Highlights
- Borderlands 4 could feature more underrepresented weapon brands like S&S Munitions and Vladof to bring new flavor to the game, but it is also likely to introduce a new take on bandit-style guns.
- The COV brand in Borderlands 3 continued the trend of bandit-themed weapons, using an overheating mechanic to increase damage. Wonderlands had similar weapons, while BL2 had Bandit guns and The Pre-Sequel had Scav weaponry.
- While a new COV replacement is expected in Borderlands 4, the focus should be on exploring existing brands like Maliwan, Tediore, and Hyperion before introducing new ones.
Not only does the Borderlands franchise offer many memorable characters like Handsome Jack, Zer0, and Tiny Tina, but the companies that make the franchise’s many guns also have their own identities. Players can instantly tell the difference between a Jakobs weapon and a Maliwan gun, with the former’s one shot one kill focus clashing with the latter’s emphasis on elemental damage. Add in unique slogans, histories, figureheads, and motivations, and Borderlands’ weapon brands become a key part of the series. Naturally, they are sure to be a key aspect of Borderlands 4.
Borderlands 4 has an opportunity to shine a light on some of the Gearbox franchise’s more underrepresented weapon brands. For example, some players have pushed for S&S Munitions to make a comeback after its disappearance following the first game. More pressingly, gamers have been waiting a long time to see the Soviet-inspired Vladof corporation explored in a Borderlands story, as it has an interesting enough vibe to shine like other companies such as Atlas, Hyperion, and Dahl. However, in addition to Borderlands 4 exploring existing brands, new companies can always be introduced. In fact, at least one weapon “company” is very likely, as a COV replacement is needed.
Borderlands 4 Shouldn't Break a Fun Franchise-Long Tradition
Borderlands has a long-running aspect that added great flavor to the story, and BL4 should continue including it in its plot.
Borderlands Games Have Offered Bandit-Themed Weapons For Years
Borderlands 3’s COV Brand Was Simply The Continuation of a Trend
Borderlands 3 offered the latest example of a bandit-style approach to guns with the COV brand. Arguably the most effective take on the concept yet, these guns avoided traditional ammo magazines in favor of an overheating mechanic. The longer players held the trigger, the faster bullets would escape the weapon, increasing damage but bringing gamers close to the point of fully overheating. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands brought back this style of gun via the Skuldugger brand, with the Liquid Cooling Legendary SMG being one of the most overpowered guns for a time.
However, the COV and Skuldugger guns were just the latest in a long history of Borderlands weapons that are intentionally poorly made. In Borderlands 2, there were Bandit brand guns, which had huge magazines at the cost of painfully long reload times. Scav weapons in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel functioned the same way, and could be good fun even with their big tradeoff. While the original Borderlands lacked this manufacturer, every other major release in the series having some kind of Bandit weapons suggests that Borderlands 4 will as well. While a new name is likely following the defeat of The Calypso Twins, the Psychos of the Borderlands universe will surely continue to build dangerous weapons for players to make use of.
Whatever Bandit or COV stand-in Borderlands 4 offers could lean into melee weapons, as Gearbox now has a system in place for this type of gear thanks to Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands . Buzzaxes and other melee weapons crafted from scrap could be a way to make the new bandit brand stand out.
Borderlands 4’s COV Replacement May Be The Extent of The New Brands
However, just because a COV weapon replacement is likely for Borderlands 4 does not mean that fans should go into the sequel expecting several new weapon brands. While this certainly could happen, as players could explore different planets with their own unique manufacturers, more can still be done with the existing brands. Players could see what happens with Maliwan, Tediore, and Hyperion following their previous corrupt higher-ups being overthrown, while fans could finally get a look at the shield brands Pangolin and Anshin. Given how little is known about some of Borderlands’ existing companies, Gearbox can continue to tell stories about the current brands for a long time before it starts introducing new ones.
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.
