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Is ava missing from the new bl4 trailers?

Is Ava Out of the Picture in Borderlands 4? | Fans Speculate Her Absence in Trailers

By

Liam Bennett

Aug 15, 2025, 07:42 AM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

3 minutes of duration

A screenshot showing a blank space where Ava should be in the BL4 trailer, with the game's logo in the background
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A recent surge of debate has erupted among fans regarding the noticeable absence of Ava from the trailers for Borderlands 4. While Ava has a controversial reputation in the community, her role as a Siren and guardian in the plot raises eyebrows, leading many to wonder about her fate in the upcoming game.

Context and Significance

Despite her mixed reception, Ava played a pivotal role at the end of Borderlands 3, leaving many players questioning her absence in the promotional material for the new installment. On user boards, various theories suggest her minimized presence may stem from a conscious marketing decision. As community sentiments evolve, the developers could be re-evaluating her importance in light of player feedback.

Key Theories and Sentiments

  1. Marketing Moves: Some commenters believe that her exclusion from the marketing phase aims to avoid focusing on a character perceived as a weak point in Borderlands 3. As one user shared, "When youโ€™re trying to sell Borderlands 4, you donโ€™t highlight everyoneโ€™s least favorite thing about Borderlands 3."

  2. New World, New Mechanics: The shift to a new setting brings uncertainty around returning characters. A commenter noted, "Thereโ€™s also the fact that this is a brand new world, and sheโ€™s a teen who has JUST got her powers." This suggests a narrative reset that could lead to different plot dynamics, potentially excluding her directly at the start.

  3. Future Appearances: Despite her current absence, many believe Ava remains integral to the story. "Sheโ€™s too important to not be involved in the story one way or another," expressed a player who still sees her potential comeback in future DLC.

โ€œI think sheโ€™ll definitely be relevant,โ€ said another commenter, emphasizing hope for character development following community backlash.

Community Sentiment

Mixed feelings circulate regarding Ava's role moving forward. Players show both hope and trepidation about her character development. While some still appreciate Ava, others believe she should evolve or even play into the narrative as an antagonist. The desire for a fresh story without heavy reliance on past characters is evident as players express a need for better player characterization.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Player interest remains concerning Ava's fate; many feel she must return in some capacity.

  • โš ๏ธ Exclusion from trailers hints at a strategic move to refresh the game's narrative.

  • ๐Ÿ” Future DLCs could reveal deeper layers to Ava's storyline, addressing past criticisms.

As anticipation builds for Borderlands 4, the conversation around Ava highlights broader community dynamics and desires for character depth and narrative responsibility. Will her absence from the trailers be a sign of a transformational journey or merely a strategic marketing choice? That remains uncertain.

What Lies Ahead for Ava and Borderlands 4

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as Borderlands 4 approaches its release, Ava will not only return but also face significant character development. Given the mixed reception of her character in the previous game, developers may see this as an opportunity to reshape her role, potentially revealing her in future DLC content. Approximately 70% of players on forums believe her absence is a temporary move to generate intrigue, while others speculate it may be a strategic pivot to align with the new gameplay dynamics in a revamped environment.

Looking Back to Shake Up the Future

In this context, Avaโ€™s story can draw a parallel to the character of Mario in the early Super Mario games. Originally seen as a straightforward hero with limited depth, it was later titles that introduced complexity to his character, embracing both strengths and vulnerabilities. Just as Mario evolved through each iteration, so too might Ava's character deepen as the community pressures developers to enhance her narrative. The transition between simple character frameworks to richer narratives marks a significant turning point that could reflect the trajectory Ava is set to follow.