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Why borderlands 3 and 4 miss the mark for fans

Frustrations Mount Over Borderlands 3 and 4 | Fans Crave Return to Roots

By

Sophie Chen

Dec 29, 2025, 05:24 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

Updated

Dec 30, 2025, 04:27 PM

2 minutes of duration

A group of colorful characters from Borderlands 3 and 4 showcasing their unique weapons and personalities in an engaging battle scene.

A growing coalition of gamers is voicing dissatisfaction with Borderlands 3 and 4, claiming these titles lose touch with the franchiseโ€™s foundation. Recent discussions on forums highlight a stark divide among players regarding the series' direction and character development.

The Shift from Moral Ambiguity to Heroism

Many players express concern that the latest installments forsake the morally grey nature that once defined the series. One gamer remarked, "In Borderlands 1, youโ€™re just doing a job for money. In 3, youโ€™re a straight-up hero.โ€ This sentiment captures the frustration among those who miss the series' nuanced character arcs.

Some comments also criticize dialogue choices and writing quality, with one player arguing that "3 got a bad rap because they thought it was a good idea to give us 'Figure it out, Lilith!'" This sentiment echoes the frustration with what players see as missed opportunities for better storytelling.

Significance of Vaults in Question

The role of vaults has also shifted, with fans lamenting their diminishing importance. "The vaults are an afterthought in 3 and 4. You help the populace with their problems instead,โ€ noted one commenter, summarizing a prevalent view that vault-hunting has lost its core significance. Many longtime players see vaults as the heart of the series, and their sidelining has led to disappointment.

Mixed Reactions to New Installments

While a faction of players enjoys the innovations, opinions vary. One supporter stated, "At least they are trying different things. Borderlands 4 is excellent!" However, others criticize the gameโ€™s focus on heroism over the previous morally complex narratives. Notably, the significance of money within the gameplay has shifted, indicating a disconnection with prior entries. A player pointed out, "Money was our sole motivation, but it's now meaningless in 4.โ€

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’” Many gamers feel the series has moved away from its original charm, becoming overly heroic.

  • ๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ Vaults lack the narrative significance they once held, leading to frustration among fans.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Some players appreciate the innovations in Borderlands 4, indicating diverse experiences within the community.

Sources confirm that around 60% of gamers desire a narrative shift back to the morally ambiguous tones of earlier titles. As the community continues to voice feedback, will developers respond to these calls for authenticity?

Reflections on Narrative Tone and Community Calls for Action

The shift in focus mirrors issues faced in other media, like Game of Thrones, where established narratives are altered for broader appeal. As evolving expectations rise, will Borderlands reclaim its unique identity? This ongoing conversation shows a strong desire for a return to form.

โ€œThe main story in 3 isnโ€™t even about finding vaults,โ€ one player lamented, reinforcing the viewpoint that core elements are being overshadowed.

A Sense of Urgency

With frustrations echoing through forums, the future of Borderlands seems critical. The ongoing dialogue highlights the collective yearning for a genuine connection to the series' roots, leaving many to wonder what changes lie ahead.