Borderlands fans could be waiting a bit for the next major game to release, though thankfully Gearbox has been keeping eyes on the franchise through spin-offs and other projects. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands proved to be a massive success for the developer, while Tales from the Borderlands 2 has been requested for years. A Borderlands movie is also in the works, which should introduce the franchise to a new audience.
Still, though all of this content is a great way to fill the time between major Borderlands releases, many are eager to see what Borderlands 4 will be like. Though fans can expect an updated version of the series’ cel shaded art style and answers regarding Lilith, everything beyond that is a mystery. However, there is good reason to believe that Borderlands 4 will feature a time skip, with several years passing between the third and fourth entry.
Borderlands 3 Already Featured a Time Skip
A time skip would not come entirely out of nowhere, as Gearbox already pulled a similar trick with Borderlands 3. Mirroring the real life gap between games, seven years passed between the events of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3. During that time, the Children of the Vault were able to rise in power, the Crimson Raiders created a spacecraft, and Tiny Tina grew into a young adult.
While there were valid criticisms of Borderlands 3's narrative, one aspect of the game that worked well was the time jump. It allowed new groups like the B-Team to be formed while giving characters like Rhys a chance to develop and build up a company like Atlas. As such, it makes sense for Gearbox to reuse this trick, moving the narrative forward like it did with the previous game. The time gap could span the years that pass between the release of Borderlands 3 and Borderlands 4, with Gearbox skipping by the failed searches for Lilith to jump straight to the moment where she is found.
Borderlands 4 Having a Time Skip Could Solve The Ava Problem
The character of Ava was undoubtedly the most heavily criticized aspect of Borderlands 3, with many citing the character as immature, rude, and unlikable. While the Murder Mystery missions did make her character a bit better, as did the reveal of the scrapped scene for Maya’s funeral, many hold a grudge against the young version of Ava and do not want to be commanded by a teenager in the next game. Fortunately, a time skip could provide a solution.
By skipping ahead several years, players could see Ava as a young adult instead of a kid, with her entire demeanor and personality shifting to make her a more likable character. She could have earned her role as the Crimson Raiders’ new leader in the time between games, becoming wiser and less prone to outbursts. Gamers could see a whole new Ava if a time skip occurs, allowing them to move on from what happened in Borderlands 3 and give her a second chance - something that would be harder to do if she remained a teenager.
Another time skip could allow the Borderlands universe to evolve in some interesting ways, too. Rhys’ success with Atlas could see him taking over another company like Maliwan, Moxxi’s business deals could come into play, and the B-Team may now be a household name because of their mercenary work. Gun manufacturers like Tediore would have a chance to develop new weapons and get new leadership, too, allowing for some new plot threads and gameplay mechanics to be established. With a time skip working for Borderlands once before, and Ava providing a reason for another to take place, fans should not be shocked if a significant amount of time passes between the stories of Borderlands 3 and Borderlands 4.