Borderlands: 10 Best Cultural References

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As a seasoned Borderlands player with countless hours spent blasting my way across Pandora and beyond, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate references hidden within these vibrant games. And let me tell you, some of these Easter eggs are absolute gems!

One of my personal favorites has got to be the Secret Minecraft Room in Borderlands 2. As a hardcore Minecraft fan, this reference felt like a love letter from Gearbox directly to me. The authenticity of the blocks breaking and the creepers exploding was spot on, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how they managed to incorporate Steve’s color scheme into a vault hunter skin!

But let’s not forget about SpongeBoss BulletPants from Borderlands 3. As a die-hard SpongeBob SquarePants fan, I was beyond excited for the Fantastic Fustercluck DLC, and finding SpongeBoss in the depths of Kragg’s mind was the cherry on top! The battle against him was tough, but the loot he dropped made it all worthwhile.

And who could forget about Lord of the Rings homage in Borderlands 2? I still remember the thrill of finding Geary’s Unbreakable Gear and embarking on that epic journey across Pandora to reach Mount Hellsfont. Even though I didn’t walk away with one of Geary’s cosmetics, the adventure itself was an unforgettable experience.

So, if you’re ever feeling stuck in your Borderlands adventures, take a moment to explore off the beaten path and see what hidden gems await you! Just remember, you won’t find any diamonds in that Minecraft cave… or maybe you will, who am I to judge?

The Borderlands series is jam-packed with humorous nods to popular culture, ranging from subtle hints in weapon descriptions to grand-scale main story battles against parodied boss characters.

You may not know exactly when the next exciting reference will appear, but you’re always on the lookout for it. These references are an integral aspect that adds to the appeal of these games.

As someone who grew up playing video games and immersing myself in pop culture, I can confidently say that Borderlands has done a fantastic job incorporating nods to various aspects of popular media into their games. While it would take a whole book to compile all of them, here are some of my favorite ones they’ve created so far.

10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Borderlands 2

Scooter’s romantic situation is far from a fairy tale, and his side quest in Borderlands 2, “The Cold Shoulder,” isn’t your typical Disney story either.

You are tasked with buying flowers to charm Laney White, his girlfriend, and magazines suitable for a young man named Scooter in case things don’t go well with the charm offensive. When you deliver the flowers to Laney, you find out that she has been living with seven men who have distinct names.

Before Laney or her group unveils their identities to attack you, they withhold giving her last name, ensuring the climax of the quest remains unexpected. I found it amusing, but I didn’t wish to spend too much time in the treasure room nor approach the eight beds under the influence of a blacklight.

9. Family Guy’s Blue Harvest

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

It’s quite astonishing to find this obscure reference included in the Presequel! After rescuing Professor Nakayama within the Hyperion Center of Valor, he requests your aid in gaining recognition from Jack, a notable figure.

Following your unavoidable inability to catch Jack’s notice, Nakayama tasks you with eliminating a genetically modified monstrosity he produced, referred to as “Meg”. To complete the mission titled “Eliminate Meg”, you need to find and access a waste compactor where Meg appears.

Initially, I thought I’d merely encounter a waste-devouring beast reminiscent of the Star Wars universe, and surprisingly, that’s not too far off the mark. However, this particular creature is called Meg, a thresher shark, and it was adorned with a pink hat.

In these games, I’m usually prepared for mysterious allusions, yet playing Blue Harvest from Family Guy was never something I anticipated in Borderlands.

8. Zombie Smurfs

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

In the realm of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, I find myself drawn into a chilling narrative that twists the beloved Smurfs into the Murphs of Weepwild Dankness. These blue beings are on the verge of vanishing due to a dreadful, zombie-like affliction, and they desperately seek a champion.

In a request that’s both royal and urgent, Murphette, the Queen-Wife of the Murphs, along with Old Murph, appeals to you for aid. The mission at hand is to rescue their fellow Murphs who have been abducted by Garglesnot the Wizard. Be prepared, as you advance, to encounter and fend off the reanimated Murphs, known ominously as “The Blue Ones.

At first, I chuckled during this adventure due to slaying the Smurfs, but soon found myself captivated by its intriguing plotline. The moment Old Murph succumbed to infection, my heart ached deeply, and I’m still unsure why I felt such strong emotions.

Though it’s an old reference, it’s one of the best parts of this D&D style spinoff game.

7. Star Wars: A New Hope

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

In The Pre-Sequel, it may become repetitively challenging due to your character overleveling quickly. If you’re adventurous enough to venture far from the main path in Vorago Solitude for experience points, as I did, then you could potentially discover a golden Loader named ICU-P and a blue claptrap called RT-FC.

They provide you with a Star Wars-themed side mission titled “These Are The Bots.” In this mission, your task is to guide two robots through the desert and deliver a holographic plea for assistance to a character named Toby Van Adobe. I particularly enjoy this segment of the prequel because it beautifully imitates the relationship dynamics between C-3PO and R2-D2.

In your adventure, the prize is a unique energy weapon named Toby’s Shimmering Blaster, which operates somewhat like a lightsaber. Despite its impracticality, I found myself keeping it much longer than was wise.

6. Marvel Comics: The Juggernaut

Borderlands 3

In the game Borderlands 3, you may encounter a boss called “The Unstoppable”. This character can be found within the area known as Amber Mire, specifically at Tig’s Big Rig.

Feels like stepping straight into a comic book world with the introduction of The Juggernaut in Borderlands! Caught off guard when he appeared, it was as if a formidable Marvel baddie had materialized before my very eyes, leaving me suitably awestruck and apprehensive.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent battling mythical creatures and powerful bosses, I can confidently say that few encounters match the intensity of facing the Juggernaut. This colossal figure, reminiscent of a comic book titan, is not just a formidable opponent but also a treasure trove for any dedicated player seeking rare loot.

