If Borderlands 4 takes after its predecessors, players can expect to control four distinct Vault Hunters. Thus far, there have been many different kinds of playable characters, ranging from robotic assassins and hunters to turret-throwing soldiers. However, one thing that each mainline Borderlands game has had is a different playable Siren.
The original Borderlands game featured Lilith, while its sequel allowed players to control Maya. Borderlands 3 made Amara playable, continuing the trend of each group of Vault Hunters featuring a Siren. While there is always a chance that Gearbox mixes things up and includes two Sirens or none at all, as 2K Australia’s Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel did not feature a Siren, it seems likely that one will come in Borderlands 4. However, each playable Siren so far has had a different ability, and if this trend is going to continue, there are only a few options available to Gearbox.
How Borderlands’ Current Sirens Limit The Options
Borderlands has consistently made it clear that only six Sirens can exist in the universe at any given time. While this is an interesting piece of lore that has spawned many theories over the years, it also gives fans some insight into the powers that likely will not be wielded by the player in the next game. Phasewalk’s teleportation is still held by Lilith, and with Borderlands 3’s Director’s Cut confirming that she is still alive, this is off the table. The same can be said for Phasetrance, as this spiritual power belongs to the Borderlands 3 character Amara.
As for Phaseshift, which sees technology able to be controlled, Tannis is now the holder of this ability. Phaselock is also used by a known Borderlands character, with none other than Ava being the current holder of this power. This leaves two options: Phaseleech and a still unknown skill. With The Calypso Twins now dead, the Phaseleech power has likely found a new holder somewhere in the Borderlands universe. Likewise, while a Siren in the comics named Asha had the ability to control animals, these stories are likely not canon – meaning that there is room to introduce one more Siren power to the mix.
Potential Siren Powers For Borderlands 4
Right now, the best candidate for Borderlands 4’s playable Siren is a new character with Tyreen Calypso’s Phaseleech ability. Being able to drain enemies of their life essence could be a brutal and fun gameplay mechanic, as though it is the darkest of the known Siren powers, it is easy to think of a skill tree built around such a moveset. Kill skills could be triggered by draining enemies, while large groups could be drained instantly with a crowd control maneuver of some kind.
Similarly, Gearbox could use a new character to introduce the sixth Siren power. While it is possible that Animal Control could be pulled from the comics, the concept was essentially tackled through FL4K’s pets and skills, so it may be better to see an ability that comes entirely out of left field. While the idea of a moodier and less outwardly heroic Siren that leeches their foes is an interesting one, a Siren that uses powers that gamers have never seen could result in an equally promising Vault Hunter.
While a new Siren with Phaseleech or an unseen ability is probable, there is another option. While fans can rule out Phasewalk and Phasetrance, a playable version of Tannis could let players manipulate technology with Phaseshift. Equally possible is Ava becoming a selectable Vault Hunter. Not only could Gearbox further redeem Ava by making her fun to play, but it would make sense given the fact that she is leading the mission to find Lilith. While players have used Phaselock before, perhaps Ava’s powers can function a bit differently from how Maya’s did. If Gearbox wants to let players use a fresh power, though, the only options are Tannis’ Phaseshift, Phaseleech, or a still-unknown ability.
Borderlands 4 is rumored to be in development.