The Borderlands series is revered for its high-octane looter shooter gameplay and wacky space-faring narrative. The series’ most recent mainline entry, Borderlands 3, launched back in 2019, and before receiving a host of post-launch DLC and game-changing updates. Nearly five years later, the Borderlands series’ next entry, which many assume to be Borderlands 4, is confirmed to be in development, leading speculation about what new features will be added, and what will carry over from Borderlands 3.

Over the years, Borderlands has evolved beyond the confines of a run-of-the-mill looter shooter franchise. Each subsequent title has experimented with several updates that seek to embolden its customization and refine its gameplay before the next entry arrives. Borderlands 3 was no different, with several narrative and gameplay DLCs released in the years following its launch. While some are likely to be left behind, one extremely effective addition, Vault Cards, makes for a compelling case for its inclusion in Borderlands 4.

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Borderlands 3's Vault Cards Explained

In April 2021, Gearbox Software released the Director's Cut add-on for Borderlands 3. Among its most significant features was its introduction of a new progression system, called Vault Cards, which offered players a road to nearly endless rewards. The add-on launched with three cards to choose from and, once activated, each offered unique gear, cosmetics, and a new resource: Diamond Keys. Once players activated their chosen Vault Card, a new progression bar was displayed on their HUD, essentially offering a second, and concurrent, XP leveling mechanic.

Once players fill up their Vault Card progression bar, they unlock a Vault Card Chest based on the Card they’ve chosen. Opening the chest rewards the player with either a cosmetic item from the Vault Card, gear from the current loot pool, Eridium, a Vault Card Key, or, rarest of all, a Diamond Key.

There is no limit to how many times a player can earn a Vault Card Chest, meaning players can continue to earn for as long as they wish on each card. What’s more, Vault Card Chests have built-in duplicate protection for cosmetic items, rewarding players with a Vault Card Key if a duplicate item was earned.

Borderlands 4's Vault Cards Should Be Available at Launch

Borderlands 3’s Vault Cards made a big splash when they were introduced late in the game’s life cycle. The feature delivered an affordable and truly rewarding answer to the industry’s battle pass trend, offering a ton of value and a new reason to play. Rather, this late introduction likely led many fans to miss out on the feature altogether. It remains to be seen which features from Borderlands 3 will carry over to Borderlands 4, but failure to include Vault Cards from day one would leave money on the table, and remove a cost-effective bonus.

The Vault Cards' strength is that they act as a purchasable bonus, rather than a pay-to-win mechanic. However, it remains to be seen whether this feature, or any other from Borderlands 3, will carry over to Borderlands 4. Gearbox Software has not formally announced the next entry in the Borderlands series, though 2K President David Ismailer confirmed that the next entry is in development following the acquisition of Gearbox Software by 2K Games.

Borderlands

Borderlands is an action RPG first-person shooter created by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. The series is commonly called a looter shooter set in a space Western style, where players can select from multiple classes that can level up and acquire new skills. The franchise has quickly become one of the best-selling franchises and produced spin-offs like Tales from the Borderlands as well as a film adaptation being developed by Lionsgate.

Video Game(s)

Borderlands , Borderlands 2 , Borderlands 3 , Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! , Tiny Tina's Wonderlands , Tales From The Borderlands

Creation Year

2009

Developer(s)

Gearbox Software , Telltale Games

Publisher(s)

2K , Telltale Games