Summary
Borderlands 4has one surprise that it can spring on fans, hailing all the way from the first game in the series. The next chapter in theBorderlandsseries will have to feature something impressive since the games keep raising the bar with every installment. This is especially true after the many wild developments that came to pass inBorderlands 3. There is a big throwback that the game could turn into a major part of the story in the upcoming installment. Even better, it’s one that was set up perfectly by the events ofBorderlands 3.
Considering the way thatBorderlandsbrings back past Vault Huntersin new games, as well as other NPCs, the series isn’t afraid of using its past for future stories. With the exception of characters who have died, many members of the casts of past games have stuck around in ensuing installments. Some have evolved in their roles, such as Lilith ascending to the leader of the Crimson Raiders, or Tannis becoming a Siren. AfterBorderlands 3, the setting of the series has changed drastically, leaving many story threads open. It’ll be up toBorderlands 4to carry the series into this chaotic new chapter.
The Destroyer is Borderlands' Biggest Underlying Threat
So far, there’s no information onwhoBorderlands 4’s villain will be, but a look at the past provides a very valid option. Although Handsome Jack, Tyreen, and Troy are dead, the same cannot be said for The Destroyer. The Destroyer was the final boss of the firstBorderlands, and it was a gigantic monster that emerged from the vault at the end of the game. Although not cunning or ambitious likeBorderlands' other main antagonists, The Destroyer’s sheer power is enough to make it a dangerous enemy. While it hasn’t been seen since the first game, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer a threat.
The Destroyer doesn’t appear inBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, but Handsome Jack does recover its eye and use it to make a superweapon called The Eye of Helios.
Borderlands 3revealed that The Destroyer’s lore is deeper than expected.Borderlands' iconic setting of Pandorais actually a prison designed to keep The Destroyer contained. It’s been resting since its defeat inBorderlands, and if it ever fully escapes, then not only will Pandora be destroyed, but The Destroyer will likely annihilate huge sections of space. It took the combined strengths of the Siren Nyriad and the Eridian people just to seal The Destroyer away the first time. In comparison, the Vault Hunters sound hopelessly outgunned. But if they beat The Destroyer once, then they might have a chance to destroy it for good.
Focusing on the potential return of The Destroyer could not only be arewarding storyline forBorderlandsfans, it would be a perfect way to raise the stakes. The villains will have escalated from a supremely selfish businessman to power-hungry Sirens and then to a full-blown galactic threat. If anything, this could makeBorderlands 4the game that finally makes old Vault Hunters playable again, due to their experience being required for such a threat, or at the very least get them all involved in the events. A final battle with The Destroyer would be a suitably epic climax forBorderlands 4to pursue.
Although not cunning or ambitious likeBorderlands' other main antagonists, The Destroyer’s sheer power is enough to make it a dangerous enemy.
Nyriad left a warning that The Destroyer would come back, and that’s too good of an opportunity to pass up. IfGearbox goes all-in withBorderlands 4, it’s hard to imagine a better final boss than a returning Destroyer. It’s the first serious threat that players faced in the series, and the only one confirmed to still be out there. It would not only be a threat to Pandora but the entire universe, making the return of The Destroyer the most effective throwback thatBorderlands 4could pull out.
Borderlands
Borderlands is an action RPG first-person shooter created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The series is commonly called a looter shooter set in a space Western style, where players can select from multiple classes that can level up and acquire new skills. The franchise has quickly become one of the best-selling franchises and produced spin-offs like Tales from the Borderlands as well as a film adaptation being developed by Lionsgate.
