Summary
The world of science fiction has influenced the gaming world with its tropes in almost every category over the years; from technologically advanced laser guns in first-person shooters toThe Sims 4’s quirky adaptation of theStar Warsfranchise in its Journey to Batuu expansion pack, and in recent years, planet exploration in particular seems to be taking on an expanded role in gaming. Now, Gearbox may have been ahead of the curve by spreading its wings fromPandora inBorderlands 3. As such, theBorderlandsfranchise appears perfectly positioned to take advantage of the current space race-esque trend, and there’s no reason forBorderlands 4not to shoot for more moons.
Given the positive reception to this exploration gimmick,Borderlands 4should place an even bigger priority on other worlds. Few settings in the looter shooter world are as iconic as Pandora, with the planet serving as the home of theBorderlandsfranchise since its debut in 2009. In the time since, Gearbox has gradually outfitted the previously one-dimensional world to give its Vault Hunters a diverse environment to thrive in. While the seven-year climate cycle meant Pandora returned to a desert inBorderlands 3, the franchise took players across the galaxy, with visits to Promethea and Athenas presenting some ofBL3’s most memorable moments.
Borderlands 4 Needs to Go Big on Planet Exploration
While exploring new biomes and planets has always been high on the list of gamers' wants in sci-fi titles, the tremendous generative demand the mechanism placed on consoles posed a barrier for developers that wasn’t easy to hurdle.
Increased Focus on Planets in Borderlands 4 Would Fall Right in With the Times
The longing for space exploration has only grown as the years go by andrealistic space exploration games likeStarfieldare leading the charge. AlthoughBorderlands 3isn’t the first title that comes to mind in this niche,Borderlands 4could be in prime position to outdo its predecessor if it takes things up a gear by shifting away from the traditional Pandora focus and letting players visit more home planets of their favorite Vault Hunters.
The lore-building potential through an expanded focus on exploration is exemplified by the popularity of Eden-6, the moon that theBorderlandsweapons manufacturer Jakobscalls home. Eden-6’s strengths lie in the appeal of its side characters like Wainwright and Clay, and it makes sense for Gearbox to continue visiting similar planets. For instance, Hermes is Sir Hammerlock’s home of origin, and its teased thin atmosphere combined with its blue star boundary makes it an appealing location forBorderlands 4to explore.
New Planets Could Flesh Out Vault Hunter Backstories
Apart from Hermes, other worlds were also mentioned inBorderlands 3, such as Dionysus and Artemis, the homes of Lilith and Mordecai. Despite their appearance inBL3by name, visuals of these planets were markedly missing, and it’s only natural that the next franchise installment visits the homes of two of itsmost popular Vault Huntersto flesh out their backstories. In light of these elevated stakes, a return to Pandora inBorderlands 4might take away from the title’s shine, as some fans feel the planet has run its course and the time has come to explore other gas giants in full.
Despite the numerous positivesBorderlands 3’s branching out from Pandora brought for the franchise, there are a number of areas Gearbox can improve on to takeBorderlands 4to new heights. Athenas was arguably the most aesthetically pleasing planet inBL3, but the small size of its zones compared tothe likes ofBorderlands' Eden-6left much to be desired.
Additionally, Nekrotafeyo’s side missions lacked the excitement factor that makes up the franchise, and it’s imperative forBorderlands 4to fix theseBL3issueswhile expanding on its offerings. Pandora may be the traditional home of the series, but it wasn’t the main draw ofBL3, and Gearbox can afford to go bigger once more.
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.
