Borderlands 4was 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 playBorderlands 4for 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 forBorderlands 4. This does not mean there will not be one, as it could simply be somethingGearboxis keeping hidden away for the full release, but as someone deeply attached to Sanctuary it’s hard not to be a bit nervous.
I’ve platinumed most games in theBorderlandsfranchise 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 thatBorderlands 4is already confirmed to explore, it’s the two iterations of Sanctuary (and evenThe 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 throughBorderlands 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 inBorderlands 3, as its layout confused me just as it did many others, I loved decorating the walls in myVault Hunter’s area with my favorite guns and tricking out Hammerlock’s room. Hopefully,Borderlands 4has 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 likeIGNhave 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 toSDU upgradesthat 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 inBorderlands 2or Marcus inBL3, players have always deepened their backpacks and ammo stockpiles whenever they visit their de facto home - something they won’t have to do inBL4. Additionally, the Golden Chest is going to be accessible in a smallerBorderlands 4town 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 betweenBL3andBL4. While a hub built byKairosnatives 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 forBorderlands 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 ofBorderlands' grenadesfrom playing the slot machines. The Michael Mamaril tribute inBorderlands 2was 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.
What Would My Ideal Borderlands 4 Hub Look Like?
If my fears prove unwarranted, andBorderlands 4does have its own hub area, I’m hoping it includes some (or all) of the following features:
Ultimately, while I am glad that those who got topreviewBorderlands 4ahead 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 asBorderlands 2’s version of Sanctuary, they can be a major strength.
