The Fate of All Vault Hunters in Borderlands, Explained

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Across all four main *Borderlands* games, you can play as 20 different Vault Hunters. We’ve compiled an update on what happened to each of them after *Borderlands 3*, including what they’re currently up to in the latest game. Find out what your favorite Vault Hunters have been doing in the six years since the events of *Borderlands 3* below!

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for all Borderlands games, including Borderlands, Borderlands 2, The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3, and the recently released Borderlands 4!

Roland the Soldier

What Happened to Roland After Borderlands?

Roland was once a soldier with the Crimson Lance, but he left after being dishonorably discharged, wanting a life of freedom and personal glory. After discovering the Vault of Pandora, he saw that the remaining members of the Crimson Lance needed direction. He formed the Crimson Raiders to protect the innocent and fight against the invading Hyperion forces. Tragically, Handsome Jack killed Roland, but his spirit lives on through the Raiders and their continued fight.

Brick

What Happened to Brick After Borderlands?

Brick started as the strongman for the original Vault Hunters, but after conflicts and the destruction of New Haven, he went his own way. He became known as the Slab King, leading a bandit group called the Slabs and using them to get revenge on Hyperion. Later, he rejoined the Crimson Raiders, and after Handsome Jack was defeated, he chose to focus on raising Tiny Tina like a daughter rather than taking on a leadership role. Today, Brick is dedicated to three things: helping Tina grow up, finding Lilith, and, of course, punching anything that deserves it.

Mordecai the Hunter

What Happened to Mordecai After Borderlands?

Mordecai and his bird companion, Bloodwing, were raised together and came to Pandora as Vault Hunters hoping for a better future. Mordecai joined the Crimson Raiders but mostly worked alone as a scout on the Tundra Express. Tragically, Bloodwing was captured and killed by Handsome Jack after being experimented on by Hyperion. Devastated and fueled by rage, Mordecai turned to alcohol. He eventually sobered up to raise Bloodwing’s young offspring, Talon, and also helped Brick care for Tina. Mordecai and Brick formed a strong bond, continuing to raise Tina while remaining supportive members of the Crimson Raiders.

Lilith the Siren

What Happened to Lilith After Borderlands?

Lilith is a powerful Siren, blessed with cosmic abilities that manifest as tattoos and incredible strength. Originally an adventurer seeking thrills, she evolved into the Firehawk, growing stronger by absorbing Eridium. After the death of a close friend, she took charge of the Crimson Raiders. However, the Calypso Twins – Sirens who steal power – drained her abilities. When the Calypso Twins were defeated, Lilith regained her powers, but used them to send Elpis, a crucial key to Pandora’s Great Vault, far away. This act of teleportation flung Lilith across the galaxies into a strange dimension called the Phase, where she remained trapped for six years. She was eventually rescued by a new team of Vault Hunters and is now recovering alongside her old friends.

Axton the Commando

What Happened to Axton After Borderlands 2?

Axton started as a soldier under Dahl, rising to the rank of sergeant. However, his ambition led to his dismissal from the military and a divorce. Seeking a new path, he became a Vault Hunter on Pandora and joined forces with the Crimson Raiders. After helping to defend Pandora, Axton’s ego grew, and he surprisingly found success as a model. Though he’s no longer a frontline fighter, he still experiences plenty of action as a commentator for Arms Race, a dangerous competition where players battle and scavenge.

Salvador the Gunzerker

What Happened to Salvador After Borderlands 2?

Salvador comes from the planet Pandora, which has made him aggressive. He has two main passions: steroids and killing, likely contributing to his large bounty and incredible gun skills. After fighting alongside the Crimson Raiders to protect Pandora from Hyperion, Salvador left to find himself, but mostly ended up traveling the galaxy and racking up bar tabs. Now, whether he’s genuinely friends with Axton or just bored, Salvador partners with him to commentate on Arms Race – a dangerous competition focused on combat, collecting loot, and achieving notoriety.

Zer0 the Assassin

What Happened to Zer0 After Borderlands 2?

