The Untapped Narrative Potential in Borderlands: A Game Changer

In Borderlands, when players obtain a Legendary weapon, they can expect certain characteristics that make it stand out. Firstly, it will possess a distinct name and appearance, along with a unique feature that differentiates it from the countless other firearms in the game. Additionally, these guns often contain hidden humorous messages in their red text, usually referencing popular culture. However, it is worth noting that Legendary weapons lack a comprehensive backstory.

For years, video games have linked lore to their most iconic weapons, such as The Legend of Zelda's Master Sword or the numerous Wonder Weapons in Call of Duty Zombies. This concept is particularly well-known in FromSoftware games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, where the lore surrounding these items can relate to either the equipment itself or the broader universe in which the weapons exist. Given the plethora of fascinating firearms and their respective manufacturers in Borderlands, employing this strategy could greatly benefit the upcoming installment of the game.

How Weapon Lore Could Benefit Borderlands 4

Borderlands characters like Handsome Jack, Tiny Tina, and Mad Moxxi have endeared fans to the franchise, but the gun corporations have also played a key role in shaping the identity of the Gearbox series. Jakobs, with its focus on single-shot firearms and wild west aesthetics, starkly contrasts Maliwan's cutting-edge elemental technology. Meanwhile, Torgue's explosive firepower sets it apart from Tediore's gimmicky reloads.

Most of Borderlands' gun companies have been explored thoroughly, with the exception of Vladof, which could benefit from some additional lore. To achieve this, Gearbox could include a paragraph of text for each Legendary weapon, going beyond the usual red flavor text, to provide insights into the associated character or the brand itself. These additional sentences could shed light on the ancestry and values of Wainwright Jakobs and his company, or offer additional storytelling about the current Jakobs CEO and their endeavors since the events of Borderlands 3.

Destiny 2’s lore book system could serve as inspiration for Borderlands, allowing players to uncover short stories by collecting powerful Legendary Hyperion guns. Each gun would reveal a piece of lore, shedding light on Hyperion's response to Handsome Jack's downfall and its efforts to restore its reputation. The communist theming of Vladof and the origins of its Ursa Corps could be explored, as well as the details behind Athena's significant acquisition of a Borderlands company. Additionally, not every weapon would need to focus on established characters or companies like Tediore. Instead, intriguing guns could have lore entries delving into their origins and creation, providing more insight into the alien weapons of Borderlands and the technology behind human-made guns like the Infinity Pistol. This information could be presented in an enjoyable manner, such as diary entries from a scientist, making these Legendary guns more memorable. Unlike previous games where little lore was provided for most guns unless they were tied to a side quest, Borderlands should embrace the approach of games like Destiny, highlighting the rich backstory of its weapons, just like the Last Word and Thorn in the Destiny universe.

These additional lore entries would provide players with an added incentive to gather all the Legendary weapons and store them in their vaults. Moreover, it would foster a stronger connection between fans and specific companies. By delving deeper into the lore, players would gain a better understanding of villainous entities like Dahl and realize that not all their actions are entirely negative. Similarly, it would introduce complexity to a seemingly positive company like Jakobs that has been depicted in a favorable light thus far. These additional lore entries would supplement the existing information about CEOs and other influential figures within these companies, as well as the weapons themselves, resulting in a more expansive and immersive Borderlands universe.