Summary
Borderlandsis getting ready to move into its next chapter. Though leaks and rumors previously swirled, developer Gearbox Software had been quiet about the status of the next majorBorderlandsproject. That was until late this past March, when the studio officially gave word thatBorderlands 4was in the works, reassuring gamers and giving them good reason to look forward to where the next installment will take the series and aspiring Vault Hunters.
It’s been 5 years since the latest mainline entry in theacclaimed looter shooter franchise. While fans received some related entries and spin-offs afterBorderlands 3, anticipation for the upcoming leg of the ongoing adventures on Pandora and theBorderlandsgalaxy at large is high.Borderlands 4has the tall task of continuing on from the cliffhangerBL3left off from, while updating and modernizing its core loops without sacrificing its identity. One of the biggest hurdles it may face is in presenting its new villain/s, as the series has struggled with outdoing the legendary figure of Handsome Jack. And while there exist some ways for Jack to technically return, it would probably be for the better if Gearbox let these lie unused.
WhileBorderlands 4does not have a release date yet, theBorderlandsfilm adaptationwill premiere on July 13, 2025.
Borderlands 4 Shouldn’t Play the ‘Bring Handsome Jack Back Card’ Even Though it Could
Handsome Jack Stands As One of Gaming’s Greatest Antagonists
Handsome Jack has achieved the status of a villain so goodthat it might be a Sisyphean task to attempt to create an antagonist as equally compelling.Borderlandshas had its share of other entertaining and effective ones since, but Jack’s shadow has always loomed over each of them well after his official on-screen death at the climax ofBorderlands 2.Borderlands: The Presequelfeatured Jack as the main NPC that players worked with through most of its campaign. Via its nature,The Presequelfleshed out Jack’s history and rise to villain in a rounded and meaningful manner, adding depth and facets to the character that explained and informed his deeds and plans seen in his later incarnations.
Borderlands 4 Having Handsome Jack Return Risks Relying on the Past Too Much
The discussion around whether Gearbox should employ some tactic or narrative justification for Handsome Jack’s return is a lively one, to say the least. Jack did appear in a “resurrected” AI form inTales from the Borderlands, set between the events of the second and third titles, digitally haunting one of the main trio, Rhys, from literally beyond the grave. The bigger point that provides a handy loophole if Gearbox were to go in that direction, though, isBorderlands 3’s Handsome Jackpot DLC. There, the character of Timothy Lawrence was a reluctant participant in Jack’s body double scheme, having been injected with his DNA and altered to physically resemble Jack too. The crux being that this could lead to Jack’s personality essentially overriding Timothy’s, and thus his full return.
While Gearbox could explain Jack’s resurfacing with this technicality, it may feel like shallowly retreading old territory, and could draw polarizing fan reactions. Jack’s story concluded pretty definitively, and even with his enduring popularity, it’s likely best to avoid trotting him out again. There are plenty of other avenues for a new villain, such as the long-teasedseventh Siren in theBorderlandsuniverse, which could potentially be the next major opposing force.
It’s a creative conundrum and difficult decision for the studio to ponder, as it is expected to advance the franchise formula for the modern era both in terms of gameplay, and its complex narrative and next antagonist. Still, as tempting as it might be to reach back into the old well and pull Jack out, hopefully the studio has something different, and satisfyingly surprising, in the works in this regard 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.
