Why Borderlands 4 Needs Destiny 2's Game-Changing Customization

Players of Borderlands games have the option to change their appearance items, but it requires them to go to specific locations. The games offer a wide range of customization options for players to find, unlock, and earn, including funny and stylish cosmetics. However, the process for changing equipped cosmetics has remained the same throughout the franchise, which can sometimes be tedious. With future Borderlands games, there are opportunities to explore different options to make this process more seamless. One potential solution comes from Destiny 2, a looter-shooter game developed by Bungie.

Throughout the Borderlands franchise, there has been a steady expansion of player customization options, with Borderlands 3 making significant advancements. Currently, players can choose from head cosmetics, skin patterns, and skin colors for their characters, as well as skins and trinkets for weapons. Weapon customizations in Borderlands 3 can be changed on the fly, and it is time for character customizations to be just as easily accessible.

The Character Customization Process in Borderlands Games Hasn’t Aged Well

In Borderlands 3, players have the ability to swap out weapon skins and trinkets from their inventory at any time, regardless of their location. However, customizing player characters requires finding a Quick Change Station, a process that dates back to the original Borderlands. While there are now plenty of cosmetic options available in game, the process of utilizing owned cosmetics can be tedious and Quick Change Stations are not always easy to find. Furthermore, the same process is required for skill point resets, which doesn't quite compare to simply changing cosmetic items. As such, Borderlands 4 has the potential to explore new ways of handling cosmetics, taking inspiration from games like Destiny 2.

Destiny 2’s Ease of Access to Cosmetics Sets a High Standard to Compete With

While Destiny 2’s Eververse Store, cosmetic items archive, and ornaments catalog are easily accessible through inventory menus, Borderlands 3 takes a different approach by having an in-game cosmetic store. However, there is room for improvement in Borderlands’ customization scene. Currently, character customization is tied to physical Quick Change Stations, which can be limiting for players who want to use their owned items. To enhance the player experience, Borderlands 4 should consider including character customization in the inventory menus, allowing for more flexibility and ease of use.

Borderlands games could benefit greatly from a transmog system like the one in Destiny 2, which is available to players in nearly every aspect of the game. Unlike Destiny 2, Borderlands games do not have a feature that locks in a player's equipped gear during high-difficulty activities. Implementing a transmog system or loadouts feature would allow players to customize their characters even more, making for a revolutionary addition to the game's customization scene. Although Destiny and Borderlands are different games, Gearbox should embrace the similarities between their customization options.