If Borderlands 4 wants to one-up its predecessor, it should double down on the concept of expanding the Borderlands universe. This can be done in multiple ways - some of which are less likely to actually happen - though no matter how Gearbox gets there, an even larger universe would be ideal. After all, taking players to new locations outside of Pandora was a breath of fresh air in Borderlands 3, so the series should continue to shake things up with every entry.
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New Borderlands Planets and More Areas on Existing Ones
Obviously, the quickest way to expand the world of Borderlands is to add more planets to the mix. Wherever Lilith got the chest from Borderlands 3’s ending (and wherever she could be now) is a viable candidate. Another fun option would be Junpai-7, a planet that is almost entirely made of water and features some terrifying creatures to hunt when out in the sea. Underwater combat and locations could be a fun change of pace for Borderlands, so this planet would be a welcome addition.
However, new planets are not the only way to expand the Borderlands universe. Gearbox could also add to the planets it has already introduced, making them as fleshed out as Pandora. Gamers have only seen a small part of Eden-6, after all, so more dinosaur-like creatures could be lurking throughout the planet. Likewise, only a fraction of Promethea’s city was able to be explored, and it is easy to imagine one giant skyscraper making up a unique map for players to fight through in Borderlands 4.
Athenas is perhaps the biggest example of an area that is begging to be expanded upon, as players only get to explore one location on this planet. Despite this, the homeworld of Maya remains a highlight of the game, with the gorgeous temples and scenic sky ensuring it is hugely different from Borderlands’ usual locations. It feels like players only scratched the surface of Borderlands 3’s planets, especially Athenas, so returning to them to add new locations could be beneficial. While new planets can and should be added, most of the current ones pale in comparison to Pandora and could use some more content.
The Possibility of a Borderlands Multiverse
A less likely possibility, but one that is worth discussing given the popularity of the multiverse in modern media, is the introduction of alternate universes. Borderlands 3’s Multiverse Final Forms skins provide looks at the four Vault Hunters from other realities, and with these origin stories and designs being so interesting, it could be fun to see what more characters are like in different universes.
Through the multiverse, fans could see The Calypso Twins as heroes, a world where Handsome Jack was victorious, and a universe where Tiny Tina’s parents survived. All of this could happen without having a negative impact on the existing Borderlands story, as Gearbox could make it clear that the universes are separate. Further, if the Watcher’s War becomes the focus of a mainline Borderlands game after a multiverse is established, players may not only see Vault Hunters in the main universe joining the fight, but those from other realities as well. While the Multiverse concept will likely remain a fun idea for cosmetics and nothing more, it would be another intriguing way to expand the Borderlands series.
Borderlands 3 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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