Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands seems to be doing some interesting things. The Multi-Class system, for example, sounds like it could be a major step away to the traditional format used for the game’s Vault Hunters. Melee weapons and Spells could add an entirely new layer to the Borderlands gameplay loop as well, opening fresh opportunities for builds and strategic attacks. However, one of the most exciting additions would be some Dungeons and Dragons-like character customization.
While it is unclear how deep Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is going to go when it comes to this feature, fans can expect plenty of cosmetics to customize their character with regardless. Like other Borderlands games, these cosmetics could take the form of heads and skins, though this is purely speculation. Regardless of how they work, though, they offer plenty of opportunities for crossovers with other fantasy properties. Given the franchise’s past, it seems likely that some references will be seen in the game’s outfits.
Borderlands’ Past Crossovers
There is no shortage of references to other properties in the Borderlands series, something that makes more homages likely in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Perhaps the most elaborate nod was seen in Borderlands 2, as players could enter a cave with mineable blocks. Not only did these blocks take on the Minecraft artstyle and drop different resources once broken, but players could fight actual Creepers within the looter shooter. Functioning just like they do in the crafting game, these enemies would drop special weapons and skins that furthered the Minecraft connection.
A more fitting example is seen in the beloved Assault on Dragon Keep DLC, an expansion that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will likely pull from heavily. This DLC was filled with references, with World of Warcraft and Dark Souls being acknowledged in special quests. Other levels parodied Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, ensuring that several influential fantasy projects were shown some love in the post-launch content. Not only would it make sense for Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands to continue making these connections, but it should tie cosmetics to each reference like it did with the Minecraft content.
Potential Cosmetic Crossovers In Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
When thinking of fantasy-based skins for players to use in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, countless possibilities present themselves. One such opportunity would see some Harry Potter-themed cosmetics created. Players could get an outfit that resembles a robe from the franchise, with different colors used to make it resemble houses like Gryffindor and Slytherin. A scarf could be included to make the reference clearer, as could a sorting hat for the matching head. It is even easy to imagine a Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands side quest that parodies quidditch, with the skin being rewarded at the end.
Skins based on FromSoftware’s Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls also seem like no-brainers, as Gearbox could recreate several armor sets within its next game. While a bonfire can be expected somewhere within Tina’s fictional world, this reference has been seen throughout countless different games. As such, going a step further with proper outfits would be a nice way to shake things up. A quest could parody the Dark Souls mechanics, too, just like the one seen in Assault on Dragon Keep.
Given how heavily referenced Game of Thrones was in Borderlands’ previous piece of fantasy-focused content, players can expect plenty of jokes poking fun at the series’ lackluster final season. Still, some skins based on White Walkers and the over-the-top outfits worn by Daenerys would make for some excellent additions. Of course, plenty of Lord of the Rings skins would be needed if crossovers were to become plentiful, as everyone from Gandalf to Sam is worthy of some love in the cosmetic department. With so many sources to pull from, the potential for outfits that reference other fantasy-based properties seems too good to pass up on. With Borderlands boasting so many great easter eggs in the past, too, it would be great to see that continue through the cosmetics in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is planned to release in early 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.