The Vault Hunter Class ‘Borderlands 4′ Cannot Afford to Lose to Solve the Series’ Biggest Mystery

The highly anticipated release of ‘Borderlands 4’ is on the horizon, bringing with it a fresh roster of Vault Hunters ready to brave the dangers of the new planet, Kairos. As Gearbox Software introduces Amon the Forgeknight, Harlowe the Gravitar, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, and Vex the Siren, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation. Each character brings a unique fighting style and personality to the table, from the melee-focused brute Amon to the tech-savvy Harlowe. However, one glaring absence from the launch lineup threatens to leave the series’ most profound and enduring mystery dead in the water: the lack of a new Beastmaster Vault Hunter. This archetype, more than any other, has the potential to unravel the enigmatic lore surrounding the Eridians, the Vaults, and the creatures that guard them.

The history of the Beastmaster class in the Borderlands franchise is rich with lore and gameplay potential. From Mordecai in the original to FL4K in ‘Borderlands 3,’ these characters have always had a unique connection to the fauna of Pandora and beyond. Their ability to command wild creatures, and in FL4K’s case, robotic companions, has made them a staple of the series. More importantly, their connection to the animal kingdom often serves as a conduit for exploring the deeper, more ancient mysteries of the Borderlands universe. The creatures, particularly the fearsome Vault Monsters, are not just random enemies; they are integral to the Eridian mythology, acting as guardians and instruments of a long-dead race. The absence of a new Beastmaster character in ‘Borderlands 4’ is therefore not just a matter of gameplay diversity; it’s a significant narrative roadblock.

The Unresolved Mysteries of the Eridian Legacy

For fans who have followed the series from its humble beginnings, the Eridian race and their “Vaults” remain the central, unresolved enigma. We’ve uncovered countless Vaults and defeated numerous Vault Monsters, but the true purpose and origin of these entities are still shrouded in mystery. The Eridians, a precursor race with unimaginable technology, left behind a legacy of power, but also of warnings and cryptic messages. The Vault Monsters, such as the Destroyer and the Warrior, are not merely biological threats; they are constructs or beings inextricably linked to Eridian technology and purpose. A new Beastmaster Vault Hunter could serve as the key to unlocking this knowledge.

Consider the potential narrative threads a new Beastmaster could follow:

• A Deeper Connection to Vault Monsters: A new Beastmaster could have a unique ability or backstory that allows them to communicate with, or even tame, smaller Vault Monsters or their offspring. This would provide a direct line of sight into the Eridian’s grand design. We’ve seen characters like Brick or Amon who embody brute strength, but a character who can understand the “language” of these creatures would be a narrative goldmine.
• Access to Hidden Eridian Lore: The Eridians used their creatures as guardians, but also as a means of communication and defense. A Beastmaster’s unique bond could allow them to access memories or ancient Eridian lore directly from the creatures themselves. This could bypass the need for traditional Eridian writings or artifacts and offer a more organic way to reveal the story.
• The Nature of the “Siren” Powers: The Siren class, as seen with Vex in ‘Borderlands 4,’ is a constant source of mystery. Their powers are linked to the Eridians, and the number of Sirens is finite. A Beastmaster could shed light on the origin of these powers and the Eridian’s role in their creation. Perhaps a Beastmaster’s ability to control creatures is itself a lost or forgotten Eridian power, connecting them to the grand tapestry of the universe’s most powerful beings.

A Missed Opportunity for Gameplay and Narrative Synergy

From a gameplay perspective, the absence of a Beastmaster in ‘Borderlands 4’ is a missed opportunity for innovation. While the current roster of Vault Hunters—Amon the Forgeknight, Harlowe the Gravitar, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, and Vex the Siren—offers new takes on classic archetypes, a Beastmaster could have provided a truly unique and refreshing playstyle. Imagine a character who could summon different types of Kairos wildlife to fight alongside them, each with unique abilities and elemental damage types. The skill tree could revolve around enhancing and evolving these summoned creatures, creating a build variety that goes beyond traditional gunplay and action skills. This would be a significant selling point and a powerful reason for players to invest their time and money into the game.

The Beastmaster archetype also provides a natural vehicle for emotional and character-driven storytelling. FL4K’s journey to understand their identity and the nature of their pets was a core part of their character. A new Beastmaster on Kairos could grapple with similar themes, exploring their connection to the planet’s unique ecosystem and the ancient, alien forces that shape it. The emotional weight of a character whose fate is tied to the creatures they befriend is a powerful narrative tool that a gun-centric character simply cannot replicate. Without this type of Vault Hunter, the exploration of the planet’s ecology and its deeper ties to the Eridians feels incomplete, leaving the series’ most compelling mystery unresolved.

In conclusion, while ‘Borderlands 4’ promises to deliver the chaotic, loot-filled fun the series is known for, the decision to omit a new Beastmaster Vault Hunter from the initial lineup is a significant misstep. The archetype is a narrative cornerstone, a key that could unlock the series’ deepest mysteries about the Eridians and their legacy. For a franchise built on a foundation of alien vaults and the secrets they hold, leaving this crucial narrative and gameplay element on the cutting room floor is a gamble that may leave the most dedicated fans feeling that the biggest, most important questions are destined to go unanswered. The game may be a commercial success, but without the right Vault Hunter, the series’ biggest mystery may be dead in the water.