPC outfits could help every playthrough be a little different.
It may not be difficult to come up with ideas for alternate looks for side characters. The past vault hunters could easily have optionspulled from pastBorderlandsgames, and even some characters who have never been playable like Mad Moxxi have had past outfits that could be chosen from. Of course, Claptrap would also be included in this, with his simple design making it easy to add comical accents. In fact, this was even possible back inBorderlands 2, where one option for completing an early mission could see him gain a furry mohawk. Surely, there is a wealth of possible outfit options for these other characters.
While players are busy designing their own character builds inBorderlands 4, it may be a good idea to let them offer some options to the rest of the cast as well.Borderlands 4could take something smallfrom the game before and make an entirely new feature. It may not be as flashy as the series' usual high-energy gunplay, but it could give players an extra task to work towards, especially in the case of completionists.Borderlands 4could have a surprising amount to gain by giving NPCs more fashion choices.
Borderlands 3is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
