WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for the Borderlands series.
Summary
Gearbox Software’sBorderlandsseries is often credited with ushering in the popularity of the co-op looter shooter genre. From 2009 through the latest mainline title in 2019,Borderlands' blend of off-beat humor, sci-fi settings, and loads of guns in frantic FPS gameplay was a winning formula. The franchise also flexed its narrative chops, as each subsequent entry introduced more characters and lore, weaving an increasingly complex plot centered on an ancient alien race sealing away powerful but dangerous treasures across the cosmos, and the Vault Hunters who sought them out.
As the story progressed, it built to a climax inBorderlands 3, which ended with a literal bang, as one of its biggest heroes seemingly sacrificed themselves to prevent a doomsday scenario. Along with the rest of the events, the huge implications and impact this action has left a vacuum in one major area, and putsBorderlands 4’s plot in a tight spot to carry on from.
While not officially confirmed, it has been heavily suggested by rumors and leaks as well as assumed by many fans thata fourthBorderlandsentry is in the works.
Borderlands 4 Has a Tough Choice to Make for an Important Character Role
Borderlands' Crimson Raiders
Borderlands' main group of good guys, the Crimson Raiders, is a rag-tag band of Vault Hunters and other like-minded individuals. They were originally led by Roland, who was killed by Handsome Jack inBL2. Following that, the Siren Lilith took over as the Raiders' commander, coordinating their plans against the variousBorderlandsvillainsand the threats imposed by the Eridian civilization’s legacy. Lilith would serve steadfast in this capacity until the finale ofBL3.
Lilith’s Fate in Borderlands 3
Being a Siren, Lilith wields incredible power, which she uses for the betterment of the people of Pandora. As one ofBorderlands' most morally upstanding characters, she was the heart and soul of the Raiders after Roland. Her vigilance as protector of the planet’s populace never wavered, and this was proven when she used her abilities to stop Pandora’s moon, Elpis, from crashing into it at the end ofBL3, seemingly sacrificing herself in the process. It was a highly emotional moment, for the characters and fans alike, as Lilith was such a cornerstone that her absence was deeply felt by all.
In an interesting turn of events,Borderlands 3’s Director’s Cut DLC extended its story, specifically addressing the aftermath of Lilith’s apparent death. The DLC showed Ava discovering that Lilith might be alive, although now lost somewhere in the vastness of the galaxies. Ava, who inherited Maya’s Siren powers prior to Maya’s demise, is now solely focused on finding Lilith and restoring the Raiders to full strength.
Who Could Take Over the Crimson Raiders' Leadership Role in Borderlands 4?
Though Lilith is alive, her disappearance still leaves the Crimson Raiders leaderless. Speculation and theories abound on who might step into her shoes. AsAva was set up to be the Siren successor to both Maya and Lilith, she is currently the most likely candidate to run the Raiders. However, Ava is young and inexperienced, and likely needs time to grow into the role, especially given her previous characterization that was divisive for many fans.
Another popular thought is that quirky scientist (and now “Sirenologist”) Patricia Tannis could fill the spot.Tannis accidentally received Siren powers inBL2, though she has been shown preferring to stick to her studies, seemingly reluctant and ill-suited to the requirements that leading the Raiders would entail. While these two may be the frontrunners, in many ways they don’t seem like the right option for the story to go in, at least not yet. This still leaves Gearbox in a tricky situation regarding who will take up the mantle inBorderlands 4, and hopefully, it has a solid plan in mind to proceed.
