Borderlands 4 Has Now Pulled the Curtains Back on Everything But Its Opening Act

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In the world of Borderlands, subtlety isn’t usually the norm, yet it’s often the understated aspects that deserve our closest attention. While the series is filled with boisterous cries from Psychos and Goliaths, these are exactly what make the quieter themes of the franchise worth noticing. The latest example of this can be seen in the hints dropped about Borderlands 4 nearly a year ago, which it has since avoided mentioning like the proverbial plague.

This year, it’s hard to miss the buzz around Borderlands 4 in the gaming industry, but Gearbox has made sure it gets noticed. Simply put, there’s been a lot of marketing for Borderlands 4, including multiple trailers, an in-depth State of Play segment, and lots of discussion about the game’s price, content, and even statements from Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Yet, despite all these unveilings and discussions, the initial teaser for the game remains a puzzling enigma.

Borderlands 4 Is Still Keeping Its Eridian Mystery Under Wraps

Borderlands 4 Has Revealed Nearly Everything Except Its Original Tease

Fans of Borderlands 4 are likely more informed than fans of most games set for a 2025 release, given that Gearbox has been quite forthcoming with details. They’ve shared insights on exploration in Kairos, new Vault Hunters, combat and traversal abilities, and even storylines. Hands-on previews have discussed elements like world events, boss diversity, and combat rhythm, while the State of Play provided information on mission structure, new weapon mechanics, and returning characters. Yet, the original teaser for Borderlands 4 is still a mystery, not yet mentioned or alluded to in any of these disclosures.

In the final moments of the official trailer for what seems to be Borderlands 4, a brief glimpse shows Eridian symbols that translate to “Someone is Watching” and “Break Free.” The phrase “Break Free” has been one of the taglines for this game, appearing in various trailers. It’s believed this refers to the Timekeeper’s rule over Kairos, and the planet’s inhabitants trying to free themselves from his oppressive regime. However, there’s no connection found yet between the game and the Eridians regarding “Someone is Watching.

The Eridian Thread May Tie the Whole Narrative Together

Given that “HE IS WATCHING” was initially inscribed in Eridian glyphs, it’s probably a nod to the enigmatic alien guardian, the Eridian Watcher, who made his debut in earlier Borderlands installments. At the conclusion of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, the Watcher communicates directly with the Vault Hunters, predicting a greater conflict and hinting at formidable adversaries ahead. This impending war has yet to materialize. Thus, it’s conceivable that in Borderlands 4, the Timekeeper may not be the primary antagonist, and players might encounter the Watcher as the central villain for the future of the Borderlands saga, possibly unfolding across the fifth and sixth mainline games.

As I ponder over this cryptic message inscribed in the Eridian language, it strikes me as a potential link to the enigmatic Eridian Watcher, an otherworldly protector we’ve come across in earlier installments of Borderlands.

Despite already revealing quite a bit about Borderlands 4, it’s no coincidence that the game hasn’t clarified the mystery sparked by its initial trailer, which featured Eridian glyphs. Since the game hasn’t delved back into this topic, fans are speculating that Borderlands 4 might contain a significant plot twist, possibly saving it for the end of the game as a prelude to future installments. It’s unlikely that Gearbox intended for this mystery to go unnoticed or be considered an oversight, and they probably want the community to keep discussing it.

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2025-07-23 23:17