Fans have raised numerous queries regarding the trajectory of the franchise developed by 2K and Gearbox Software, specifically concerning the eagerly anticipated Borderlands 4. Over the years, the Borderlands series has garnered a devoted following due to its distinctive art style, memorable characters, and exhilarating gameplay, which sets it apart from other looter shooters. However, in recent times, the focus has shifted towards spinoff titles like Tiny Tina's Wonderlands and New Tales from the Borderlands, rather than advancing the main storyline. Consequently, players hope that Borderlands 4 will redirect the narrative.
Following the conclusion of Borderlands 3's final DLC, gamers have been left largely in the dark regarding the fate of significant characters and their convoluted storylines. The release of the Borderlands Legendary Collection in 2020, which bundled earlier games, coupled with subsequent releases experimenting with different formats and narratives, has resulted in the primary plot taking a backseat. While each installment has delved into its unique set of characters and premises, certain recurring threads remain unresolved, leaving fans desiring closure in Borderlands 4. These include the whereabouts of the cunning Pandoran con artist, Fiona, and the enigmatic assassin, Zer0, as well as the origin story of the Beastmaster robot, FL4K.
Fiona's Fate In The Borderlands Series
Originally introduced in Telltale Games' episodic adventure Tales from the Borderlands, Fiona quickly won fans over with her tenacious attitude and lively banter with the main character Rhys. While Fiona and her allies' unpredictable schemes were the primary focus of the game, she made only a brief appearance in New Tales from the Borderlands and has been absent from the franchise since. Rhys, on the other hand, had a more defined storyline in the sequel to the Telltale Games title, even though the ultimate fate of both characters remained uncertain.
Fiona's fate remains a significant question mark following her encounter with the shard spirit and TIMM-E in New Tales from the Borderlands, as she followed them to the Gladius Nebula. Fans have been left speculating about what exactly happens to her. The intentional ambiguity surrounding her whereabouts and actions suggests that a future Borderlands game may revisit the resourceful con artist once again. Borderlands 4 could provide an opportunity to delve deeper into Fiona's destiny, with some enthusiasts even hoping she becomes a playable Vault hunter.
Getting To The Bottom Of Zer0 And FL4K's Origins In Borderlands 4
There are several characters in the vast cast of the Borderlands series that could benefit from further exploration, namely FL4K and Zer0. FL4K, the robotic playable character, possesses some intriguing aspects to their backstory. Through an ECHO log that players can discover, it is revealed that FL4K was once an "Indexing Unit" under the control of a figure known as the "Grand Archivist" before the events of Borderlands 3. However, little else is known regarding their origins or personal history, as FL4K became self-aware and desired to embark on their own journey.
Similarly, Zer0, a highly skilled and elusive assassin, finds themselves in a comparable situation. The question of Zer0's humanity arises due to the peculiar nature of his hand, which features only four fingers, suggesting he may not be fully human. Much like his counterpart in Borderlands 3, Zer0 remains a mysterious enigma. All that is known is that he used to work as a hired assassin but eventually grew disenchanted with his profession and departed in search of more meaningful endeavors. The true name and past of Zer0, much like his hidden face, remain shrouded in secrecy.
Revitalizing beloved characters such as Fiona, FL4K, and Zer0 by delving deeper into their narratives could serve as a satisfying resolution to certain loose ends within the Borderlands 4 storyline.