Everyone is Raving About Borderlands 4’s World, But I’m Worried It’s Missing Something Important

by

The highly anticipated game Borderlands 4 has recently been previewed by media outlets and content creators linked to the franchise, and overall responses have been generally favorable. While some criticisms have surfaced, such as concerns over the replacement of the mini-map with a controversial compass and issues with Echo-4 not functioning correctly as a guide (although it’s said that this will be addressed before release), there is also an abundance of praise. This includes appreciation for the upgraded movement system and the ease of farming boss fights. The open-world aspect of Borderlands 4 has been particularly commended, bringing a sense of relief to many fans, although I myself am not quite convinced yet.

Although I won’t fully ease my concerns about the open-world transition in Borderlands 4 until I play it myself, I appreciate that the game promises to be filled with activities. The world, Kairos, appears visually diverse and should look stunning thanks to Unreal Engine 5. However, what causes me apprehension at the moment is the absence of a demonstration for the main hub area in Borderlands 4. This might not necessarily mean one won’t be included, as Gearbox could be keeping it under wraps until the game’s release. Nevertheless, being such a fan of Sanctuary, it’s challenging to avoid feeling somewhat anxious about this.

I’ve completed multiple playthroughs of most games in the Borderlands series, and during these adventures, I’ve spent a significant amount of time within the franchise’s central locations. While quaint hubs like Fyrestone and New Haven were endearing and are themes that Borderlands 4 is planning to delve into, it’s the two versions of Sanctuary (and even The Pre-Sequel’s hub of Concordia) that I hold dearest. Each time I embarked on a new Vault Hunter journey or escorted a friend through the story of Borderlands 2, I would feel a thrill as Sanctuary ascended into the sky. Although I never quite mastered navigating Sanctuary 3 swiftly in Borderlands 3 due to its layout confounding me, as it did many others, I cherished adorning the walls of my Vault Hunter’s quarters with my favorite weapons and personalizing Hammerlock’s room. I fervently hope that Borderlands 4 will feature a large central hub area instead of solely relying on smaller towns, as it has evolved into an essential component of the series’ identity for me.

Why Borderlands 4 May Not Have a Hub (and Why That Would Be a Mistake)

Despite outlets like IGN not finding a central hub area during their initial playtime, it’s premature to conclude that such a feature is entirely absent from the game. Instead, it’s the innovative method for Skill-Tree Upgrade (SDU) acquisitions that has sparked some concern. The concept of discovering these upgrades while exploring the world and solving puzzles to claim them is intriguing, but a significant change comes with the elimination of expanding storage as a key activity within Sanctuary. In previous games like Borderlands 2 and BL3, players have always increased their inventory and ammo capacities by visiting characters such as Crazy Earl and Marcus. However, in BL4, this won’t be necessary due to changes in the game design. Furthermore, the Golden Chest, a significant in-game item, will be accessible in a smaller town in Borderlands 4 instead of a large hub area. Although it’s possible that multiple Golden Chests could be hidden throughout the new game, there might also be just one Golden Chest per small hub, potentially suggesting no central hub at all.

As an avid fan, I find it challenging to envision a fresh take on Sanctuary in the context of Borderlands 4. The timeline between Borderlands 3 and potential Borderlands 4 appears to be quite condensed, leaving little room for a significant passage of time. While the idea of a Kairos-native hub is intriguing, it seems implausible that the Crimson Raiders could establish a new Sanctuary so swiftly. This suggests that if a new hub materializes, it may deviate considerably from its predecessors in terms of atmosphere and experience.

It’s apparent that there might be some obstacles preventing a full-scale hub for Borderlands 4, but I can’t help but harbor optimism that this tradition won’t cease. The nostalgia from attempting to bribe Moxxi for her special weapons, and the endless laughter as my friend exploded after hitting the slot machine grenades, are memories I cherish dearly. The Michael Mamaril tribute in Borderlands 2 was more than just a way to honor a community member; it was something I looked forward to each time I returned, hoping to encounter him again. Many of the most amusing quests and moments from the series occurred within the hubs, where they offered lighthearted chances for the franchise’s signature humor to flourish.

What Would My Ideal Borderlands 4 Hub Look Like?

If it turns out that my concerns are unfounded, and Borderlands 4 indeed has a dedicated hub area, I’m eagerly anticipating that it incorporates some (or even all) of the following elements:

If Borderlands 4 really has its own central location, I hope it contains these specific features.

  • Small distractions and mini-games like Borderlands Science from BL3 or the slot machines from BL2 and BL3.
  • Entertaining side quests, like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from Borderlands 2, where players had to find the killer and could actually choose wrong.
  • Even more decoration options than BL3 provided. Full-on base building in Borderlands would be incredible if the hub was big enough to allow for it.
  • A cosmetic seller like Crazy Earl in Borderlands 3, and rooms that get filled out when completing certain side content like Sir Hammerlock’s.
  • An NPC that has a chance to give out rare items like Michael Mamaril did in Borderlands 2.
  • A far more expansive shooting range where players can test their weapons against different Borderlands enemy types.
  • A visually distinct aesthetic, as a spaceship setting and a flying city both made for unique and memorable hubs.
  • A hub that’s easier to navigate than Sanctuary 3, as its winding pathways and tight corridors were too confusing.

To put it simply, I’m thrilled that early viewers enjoyed the advance peek at Borderlands 4 before its September launch, especially its expansive open-world. However, I sincerely hope that this transition doesn’t result in the abandonment of central hub areas. Although they may not be as crucial as combat or looting, they can become a significant asset when designed with the finesse of Sanctuary in Borderlands 2.

Read More

2025-07-06 15:16