Villains That Should Return In Borderlands 4

Summary

Rose from Borderlands 3 should return as an antagonist in Borderlands 4, making her more dangerous than ever.
The Watcher from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel might play a crucial role as a connecting nexus in the upcoming game.
Handsome Jack may make a return using Hyperion’s New-U technology, hinting at a possible comeback despite his demise.

Discussions surrounding the potential release date for Borderlands 4 are becoming more focused, but fans remain abuzz with theories about the continuation of the series and which villains might reappear. Known for its vibrant rogues gallery, there’s much debate on who could return as minor, secondary, or main antagonists (beyond the already confirmed Big Bad The Timekeeper). Speculation is running rampant.

In the course of the series, certain heroes have reappeared as Non-Player Characters (NPCs). Other characters are missing, leading to speculation that they might return, but possibly not as allies – perhaps as adversaries instead. By examining hints, backstories, and developments from all past versions of this franchise, the following villains are highlighted as potential antagonists in the upcoming fourth mainline Borderlands game.

6. Rose (Borderlands 3: Bounty of Blood)

According To The Lore, She’s Still Alive And Kicking

Current Status: Alive
Affiliation: Freelancer (Jakob’s through family line)

In the thrilling expansion of Borderlands 3, titled Bounty Of Blood, I encountered the intriguing and menacing Rose, who takes center stage as the main adversary and head of The Devil Riders. This captivating antagonist is a complex character indeed. Her unquenchable thirst for revenge drives her actions, she wields control over the deadly bioweapons created by the Jakobs corporation, and she’s an exceptional marksman with a gun in hand. Moreover, as a charismatic gang leader and notorious outlaw, she leaves quite an imprint on the game world.

In the finale of the DLC, it wasn’t definitively shown that she was killed because she managed to elude the Vault Hunters during their confrontation. However, she succeeded in her goal – demonstrating that her grandmother’s secret could be turned into a weapon. Consequently, if this character reappears as an adversary in Borderlands 4, we can anticipate that she might pose a greater threat than before.

5. The Watcher (Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel)

Friend Or Foe? That Will Be Revealed Soon

Current Status: Alive
Affiliation: Eridian (Former)

In the game “Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel,” there’s an enigmatic character known as The Watcher, believed to be of Eridian descent. This character warns the Vault Hunters about an approaching catastrophe – a massive war. This ominous figure could potentially serve as a bridge linking the earlier main series games with the fourth installment, and given that The Timekeeper appears to be the primary villain, he might be a renegade lieutenant of his.

Pondering over it, their similar-sounding names might lead one astray, but their appearances are starkly different. Regardless, this character seems destined to prevent the Vault Explorers once more from unlocking another Vault, thus averting yet another catastrophe that could potentially wreak havoc across the universe.

4. Handsome Jack (Borderlands 2)

Is He Dead For Real?

Current Status: Dead (Presumably)
Affiliation: Hyperion

Jack, the charismatic yet unhinged antagonist, stands out as the most memorable villain in the Borderlands universe. His humor, though appealing, masks a ruthless psychopathic nature that has repeatedly put Pandora and the entire system at risk for his personal gain. He’s gone so far as to use his daughter, ‘Angel,’ and her siren abilities against the Vault Hunters. Despite meeting his demise in Borderlands 2, fans might recall Jack’s paranoid tendencies and past practice of creating multiple body doubles. One such double, Timothy Lawrence, is playable in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, while making a brief appearance as an NPC in Borderlands 3.

Here’s another intriguing piece of the lore that might serve as a portal for the original Jack’s return: Hyperion’s New-U technology. This cutting-edge cloning tech has been a staple among Vault Hunters throughout the series, serving as our lifeline in the game. After all, if it can help us cheat death, why not our charismatic nemesis?

3. Tediore Corporation (Borderlands)

Under New And Evil Management

Current Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown

Throughout the series, the Tediore Corporation primarily functioned as a Weapon Manufacturer, playing a supporting role in the lore. However, in the game New Tales From The Borderlands, its CEO Susan Coldwell takes center stage, embarking on a solo campaign against the main characters. This transformation makes her a significant threat to them, leading her army in an invasion of Prometea.

Despite Susan’s demise and Rhys stating that the Tediore corporation was no longer operational, some fans might find this resolution too unrealistic, given that corporate wars have been a significant part of the backstory in the Borderlands games. Previously, players fought against Maliwan to the brink, and Atlas is currently being managed well, leading fans to speculate that Tediore could emerge as the next major corporate antagonist. For now, fans can only anticipate who will occupy the CEO position.

2. Krieg (Borderlands 2)

Exiled Himself To Protect Others From His Rage

Current Status: Alive
Affiliation: Vault Hunter (former)

In the game Borderlands 2, Krieg The Psycho was a character added later as downloadable content, joining Gaige, the Mechromancer, as playable characters. Krieg’s intricate background story and his intense portrayal of mental health, combined with his connection to Tiny Tina (supposedly his father) and heart-wrenching backstory, earned him a place among the beloved characters in the series. Notably, Maya served as a sort of foundation or anchor for Krieg, and there are hints throughout the dialogue that suggest a deeper connection between them.

The audio recordings from Borderlands 3 suggest a connection between the two characters, with Krieg displaying a more empathetic side when near the Siren. However, Maya had to depart for her home world, leading Krieg to self-impose exile and promise to await her return. Sadly, in the events of Borderlands 3, Maya was slain by the Twins, never allowing for their reunion.

This situation presents an intriguing prospect for Krieg to assume the role of an antagonist in the next release. His solitude and realization that he has lost another important person may cause him to metamorphose into a menacing figure. It’s not unprecedented for a previous Vault Hunter to transition into a villain.

1. Fiona (Tales From The Borderlands)

An Outlaw And Con Artist Still At Large

Current Status: Alive
Affiliation: Freelancer

Fiona is a woman who keeps her secrets close, having few connections beyond her sister Sasha. Her knack for trickery and uncanny ability to evade danger have garnered her many adversaries. She’s frequently depicted on Wanted Posters across the series, and she shares a complex history with Rhys Strongfork, as they once worked together in criminal ventures.

Though it’s unlikely that she will take on the role of the main antagonist, there’s a possibility she could serve as a secondary adversary or even appear in additional content like DLC or side quests for Borderlands 4. Many characters from the series who started off as minor antagonists have become fan favorites, such as Captain Flynt. Fiona possesses the potential to be quite challenging for new Vault Hunters and has some clever tactics up her sleeve, making her a strong candidate for a side villain in Borderlands 4.

2025-01-11 03:04