Summary
Since the franchise launched in 2009, each mainline iteration of theBorderlandsseries has occurred at least five years after the previous game’s events, withBorderlands 3slightly breaking tradition by stretching the gap to a seven-year timeframe. Franchises typically stick to their defined patterns as part of their brand identity, and there’s hardly any reason to expect Gearbox to deviate from its time-skip policy in the highly anticipatedBorderlands 4. However, there are a few ramifications for the developer to consider in this regard, as there are pros and cons that need careful weighing before deciding how the next installment of the looter-shooter’s tale should pan out in terms of narrative.
It’s not uncommon for time skips to feature in storytelling, and although the dynamic is more prominent in anime likeOne PieceandNaruto, the technique has found its way into the overarching plots of video games.Borderlandshas been a pioneer in the industry in this regard, consistently featuring gaps between its mainline titles. Each storyline jump has its benefits and deficits, and whileBorderlands 4might well follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, Gearbox has to take a long look at the implications of yet another significant leap in its timeline.
Borderlands 4 Should Think Twice Before Jumping in Time
Another Time Skip Has Loads of Potential for Vault Hunters
UsingBorderlands 3as a point of reference, there was a marked difference inAurelia’s appearanceas one of the most telltale signs of the passing of time; her head of hair had gone entirely gray, as opposed to a single speck in a field of black inBorderlands 2. Such details can fly under the radar givenBorderlands' typically humorous plot, but there’s a trove of lore ripe for exploration in that time period gamers missed between mainline entries. InBorderlands 4, characters would have aged another number of years if Gearbox’s storytelling pattern endures, and there could be lore-building potential for the developer to explore.
Lilith’s disappearance after flying into Elpismight open the door for other characters like Ava to get some well-deserved time in the spotlight, and shouldBorderlands 4decide to employ a time skip, Gearbox can fully flesh out her persona. Akin to Lilith, who gradually grew in importance in theBorderlandstimeline, Ava seems geared to carry the torch of the storyline from her appearance as Lilith’s Siren successor.
Showing her in a mature light in contrast to her angsty depiction would do wonders to repair her image as one of the moredisliked characters inBorderlands 3. To achieve this feat,Borderlands 4would have to give some insight into her off-screen journey during the time skip to tie her tale together, and other Vault Hunters could also benefit from such plot-building.
Character Aging Could Pose a Problem for Borderlands 4
On the flip side of character development depth,Borderlands 4may want to play it safeinstead of risking phasing out some of its most relatable figures due to aging. There comes a time when a page in a story has to be flipped, but moving past the characters that have painstakingly built the franchise’s identity is not an easy decision. As referenced earlier, Aurelia is already advanced in age, and while her arc isn’t necessarily the most popular inBL3, it’s easy to see the main players following in her footsteps, getting older, and maybe even reneging on their story progression like she did.
Not using a time skip would leave little wiggle room narrative-wise, as well as break longstanding tradition, so it seems like a no-brainer for Gearbox to maintain the status quo. However, even in light of the lore-building potential for several characters (and maybe even opportunities for far-reaching planet exploration), it remains to be seen if the risks of yet another time skip would outweigh the inevitable ripple effect that phasing some of themost popular Vault Huntersinto the background would cause forBorderlands 4.
Borderlands 3
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 RIDEStop 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 PLAYSTYLEBecome 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 LOOTWith 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 BORDERLANDSDiscover 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 ACTIONPlay 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.
