The Unforgettable Journey of Steve, Borderlands' Legendary Comedic Icon

Highlights

Borderlands is a standout in the first-person shooter genre due to its zany and ludicrous gameplay and characters.

Despite having a minimal role and catchphrase, the NPC character Steve has gained a dedicated following among the Borderlands community. He has become a cult favorite and has made appearances in various Borderlands projects as well as other games published by 2K, establishing himself as a beloved figure within the franchise.

The first-person shooter genre is notorious for its gritty experiences within the video game industry. It encompasses grounded military shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield, as well as ultra-violent shooting galleries such as Doom and Wolfenstein. However, nestled in between these serious titles lies a franchise that thrives on embracing the absurd. That franchise is Borderlands, and its unique blend of looting and shooting amidst zany circumstances has made it stand out since its initial release over a decade ago.

The personality of Borderlands is one of its greatest attributes. Every character in the series possesses a touch of madness, whether they are a playable character or a non-playable character (NPC). From the humorously greedy arms dealer, Marcus, to the psychopathic yet charming Handsome Jack, there is an abundance of memorable names for players to connect with. This even extends to the seemingly insignificant characters that play a minimal role in the story but still manage to leave a lasting impression. One such character is Steve, who has become one of Borderlands' most comical and recognizable figures throughout its extensive history.

Steve From Borderlands Explained

With his level of fame within the Borderlands community, many newcomers to the series might assume that Steve plays a pivotal role in the overarching story or even serves as one of the game's main characters. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Steve is merely an ordinary NPC in the game, with the exception of his memorable catchphrase. The only notable aspect about Steve is that he exclusively communicates by uttering the phrase "Heyooo!" This may seem like a trivial detail that could easily fade from memory, but the charming and entertaining way in which Steve delivers it has solidified his status as a beloved figure among the loyal fans of Borderlands.

Steve's Appearances Through Borderlands Media

Steve, the beloved NPC with a less-is-more approach, has achieved a cult status due to his frequent appearances in various Borderlands projects. Initially featured as an actor and stuntman in the Claptrap Web Series to promote the first game, Steve has continued to make his mark as an NPC throughout the Borderlands series and its subsequent DLC. In Borderlands 2, players had the opportunity to interact with him and activate his catchphrase repeatedly. Just like Borderlands' Face McShooty, Steve might have gone unnoticed, but those who discovered him were left with a distinct memory.

Steve's fame has spread to other 2K games as well. In Poker Night at the Inventory 2, he serves as Claptrap's sidekick and accompanies the lively robot in the opening cutscene. Despite Claptrap's annoyance, Steve also exclaims his catchphrase when Claptrap wins a hand. In the Borderlands setting, Steve plays a more active role by shooting confetti rockets at eliminated players. This aligns with the humorous tone of the Borderlands games, and there are few non-playable characters who suit this role better.

Borderlands has always maintained a lighthearted approach, which has generally been well-received. While antagonists like the Calypso twins in Borderlands 3 may not always resonate with fans, characters like Steve consistently bring humor and familiarity. This showcases Gearbox's talent as a developer, as they were able to take a simple character like Steve and transform him into a beloved figure. Little is known about Borderlands 4, but one can hope that when Gearbox embarks on their next vault hunting adventure, Steve will be there to provide a comforting "Heyooo" when needed.