Beyond the Mayhem: The One Final Ace Gearbox Has Left to Play Before Borderlands 4 Launches

With the release date of Borderlands 4 set for September 12, 2025, the marketing campaign has been in full swing. We’ve seen gameplay trailers, deep dives into the new Vault Hunters—Vex the Siren, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Harlowe the Gravitar, and Amon the Forgeknight—and detailed breakdowns of new traversal mechanics like grappling and gliding. The new seamless world of Kairos has been revealed, and we’ve even been introduced to the game’s main antagonist, the Timekeeper. By all accounts, Gearbox and 2K have laid all their cards on the table, showcasing a game that is bigger, more fluid, and more ambitious than any entry before it. However, with less than a month to go before launch, there’s one final, crucial ace up their sleeve that could still change the entire conversation: the reveal of a legacy Vault Hunter returning as a playable character.

A Missing Piece: The Legacy Vault Hunter Question

Historically, the Borderlands franchise has always included a fifth or “DLC” Vault Hunter, often a returning character from a previous game. From Gaige in Borderlands 2 to Krieg in Borderlands 2 and then back to Gaige, Krieg, and Aurelia in Borderlands 3, these characters have always been a key part of the post-launch roadmap. Yet, for Borderlands 4, there has been no official word on this. While the new cast is compelling, the silence on a returning fan-favorite is deafening. With the game’s deluxe edition promising two additional post-launch Vault Hunters, the stage is set for a massive reveal.

The strategic value of this reveal cannot be overstated. By holding back the announcement until the last minute, Gearbox can generate a final wave of hype that will not only drive last-minute pre-orders but also set the stage for the game’s live-service future. A surprise reveal of a beloved character like Zer0, Krieg, or even Axton could create a viral moment that would dominate the gaming news cycle right before launch. It’s a marketing tactic that leverages the emotional connection fans have to these characters and proves that the developers are listening to their most dedicated players.

Who Could It Be? The Candidates for a Comeback

While the new Vault Hunters are exciting, a legacy character brings with them a built-in fanbase and a deep well of lore. The return of a character from the first two games would be a particularly powerful move. Here are some of the most likely candidates:

• Axton: The Commando from Borderlands 2 is a fan-favorite for his tactical and balanced playstyle. His return would be a nostalgic nod to one of the most beloved games in the series and a great way to bring back a classic character.
• Krieg: The Psycho from Borderlands 2 is one of the most iconic and emotionally complex characters in the franchise. His gameplay, centered on brutal melee combat and a powerful action skill, would be a unique addition to the new roster.
• Zer0: The Assassin from Borderlands 2 is a master of stealth and precision. His mysterious nature and unique dialogue would be a perfect fit for the new world of Kairos and its complex factions.

The possibility of a beloved character returning as a playable Vault Hunter is the kind of announcement that can turn a great launch into a legendary one. It shows that the developers are not just creating a new game, but building on the rich history of the franchise. It’s the final piece of the puzzle that fans have been waiting for, a bridge between the old and the new. With the release date looming, the tension is at an all-time high. All that’s left is for Gearbox to play its final card and unleash the full force of the Borderlands hype machine.