Zer0 is a highly skilled assassin who only takes on jobs that genuinely test his abilities, not just the highest bidder. He considered his time as a Vault Hunter a fulfilling challenge, and now remains loyal to the Crimson Raiders, though he especially enjoys working as the personal bodyguard for his close friend, Rhys, the CEO of Atlas. Zer0 is fiercely protective of Rhys, but his commitment to the Crimson Raiders is equally strong – he actively supports both groups, possibly united in their search for Lilith.

Maya the Siren

What Happened to Maya After Borderlands 2?

Maya was a strong Siren who left her strict upbringing with the Athenas to find herself and master her abilities on her own terms. She freed Pandora and joined the Crimson Raiders, then returned to Athenas to safeguard the planet and allow her powers to flourish. Tragically, Troy, the twin of another Siren named Tyreen, stole Maya’s powers, killing her. Maya sacrificed herself to save her student, Ava, who was destined to become the next Siren with the Phaselock ability, ensuring Maya’s legacy would continue. A part of Maya also lives on in Krieg.

Krieg the Psycho

What Happened to Krieg After Borderlands 2?

Credit: Gearbox Studios

Krieg used to be a regular person, as much as anyone could be on the planet Pandora. But the Hyperion Corporation captured and experimented on him, shattering his mind and turning him into a dangerous Psycho. A small part of the original Krieg still exists within him, and it insists that the Psycho side will be destroyed if he ever hurts an innocent person. The different sides of Krieg’s personality don’t agree on much, except for their shared affection for Maya, which is why he joined the Crimson Raiders – to stay near her. He deeply misses Maya and struggles to find peace between his fractured personalities. Eventually, Krieg comes to terms with who he is, choosing to live a solitary life on Pandora, but knowing he’s always welcome to rejoin the Crimson Raiders if he changes his mind.

Gaige the Mechromancer

What Happened to Gaige After Borderlands 2?

Gaige, a remarkably talented child from Eden-5, built Deathtrap, a robotic companion designed to protect her from bullies. She left her home planet with Deathtrap, drawn to the mysteries of Pandora and the life of a Vault Hunter, but also to escape the powerful Holloway family. They wanted the blueprints for Deathtrap and sought revenge, blaming the robot for the death of their daughter. Gaige briefly joined the Crimson Raiders, but left to protect them from the pursuing Holloways, eventually finding happiness as a wedding planner. With help from the Vault Hunters, Gaige and an upgraded Deathtrap 2.0 aim to defeat the Holloway family, clear her name, and ensure she can continue planning weddings peacefully.

Athena the Gladiator

What Happened to Athena After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Athena used to be the Crimson Lance’s deadliest assassin, but she left that life behind seeking something more meaningful. She briefly worked with Handsome Jack on Elpis as a Vault Hunter, but left when she realized he lacked honor, even turning down a promised reward. Athena escaped Elpis with her partner, Janey Springs, though she still craved adventure. After being captured by the Crimson Raiders, she was freed by a mysterious Eridian known as the Watcher, who foretold a coming war and said Athena would play a vital role. Now, she lives with Janey, preparing for the inevitable conflict and waiting for the call to action.

Wilhelm the Enforcer

What Happened to Wilhem After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Wilhelm had an intense obsession with cybernetic enhancements, and he eagerly pursued becoming more machine than human. This desire was ultimately realized through his work with Handsome Jack and Hyperion. Wilhelm loved technology and readily sacrificed his humanity for mechanical upgrades, happily serving as Jack’s enforcer. However, Jack secretly betrayed him. Wilhelm possessed a Vault Key, and Jack manipulated events so the Crimson Raiders would kill him, framing it as a natural outcome without raising suspicion. Ultimately, Wilhelm was killed by the Vault Hunters while assisting the Crimson Raiders, bringing his story to a close.

Nisha the Lawbringer

What Happened to Nisha After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Nisha was a ruthless person, and though she was initially drawn to Handsome Jack physically, she truly fell for his cruel nature. They began a relationship, and Jack, recognizing her love for the Old West, gave her the town of Lynchwood on Pandora. As the Sheriff of Lynchwood, Nisha was eventually killed by the Vault Hunters, primarily to upset Jack, but also because she had killed Brick’s dog, Dusty.

