Can Borderlands 4 Finally Make Ava a Beloved Character?

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Summary

  • Aging Ava in Borderlands 4 could make her more self-aware and mature, improving her character.
  • Ava needs to acknowledge her past actions and work to make things right to have a compelling character arc.
  • Borderlands 4 must avoid repeating the mistakes of Borderlands 3 with Ava to reach its potential.

In simpler terms, “Borderlands 3” didn’t win over everyone in the series, and there were several factors contributing to this. One significant issue was the antagonists, the Calypso Twins, who were often criticized for mimicking Handsome Jack’s charm, wit, and excessive violence. They also had cheesy dialogue and underdeveloped character arcs. However, they weren’t the only element that negatively impacted “Borderlands 3”; a specific character named Ava was particularly contentious. If she appears again in “Borderlands 4”, the upcoming game will have to go above and beyond to improve her storyline.

In the potential sequel, Borderlands 4, it might stir up even more controversy if Ava, one of the series’ most contentious characters, were to reappear without first addressing her flaws. To avoid this, it would be beneficial for Ava in Borderlands 4 to undergo character development, maturing and gaining wisdom, as well as becoming self-aware. This transformation could be demonstrated through acknowledging past errors and striving to make amends, thereby making the character more appealing and less divisive among players.

How Borderlands 4 Could Redeem Ava

An Older Ava Could Be Wiser and More Self-Aware

In the game Borderlands 3, Ava’s character is known for being blunt, sarcastic, and angsty, which fits well within the Borderlands universe. However, many players find her abrasive or irritating, particularly when compared to other beloved characters in the series who possess more depth and allure. At times, her dialogue can seem juvenile, especially during dramatic scenes, causing players to roll their eyes or express frustration, especially those who were trying to maintain an emotional connection to the story of Borderlands 3.

In Borderlands 4, instead of just making Ava older, the developers could focus on maturing and refining her character. As of Borderlands 3, Ava appears to be a young adult, around 18 years old. If Borderlands 4 is set several years after its predecessor, Ava could have grown older, gained wisdom, and developed self-awareness. This change would make her character more appealing because she would exhibit a softer side and every decision she makes in the game would stem from this new maturity, leading to a more nuanced portrayal of her personality.

In the world of Borderlands 3, it’s been seven years since the events depicted in Borderlands 2 unfolded, leaving room for the possibility that Borderlands 4 could also follow a similar timeline progression.

Ava Could Be Haunted by Her Past Actions and Bent on Making Things Right

In Borderlands 3, Ava stirred up quite a lot of controversy not just due to her brash and seemingly negligent demeanor, but primarily because she was portrayed as the one responsible for Maya’s death – a moment that deeply impacted players emotionally. However, the narrative fails to address this fact, leaving Ava without any consequences for her actions. To add insult to injury, she eventually takes over from Lilith as leader of the Crimson Raiders, which feels contrived and unmerited in light of these events.

In Borderlands 4, if Ava reappears, it’s crucial for the game to address this issue by portraying her as a character grappling with her past mistakes, especially concerning Maya’s death. Ava should confront and acknowledge her role in Maya’s demise, possibly even questioning her authority as a leader. Although she was given her position in Borderlands 3, Borderlands 4 must present Ava as someone who understands that she has to prove herself worthy of her position. This development would add depth to Ava’s character in the storyline of Borderlands 4 and offer players a fresh perspective when viewing her.

In a scenario where Borderlands 4 is set several years after its previous game, Ava might appear more mature, thoughtful, and self-reflective compared to her character development in Borderlands 3.

In the potential sequel, Borderlands 4, Ava’s development could become one of the game’s most captivating storylines if executed thoughtfully. By maturing her character, increasing her sense of duty, and giving her a chance to grapple with her past, Borderlands 4 has the potential to transform one of its earlier versions’ most contentious characters into one of its most engaging. However, if it doesn’t allow for this growth and instead continues from where things ended previously, it may inadvertently recreate the issues that impeded Borderlands 3.

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2025-04-07 15:04