To bring him down, all you need to do is chip away at his defenses until his signature helmet comes off. This simple action triggers an enraged response from the Juggernaut, making him more vulnerable and increasing your chances of claiming better rewards. He may also drop a few items, but the most coveted prize is undoubtedly the Band of Sitorak – a nod to the Juggernaut’s connection to the Cyttorak entity.

The Band of Sitorak isn’t just another piece of equipment; it holds significant value for players who appreciate the intricate lore woven into this game. For those seeking to master the art of conquering the Juggernaut and securing the Band of Sitorak, perseverance, strategy, and a little bit of luck are essential tools in your arsenal. The satisfaction of besting such an iconic adversary is well worth the challenge!

5. The Secret Mario Room

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel

As a long-time fan of the Borderlands series, I can confidently say that The PreSequel has some truly hidden gems, and one such gem is a legendary Easter egg that’s exceptionally well concealed. Having spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of the game, I can attest to the fact that this particular easter egg is no exception. To find it, you need to follow an elevator in Tyko’s Ribs all the way up through a pipe. I won’t lie, it took me a while to stumble upon it myself, but once you make it to the end of the pipe, you’ll enter a secret Mario room! It’s a fun nod to Nintendo’s classic character that adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to The PreSequel. So if you’re up for an adventure, give it a try – you never know what hidden treasures you might discover in the world of Borderlands!

As you progress through the game, new adversaries will appear, aiming to defeat you. Meanwhile, the catchy old-school tunes playing in the background perfectly evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Upon finding a secret chamber marked by a mysterious safe symbol and containing powerful loot chests, I couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed that the reward didn’t include a fun, plumbing-themed outfit for my Fraptrap character.

4. The Goonies: Sloth and Chunk

Borderlands 3

As you explore the Turrntide Shed within Konrad’s Hold, you’ll encounter Captain Thunk and his amiable sidekick Sloth. Their characters are reminiscent of Data from The Goonies, with Captain Thunk donning vibrant COV t-shirts that resemble Superman attire.

As a lifelong gamer with countless hours spent navigating through various game worlds, I must say that Borderlands 3 stands out as one of the most entertaining and engaging games I’ve played in recent years. The unique voice lines and memorable characters, such as Sloth who occasionally hurls Captain Thunk at you from a cannon, add an element of excitement and unpredictability to each encounter.

But what truly sets Borderlands 3 apart is the occasional chance for Sloth to drop a special grenade mod called “It’s Piss.” With his catchphrase, “Hey you guys!,” written as flavor text, it not only adds a touch of humor but also makes each loot drop feel more meaningful. The combination of action-packed gameplay, clever writing, and memorable characters make Borderlands 3 an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend for any fan of the genre.

Initially, I stumbled upon the appearance of Sloth and Chunk during an online game session with companions, causing us to erupt in laughter for approximately ten whole minutes. Furthermore, the It’s Piss grenade mod harmoniously complemented my Porta-Pooper 5000.

3. Lord of the Rings

Borderlands 2

It’s likely that this secret hidden on Pandora is one of the best undiscovered gems, and I’m still puzzled about how anyone stumbled upon it initially. Once you activate true vault hunter mode and commence your adventure, a unique item called Geary’s Unbreakable Gear will materialize within the fireplace at Claptrap’s residence.

If you physically transport an item from its starting point within the Eridium Blight, all the way up Mount Hellsfont without resorting to quick travel or succumbing to death, it sets the stage for a thrilling journey that mirrors the scope of the game itself – starting at the beginning and concluding at the end.

On the peak of the mountain resides a character named Geary, labeled as “Psycho”. He’ll snatch your equipment and then leap into the flames. Meanwhile, three flying creatures known as Raks will pass overhead, dropping treasure chests for your benefit.

Although it’s quite an impressive tribute, unfortunately, I didn’t manage to obtain one of the cosmetics that Geary drops when he perishes.

2. SpongeBob SquarePants

Borderlands 3

I was already quite excited to play a DLC set entirely within the mind of my favorite vault hunter, Psycho Kreig, and the Fantastic Fustercluck. My excitement reached new heights when I discovered a structure that bore a striking resemblance to a specific underwater pineapple, only to be attacked by its inhabitant, SpongeBoss BulletPants.

SpongeBob (not to be confused with SpongeBoss), known for his bright yellow appearance, can attack you using a radioactive bubble gun. Defeating him at the base level is challenging, but if you allow him to become enraged and transform into Godly SpongeBoss NoChance, he’ll shower you with an enormous amount of loot.

As a die-hard fan, I must admit my dismay when SpongeBoss doesn’t hand over his bubble gun during our battle. However, in the Bounty of Blood DLC, I was thrilled to discover that I could snatch it up for myself! While it’s unfortunate not to receive it directly from him, getting the P.A.T. Mk. III as a consolation prize does soften the blow somewhat.

1. The Secret Minecraft Room

Borderlands 2

This undeniably stands out as the top resource for Borderlands, getting everything spot-on for me. Tucked away in the depths of Caustic Caverns, where Sanctuary once stood, lies a secluded cave obscured behind Minecraft-style earth blocks.

Should you attack the blocks directly, they’ll gradually shatter just like in Minecraft, disclosing a mine filled with destructible blocks and Creepers eager to explode. Defeat enough of these, and a massive one will appear, offering some exceptional rewards upon its demise.

In a fantastic tribute, you’ve been awarded a Minecraft head cosmetic similar to your vault hunter, along with a skin in Steve’s color palette. The authenticity was so striking that I smashed every block around in search of a diamond, but, as fate would have it, I left empty-handed.

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2025-01-03 19:10