Spoilers for theBorderlandsseries ahead.
Gearbox Software’sBorderlandshas been high in the rankings among looter shooter titles for quite a while. Known for its dazzling display of (sometimes sentient) guns, charming art style, and host of memorable characters that only expanded as the series did,Borderlandsdelivers satisfying combat and exploration in an often satirical futuristic sci-fi setting partnered with an overarching narrative that is perhaps more thought-out than it may seem to be on the surface. Encompassing the story of an ancient and mysterious alien civilization that worked to seal cosmic horrors which threatened existence away behind legendary hidden Vaults throughout the galaxies,Borderlands' world building branched out to many other fascinating facets in its history and lore.
Along withBorderlands' cast of rugged Vault Hunters, psychopathically disturbed bandits, and power-mongering weapons corporations, Sirens are one of the most distinct aspects of the series' narrative. While fans were given breadcrumb trails of information parceled out over the course of each game, with tantalizing hints and a few big reveals here and there, much of the Sirens' deeper connections and explanations are still cloaked in ambiguity. WithBorderlands 4, Gearbox can perhaps finally provide some more concrete answers about them and, in turn, advance the intrigue further.
Borderlands 4is rumored/assumed to be in production, though Gearbox has not commented officially on its status as of writing.
How Borderlands 4 Can Further Explore Siren Lore
A Summary of the Story of Sirens So Far
The concept and character of Sirens was first introduced via Lilith, one ofBorderlands' original playable Vault Hunters. While other playable and NPC Sirens (like Amara, Comdt. Steele, and Maya) have featured in the games, Lilith is probably among the most recognizable figures in the franchise, serving as a major mascot along with its robot scamp, Claptrap. Her story and specifically her role as one spans the length of the series, with Lilith taking over leadership of the heroic Crimson Raiders following Roland’s death at the hands of the notorious villain Handsome Jack inBL2.Jack’s daughter, Angel, was also a Siren, with him depicted as going to extreme and unpleasant measures to coerce her into using her powers to manipulate the Vault Hunters intoenacting his plan to secure the vault on Pandora.
Borderlands 3marked the most exposition audiences were given about Sirens, as its main villains, Tyreen and Troy Calypso, were twin Sirens. The twist being, rather than all female as previously stated,BL3showed it was possible for a male to acquire Siren abilities, although this was an outlying circumstance, since Troy needed to siphon power from Tyreen to survive. TheSiren Nyriad, who lived alongside the lost Eridian civilization, left behind various teachings, some of which were also warnings about the Sirens, the Eridians themselves, and the events that led to their undoing. Lastly, at the conclusion ofBL3,Lilith appeared to manifest a hitherto unseen/unknown Siren ability as a last resort to prevent the twins' destruction of Pandora, with her fate after left unclear.
How Borderlands 4 Can Expand on Sirens
Regarding the last point above, a huge open thread thus remains over thestatus of Lilith in the tale ofBorderlandspresently. Given the numerous outstanding questions related to what occurred as well as Sirens in general,Borderlands 4already has some avenues to address and expound upon them. The next title could work to fill in the knowledge gaps, such as the true nature of the Sirens' existence and place in the universe, their incredible powers, and connection to both the Eridian race and the horrors it faced.
Additionally, somewhere there isa mythical seventh Siren in theBorderlands' universe, who is apparently more dangerous than all the others, which could also serve as a recipe for fleshing them out. Perhaps this figure could even be the latest villain, which would provide a way to combine these into a broader story that satisfies fans' curiosity while pushingBLinto its next phase.
