Everyone is Raving About Borderlands 4’s World, But I’m Worried It’s Missing Something Important

Borderlands 4 was recently made available to media outlets and content creators closely associated with the franchise for some early previews, and opinions on the game have been largely positive. Yes, there are some complaints about Gearbox’s latest looter-shooter, such as the controversial compass replacement for the mini-map and Echo-4 not working properly as a guide (though the latter will apparently be fixed in the lead-up to launch). However, alongside those criticisms has come plenty of love, whether it be for the overhauled movement or the easily farmable boss fights. Borderlands 4‘s open-world in particular has been showered with praise, something that has led many to breathe a sigh of relief – though I’m not quite there yet.

While I’ll probably need to play Borderlands 4 for myself before my concerns about the switch to a seamless open-world are lifted, as I’ve always loved the series’ usage of smaller zones to make up its planets, it’s nice to know that the map will apparently be packed with things to do. Kairos sounds visually varied, too, with Unreal Engine 5 sure to make the game visually impressive. However, my biggest worry right now is that playtesters were not shown a proper hub area for Borderlands 4. This does not mean there will not be one, as it could simply be something Gearbox is keeping hidden away for the full release, but as someone deeply attached to Sanctuary it’s hard not to be a bit nervous.

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I’ve platinumed most games in the Borderlands franchise more than once, and on those journeys, I’ve spent a lot of time within the series’ hubs. While smaller hubs like Fyrestone and New Haven were quite charming and are a concept that Borderlands 4 is already confirmed to explore, it’s the two iterations of Sanctuary (and even The Pre-Sequel’s hub of Concordia) that I’m the most attached to. Every time I started a new Vault Hunter or guided a friend through Borderlands 2’s story, I got chills when Sanctuary was lifted into the sky. And though I didn’t ever master getting around Sanctuary 3 quickly in Borderlands 3, as its layout confused me just as it did many others, I loved decorating the walls in my Vault Hunter’s area with my favorite guns and tricking out Hammerlock’s room. Hopefully, Borderlands 4 has its own massive hub area instead of only relying on smaller towns, because to me, it has become a vital part of the series’ DNA.

Why Borderlands 4 May Not Have a Hub (and Why That Would Be a Mistake)

While outlets like IGN have stated they did not encounter a hub area in their limited time with the game, that’s hardly a nail in the coffin for the feature. Instead, it’s the new approach to SDU upgrades that has me sweating a bit. While the idea of finding these upgrades while out exploring the world is intriguing, as are the puzzles that need to be completed to claim each upgrade, expanding storage is one of the main things to do inside Sanctuary. Whether it’s through Crazy Earl in Borderlands 2 or Marcus in BL3, players have always deepened their backpacks and ammo stockpiles whenever they visit their de facto home – something they won’t have to do in BL4. Additionally, the Golden Chest is going to be accessible in a smaller Borderlands 4 town as opposed to a big hub. While there could easily be multiple Golden Chests spots in the new game, one in a hypothetical hub and one in this early town, there could just as easily be a Golden Chest in every small hub, with no main hub to speak of.

A new version of Sanctuary would be hard to justify from a narrative standpoint, as it seems like only a few months have passed between BL3 and BL4. While a hub built by Kairos natives is certainly possible, the Crimson Raiders setting up a new Sanctuary in that short time span seems less likely, meaning the new hub could feel a lot different from the previous ones if it even happens.

Clearly, there are a few things working against a full-sized hub for Borderlands 4, but I’m truly hoping this tradition isn’t coming to an end. I have fond memories of desperately tipping Moxxi in hopes of getting one of her exclusive guns, while it never got old watching a friend get blown up by one of Borderlands‘ grenades from playing the slot machines. The Michael Mamaril tribute in Borderlands 2 was not only a great way to immortalize a community member, but served as something for me to look forward to on every visit, as I was always hopeful that he’d be around. Some of the most entertaining quests and moments took place in the series’ hubs, too, as they provided low-stakes opportunities for the franchise’s iconic humor to shine.

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What Would My Ideal Borderlands 4 Hub Look Like?

If my fears prove unwarranted, and Borderlands 4 does have its own hub area, I’m hoping it includes some (or all) of the following features:

Small distractions and mini-games like Borderlands Science from BL3 or the slot machines from BL2 and BL3.
Entertaining side quests, like “Won’t Get Fooled Again” from Borderlands 2, where players had to find the killer and could actually choose wrong.
Even more decoration options than BL3 provided. Full-on base building in Borderlands would be incredible if the hub was big enough to allow for it.
A cosmetic seller like Crazy Earl in Borderlands 3, and rooms that get filled out when completing certain side content like Sir Hammerlock’s.
An NPC that has a chance to give out rare items like Michael Mamaril did in Borderlands 2.
A far more expansive shooting range where players can test their weapons against different Borderlands enemy types.
A visually distinct aesthetic, as a spaceship setting and a flying city both made for unique and memorable hubs.
A hub that’s easier to navigate than Sanctuary 3, as its winding pathways and tight corridors were too confusing.

Ultimately, while I am glad that those who got to preview Borderlands 4 ahead of its September release had a blast with its open-world, I really hope that this transition hasn’t led to hub areas being retired. No, they may not be as important as shooting or looting, but when done as well as Borderlands 2’s version of Sanctuary, they can be a major strength.