Highlights
Hyperion loader bots, once formidable foes in Borderlands 2, took a backseat in Borderlands 3 but may return as friendly allies in Borderlands 4.
Moxxi's triumphant acquisition of Handsome Jack's casino in the "Heist of the Handsome Jackpot" DLC probably grants her authority over the Hyperion Loaders.
By programming Friendly Loaders to mirror Moxxi's distinctive flair, it could introduce new comedic possibilities in the upcoming Borderlands game, potentially giving rise to more adored characters akin to Loader Bot from Tales from the Borderlands.
The Borderlands franchise has always featured a wide variety of memorable enemies for players to encounter. From aggressive wildlife like Skags and Rakks to formidable human opponents like the infamous Borderlands psychos and military forces of Maliwan, Atlas, and Dahl, there is no shortage of thrilling battles.
However, when it comes to thinking about the most memorable adversaries in the franchise, the Hyperion loader bots from Borderlands 2 often come to mind. These robotic foes played a significant role in the game, as players fought countless battles against them while trying to defeat the main antagonist, Handsome Jack.
Despite their significance in Borderlands 2, the Hyperion loaders took a step back in Borderlands 3. This decision was understandable, as the game required new enemies that could provide fresh and unique gameplay scenarios. Additionally, the storyline of Borderlands 3 revealed that the Crimson Raiders had already taken down the Hyperion corporation years before the events of the game.
However, the loaders did make a comeback in the first DLC of Borderlands 3. The conclusion of this expansion shed light on why these once-hostile bots now appear to be friendly in future encounters.
Borderlands 4’s Loaders May Be Reprogrammed Allies
Moxxi's cunning expansion of her business empire continued with the audacious Heist of the Handsome Jackpot. True to its name, her objective was to seize control of Handsome Jack's interstellar casino and add it to her already extensive portfolio of companies. By the time players reach the end of the game and witness the credits roll, she accomplishes this mission, successfully incorporating the casino into her collection, which already includes the arena from Borderlands 2's Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage expansion and a number of bars she operates. However, her acquisition of wealth does not simply stem from pilfering Jack's abandoned establishment.
Given that Jack was the overseer of the Handsome Jackpot, it's hardly surprising that he employed Hyperion Loaders as his formidable security force. Consequently, throughout the expansion, players find themselves facing off against these loaders, as they unleash the destructive power of their corrosive Borderlands weaponry upon everything in their path, from Scraptraps to Constructers. However, the sudden appearance of loader bots throughout the casino and Trashlantis is not a result of Moxxi's takeover. Instead, it can be inferred that she manages to gain control over the Hyperion Loaders already present within the casino, effectively commandeering them for her own purposes.
Rewritten content:
The loaders in the Borderlands universe may require reprogramming to reduce their hostility, but there are numerous brilliant individuals capable of accomplishing this task. Assuming Mad Moxxi does not suddenly become a villain, she will likely provide these loaders to the Crimson Raiders to strengthen their forces and simplify the search for Lilith. In various parts of the galaxy, friendly loaders can be found assisting the Raiders' allies, transforming what was once a dangerous adversary into an unlikely partner in Borderlands 4.
Given the popularity of Loader Bot in the original Tales from the Borderlands, it has already been demonstrated that friendly loaders can thrive within the franchise. Additionally, there are exciting possibilities for loaders programmed in Moxxi's style. Hearing these bots speak with innuendos while dressed to match Moxxi's establishments would be incredibly amusing, introducing fresh yet familiar opportunities for humor in the upcoming Borderlands game.
As Borderlands 4 has not been confirmed yet, the following is purely speculative. It cannot be guaranteed that Loaders will make an appearance in the next release. However, it would be logical for them to return, considering Moxxi's possession of a small military force. In the context of Borderlands 4, Mad Moxxi could potentially prove to be an invaluable ally to the Crimson Raiders, utilizing her new army to aid the faction in emerging victorious in upcoming battles.