Borderlands 4 is implementing a new playbook with its storytelling and characters because of Gearbox Software’s success with the Borderlands 3 DLCs as those focused stories were greatly received. Borderlands 3’s main story campaign had you constantly jumping all over the galaxy meeting NPCs but they never had much of a meaningful role as they were there to push the main story forward.
Borderlands 4 will therefore focus more on new characters than on established characters. This means they can focus on meaningful characters that go through a character arc themselves and not shoehorn in fan-favorite heroes from previous games because fans just like to see them.
Confirmed Returning Characters
Who will be in Borderlands 4, you are asking? These returning characters have been confirmed to appear in Borderlands 4 because they have been seen in the Borderlands 4 marketing assets.
- Claptrap: It wouldn’t be a Borderlands game without Claptrap. You can already spot him in the BL4 reveal trailer.
- Zane: He was one of the playable characters in Borderlands 3 and will make an appearance.
Expected Characters to Return
I expect these characters to appear in Borderlands 4 because they are part of the overall Borderlands storyline, therefore, it makes sense for these characters to return because if Borderlands 4 is something completely new that deviates from the main overarching story, they would have given it a subtitle like Borderlands the Pre-Sequel.
- Lilith: Her actions brought us to this new planet, she will likely be part of the story and appear in some capacity.
- Ava: She became the leader of the Crimson Raiders when Lilith left and she has been searching for her.
Not Confirmed
Gamerant has stated that the following character will appear in Borderlands 4, however, their AI-generated content has errors and their staff isn’t as knowledgeable as I am, therefore, I’m correcting their work here.
- Gaige: They claim the mechanical arm from the teaser trailer is Gaige. This was a small fan theory as the majority thought it was an Eridian Guardian, however, the Borderlands 4 reveal trailer shows it’s Callis, Queen of the Ripper clan.
- Nine-Toes: It’s pure speculation on their part that the first boss from Borderlands (1) will appear. They even say it makes no sense and then pull the Time Travel Card because of the Timekeeper. This wishful thinking has no substance. The theory about the Ripper clan from Borderlands 2 makes more sense.
