Highlights
Borderlands 4 needs to introduce a new and unique Siren character to keep the class feeling fresh and prevent the game from feeling too similar to its predecessors.
The Borderlands Sirens possess extraordinary abilities that present alternative approaches to combat. The upcoming playable Siren should possess a distinct power that distinguishes them from their predecessors.
Introducing a Siren with a morally ambiguous and self-centric personality could add an intriguing dynamic to the team of Vault Hunters.
Sirens, the iconic class in Borderlands, are in need of a fresh twist in Borderlands 4. With three previous mainline entries, it is crucial for the developers to introduce new concepts for the playable heroes to avoid monotony. While the series has successfully created distinctive characters with each group of Vault Hunters, the consistent inclusion of Sirens poses a challenge. To maintain the novelty of this class, Borderlands needs to establish a unique role for each successive game's Siren.
The prominent position of Sirens in Borderlands' lore makes them an integral aspect of the series. Although gunplay is the game's core mechanic, Sirens possess supernatural abilities that allow them to engage in combat using alternative means. This has been exemplified by the previous three Sirens, who were capable of devastating enemies and causing chaos without relying on firearms. Moreover, the scarcity of Sirens in the game's world is due to the lore's belief that only six can exist at a given time. Until Borderlands 3 introduced Tyreen and Troy, the current Sirens were not portrayed as villains. In the upcoming game, Gearbox has the opportunity to create a noteworthy playable Siren by incorporating a few distinct elements.
Borderlands 4 Can Try Something New With its Playable Siren
The developers of Borderlands 4's playable Siren should aim to introduce a unique concept that diverges from previous iterations. The previous playable Sirens, Lilith, Maya, and Amara, each possessed distinct characteristics and abilities. Lilith exemplified a snarky and confident leader with stealth and damage powers, Maya was a thoughtful monk focused on supporting teammates, and Amara showcased her cocky and combat-loving nature through her powerful psychic fists. Considering this history, Gearbox has the potential to conceive another Siren with a one-of-a-kind personality.
In past Borderlands games, Siren powers have predominantly consisted of burst abilities that have an immediate and short-term effect. While this is a commonly used design, Borderlands has also introduced alternative models for character skills that could be taken into consideration. For instance, a new Siren could possess Phaseleech, allowing them to temporarily regenerate a substantial amount of health by dealing damage, facilitating quick healing. Alternatively, an enhanced Phaselock ability could enable the Siren to directly target and freeze multiple enemies instead of focusing on a single area. By exploring new abilities, Borderlands 4's Siren could offer an entirely unique playstyle compared to previous Sirens.
The previous Sirens in the Borderlands series have always played a selfless role within the Vault Hunter teams. Even Amara, known for her aggression, had a strong sense of justice and a desire to do good. To create a unique dynamic, the next Siren in Borderlands 4 could deviate from tradition by being a less virtuous member of the team. This new Siren would not necessarily be a villain but rather more self-interested and rogue-like, though their character development throughout the game could lead to change. This would introduce a role that has not been explored by previous Sirens.
Assuming the series follows its traditions, Borderlands 4 is likely to include another playable Siren. As Sirens still hold many mysteries, having another Siren as one of the Vault Hunters in the game would allow for further exploration of their lore. However, it is also crucial for Borderlands 4's Siren to offer something new that previous Sirens did not. By making a few adjustments to the series' typical Siren design, Borderlands 4 could break away from its established pattern and bring fresh elements to the series.