The Borderlands franchise is known for its slew of stand-out characters — almost to the same degree as its awesome weapons. One of the most prominent is the hostess and former Hodunk clanswoman Mad Moxxi. This Borderlands mainstay's devious ways and overtly sexual attire have made her a divisive, yet memorable character, to say the least.
Whatever one may think of the provocative Moxxi, there's certainly no shortage of interesting details and facts surrounding her, considering her long tenure in the franchise. Here are just a few tidbits that not all fans may have known about this character.
10 References And Meanings Behind Her Name
While many fans emphasize her alluring appearance, there's quite a bit more to Moxxi than meets the eye — right down to her unique moniker. There are at least a few details surrounding the "Mad Moxxi" tag. The most apparent is a reference to Mad Max; which features a comparable gritty, rough-and-tumble society. This is further tethered by Moxxi's Underdome, which is a nod to Mad Max's post-apocalyptic gladiatorial arena.
But there also happens to be a deeper meaning behind the "Moxxi" name. The word refers to the term "moxie," which is associated with courage and aggressiveness as well as vigor. These traits can certainly describe the seductive hostess.
9 Her "Hodunk" Origins
Moxxi may present a certain grace and (relative) sophistication when players meet her, but her origins are a bit more rugged than she lets on. In her early years, Moxxi was a member of the Hodunk Clan, a rather unkempt extended family described as being backwater rednecks.
Shielding her daughter from being roped into the Hodunk custom of being a clan wife, Moxxi gathered her children and fled the Hodunks. She soon set up shop in a hub known as The Underdome, taking on the role of hostess and coliseum announcer.
8 An Arsenal Of Weapons Associated With Her
As Borderlands fans are generally aware, Moxxi has a slew of unique and potent weapons to her name. Her personally-branded weapons can be obtained by finishing her quests or by tipping her beyond a certain threshold (Borderlands 2 and 3). To avoid any confusion, the guns are all given the special prefix "Miss Moxxi's."
These include an assault rifle ironically called Kitten, a legendary boomstick known as the Heart Breaker, and the similar-yet-opposed SMGs Good Touch and Bad Touch. There are more than a dozen of these Moxxi guns in total.
7 Her Weapon Of Choice
Standing out in the lineup of Moxxi-themed guns is her prized pistol, the Rubi. This pistol can be obtained by the player, by way of the mission Rakkaholics Anonymous in Borderlands 2's The Dust, after handing the booze to Moxxi. Before this triumph, however, Moxxi wields this small-but-potent pistol herself.
This ownership is made apparent by the "Mad Moxxi" branding on the barrel of the weapon. This is supplemented with even more flair, as the holster is inscribed with the word "Rubi."
6 She Hides Her Origins With A Fake Accent
Moxxi clues in the player with bits and pieces of her past at various points in the Borderlands series — though she often seems to do so with some regret and embarrassment. A key example exists in the form of her accent (or lack thereof).
While Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was met with mixed reception, there are some interesting character moments, including those related to Moxxi. At one point, players get to hear Moxxi lapse into her deep Hodunk (American south) accent, while she's at work by herself in her garage and sporting garb to fit these traits. When caught by the Vault Hunter, she demands they keep quiet about it, even going as far as threatening their lives via vengeance from her son Scooter.
5 Her Destructive Past With A Major Villain
A part of her past that Moxxi isn't always keen on discussing is her relationship with BL2's chief villain. As it happens, Moxxi and the zany-yet-depraved Handsome Jack managed to be lovers.
This is revealed and explored in the amusing BL2 side quest, "Hell Hath No Fury", where players are the hand of vengeance for Jack's slights against Moxxi. The biggest grievance includes the villain, in typical "Jack" fashion, destroying the Underdome out of spite for Moxxi leaving him.
4 Gives Guns As Gifts, When Tipped Enough
Moxxi's association with guns is shown a number of ways, one of which includes simply dropping ample cash into her tip jar. In both BL1 and 2, Moxxi will eventually hand players various useful weapons after crossing a certain threshold of tips. The Bad Touch corrosive SMG can be scored after tipping Moxxi over $10,000, while the incendiary Good Touch can be had when going over the $20,000 mark.
In BL3, this aspect is a bit more randomized, and players will need to spend a bit more to yield a reward. Yet many players report getting the Hail assault rifle or Crit SMG after spending around $30,000 – $50,000 in tips.
3 The Visual References Of Moxxi's Getup
Moxxi sports some unique attire with various symbols, the meaning of which isn't always apparent. For one, her chest is branded with a heart tattoo, which adheres to her visual themes paying homage to Alice in Wonderland's Queen of Hearts. However, this may also be a Hodunk symbol, as Hodunk member Ellie also sports a heart tattoo. This Queen of Hearts getup is driven home by Moxxi's distinct top hat holding a card, a nod to the fantasy tale's "Mad Hatter."
Finally, there's the prominent symbol on her back, the shape of which partly resembles that of the Freemasons. But while that insignia includes a "G" within the symbol, Moxxi swaps it out with a diamond-like pattern, which represents a symbol for the Vault.
2 A Fitting Cameo In Another Game
Moxxi brings her share of references through visual imagery. As it happens, though, the character herself is referenced by appearing in a poker game from Telltale Games, Poker Night 2. In it, Moxxi can be seen tending to the casino bar as the bartender.
This would seem only fitting, and not just thematically, as Telltale is also the studio behind the episodic adventure Tales from the Borderlands.
1 Several Male And Female Relationships
Moxxi's relationship history has been complex and involved, the details of which are touched upon throughout the BL series. During her rich history, Moxxi has had a number of husbands and various lovers. These men include Handsome Jack as well as Hodunk clan leader Jimbo.
Her partners vary not just in personalities and backgrounds, but also in terms of gender. Moxxi reveals through various bits of dialogue and quests that she's had female lovers as well, being bisexual or perhaps pansexual. She makes this clear when mentioning her history with the boss Motor Momma in BL2's Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage. She has also expressed her attraction to the sirens Lilith and Maya.
Borderlands 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Stadia.