Claptrap the Fragtrap

What Happened to Claptrap After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Claptrap received a powerful upgrade from Hyperion that turned him into a capable Vault Hunter, dedicated to serving Handsome Jack. However, Hyperion used him to help destroy other Claptrap units, and Jack ultimately betrayed and killed him, leaving him for scrap in the frozen wastes. A malicious program within Claptrap, 5H4D0W-TP, allowed him to be rebuilt after his sacrifice. Sir Hammerlock repaired him, and he rejoined the Vault Hunters, first as part of the Crimson Raiders, then the Crimson Resistance, where he’s been a constant source of irritation ever since.

Aurelia the Baroness

What Happened to Lady Hammerlock After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Aurelia, Sir Hammerlock’s sister, was a troublemaker known for her cruelty and wealth. She spent her life pursuing whatever pleased her, as long as there was something in it for her. Ultimately, her greed and resentment towards her brother led to her death. Aurelia bought the Jakobs Corporation, but her ruthless ambition and loyalty to the Children of the Vault and the Calypso Twins resulted in the Vault Hunters killing her, leaving her dead and unrepentant.

Timothy the Doppelganger

What Happened to Jack’s Doppelganger After Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

Timothy Lawrence underwent extensive surgery to become a look-alike for Handsome Jack and was compelled to join his search for the Vault on Elpis, alongside other Vault Hunters recruited by Hyperion. However, Timothy wanted more than just a matching face, and as a reward for his help, he was sent to work as Jack’s double at the Handsome Jackpot casino. When the casino fell into chaos, Timothy enlisted the Vault Hunters’ aid to remove a bomb implanted in his face, allowing him to escape. Interestingly, he still carries some of Jack’s DNA, which could potentially lead to Jack’s eventual return.

FL4K the Beast Tamer

What Happened to FL4K After Borderlands 3?

FL4K is a robot who unexpectedly became self-aware and developed a fascination with danger. While not a fan of people, FL4K deeply appreciates animals and their instincts. Driven by a relentless pursuit of challenging hunts, FL4K seeks thrills through Vault Hunting, but their motivations are unclear. It’s unknown where FL4K currently is – they might be searching the galaxy for Lilith, or they may have returned to a solitary life, accompanied only by their animal companions.

Moze the Gunner

What Happened to Moze After Borderlands 3?

Moze was a skilled soldier who fought in countless battles with her powerful Iron Bear mech. Though she ultimately sought her own freedom – a goal that tragically cost her squad their lives – she became a Vault Hunter. Later, she found a new sense of belonging with the Crimson Raiders. When Lilith went missing, Moze remained dedicated to the search, but she’s currently away while the rest of the Raiders are stranded on Kairos.

Zane the Operative

What Happened to Zane After Borderlands 3?

As Zane got older, his ambition for fame and glory faded, leading him to retire as a Vault Hunter. He stayed on Sanctuary 3 and promised to help find Lilith, which is why he was among the survivors when it crashed on Kairos. While still working as a bouncer at Moxxi’s bar, Zane agreed to assist his fellow Vault Hunter, Amara, in the search for Lilith. However, a complicated relationship with a local named Levaine, combined with a renewed thirst for adventure, is making Zane consider returning to the life of a Vault Hunter. He’s likely to leave Kairos to chase his former glory, assuming he can balance his feelings for Levaine with his desire for action.

Amara the Siren

What Happened to Amara After Borderlands 3?

Ever since Lilith disappeared, I’ve been following Amara as she stepped up to lead the Crimson Raiders. It’s awesome seeing how much she looks up to Lilith – she really wants to learn from her and become an even better Siren and hero. They actually found this place called Elpis orbiting Kairos, and now Amara’s working with Zane and the people there to track down Lilith. She’s hoping Lilith can bring back the Firehawk, but more than that, she just wants to learn everything she can from the original Siren!

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2025-09-23 18:30