Tales from the Borderlands was full of interesting choices to make, allowing players to shape their versions of Rhys and Fiona. However, with a sequel on the way, Gearbox will likely want to canonize a few of the choices so that it is easier to shape the narrative. While new characters and a new story have been confirmed, familiar faces could still appear, and the choices made in the first game would impact those appearances.
While there are several Tales from the Borderlands moments that have to play out in order to progress the narrative, like Scooter’s death or Handsome Jack’s betrayal of Rhys, there are plenty of other choices that come down to the decisions of players. Out of all the choices made in the game, the most likely to become canon are the ones tied to relationships or future story arcs.
Tales from the Borderlands’ Choices That The Sequel Could Build From
For starters, it seems unlikely that the next Tales from the Borderlands game will bring back the Handsome Jack AI. While his antics are a major highlight of the original, and Rhys defeating the reincarnated villain is memorable, Gearbox avoided making Jack the villain again in Borderlands 3. As such, it will likely continue on this path, meaning that there is no reason for the Handsome Jack AI to return. Because of this, the choice to crush Rhys’ eye and destroy the AI completely will likely carry over.
Speaking of Rhys, players have a chance to make the current Atlas CEO romance Sasha in the original game. Based on a photo placed on his desk in Borderlands 3, Rhys clearly has feelings for Sasha, meaning that Gearbox has likely already canonized the ending where the Sasha romance occurs. At the very least, Rhys is harboring feelings for Sasha in Borderlands 3, meaning the player’s choice to avoid the relationship completely will surely be ignored. If Sasha reappears, this romance will likely be mentioned.
Tales from the Borderlands fans also have a chance to bring another couple together in the form of Springs and Athena. Throughout the game, it seems clear that Telltale wants players to do this, as they get a few opportunities to push the pair closer together. With Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel teasing the romance and the original Tales from the Borderlands making it a reality, the ending where the two get married is likely the canon scenario. As such, Fiona’s choice to tell Springs Athena loves her will likely carry over.
Lastly, Fiona as a Vault Hunter is something that players can try to shy away from if they want her to continue conning people on Pandora. However, the story is not subtle about Fiona being skilled at Vault Hunting and having fun on the adventure, so it makes sense to carry over the choice players can make about her future. While Fiona’s location after interacting with the chest in the Vault of the Traveler remains unknown, choosing to set her on a Vault Hunter’s path beforehand is a decision that will likely be made canon.
Other choices, like the potential deaths of Felix and Cassius, could go either way. Still, fans can expect a handful of choices to carry over. The Handsome Jack AI will likely be fully destroyed, Rhys will either be dating or crushing on Sasha, and Fiona seems poised to be a Vault Hunter. Athena and Springs being married would make sense, too. While it remains to be seen if any of these characters will feature in the sequel, it makes sense to have a few of them make an appearance even if they are not the main focus of the game. With a reveal set to happen in Summer, fans may not have long to wait for answers regarding which choices will carry over.
A new Tales from the Borderlands game is scheduled to release in 2022.