Vex, The Last One? Why Borderlands 4 Might Be the Final Game With a Brand-New Siren

The Borderlands universe is defined by its over-the-top action, billions of guns, and a cast of eccentric characters. Among the most iconic figures are the Sirens—a group of incredibly powerful, typically female, beings with mysterious, otherworldly powers. Each mainline game has introduced a new playable Siren, from Lilith in the original to Amara in Borderlands 3. With the release of Borderlands 4 just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter and the introduction of a new Siren, Vex. However, as the franchise’s lore deepens and the cosmic stakes grow, Vex may represent a turning point—the last new Siren we ever see in a playable, mainline title.

The lore of the Sirens has been one of the most compelling and enduring mysteries of the Borderlands series. We know there are only six—and potentially a seventh—at any given time, each with a unique ability. Lilith’s Phasewalk, Maya’s Phaselock, and Amara’s Phasetrance are just a few examples of the diverse powers that have defined gameplay and narrative. The mystery surrounding these abilities, their origins, and how they are passed down has been a driving force for the story across multiple games. But with the revelations of Borderlands 3 and the fate of its key characters, the future of the Siren lineage has become more complicated than ever before.

With the release of Borderlands 4, Gearbox Software has introduced Vex, the “Dark Siren,” as a new playable Vault Hunter. Her abilities, which revolve around summoning phase pets and clones, are a fresh take on Siren powers. Vex’s character, with her cynical demeanor and a backstory of a difficult upbringing, promises to be a complex and engaging addition to the roster. Her presence confirms the series’ commitment to the tradition of a new Siren with each new game. However, her existence also brings the total count of known Sirens dangerously close to the limit, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the franchise’s future.

Consider the fates of the Sirens we’ve seen so far. Lilith, a central figure in the entire franchise, made a heroic sacrifice at the end of Borderlands 3. Maya, a beloved character, died and passed her powers to her apprentice, Ava. Angel and Tyreen are also dead, with their powers passing on to Tannis and a still-unknown recipient, respectively. This constant cycle of death, power transfer, and the introduction of new Sirens has been a core narrative loop. But as the lore becomes more intricate, and with the number of known Sirens nearing the maximum, a new, undiscovered Siren for a theoretical Borderlands 5 would feel increasingly contrived. The narrative well is running dry on the “suddenly a new Siren appeared!” trope.

The solution may lie in a new direction for the franchise. The focus could shift from introducing new Sirens to exploring the immense powers of the ones who are still alive. Ava, the new leader of the Crimson Raiders, is still coming to terms with her Phaselock powers. Tannis, with her Phaseshift abilities, could become a pivotal character in future storylines, as her mastery of technology and her new powers are a potent combination. There is a wealth of untapped potential in the existing Siren characters, and a future game could delve into their development and their role in a world without their leader, Lilith. This would be a more mature and lore-rich direction for the series, rather than continuously adding new characters to a limited roster.

Furthermore, Borderlands 4’s plot is said to be a “turning point” in the universe, focusing on a new planet called Kairos and a different kind of tyrannical threat. This new setting and narrative emphasis could be an opportunity for Gearbox to sunset the tradition of a new playable Siren. The focus could shift to the other new Vault Hunters—Rafa, Amon, and Harlowe—who introduce innovative new gameplay mechanics like double jumping and grappling. These new characters, with their unique backstories and abilities, represent a different kind of evolution for the franchise, one that doesn’t rely on the same well-worn character archetype. By expanding the universe with new lore and new types of powers, Gearbox can keep the series fresh without relying on a narrative device that is nearing its logical conclusion.

The Siren lineage is a crucial element of the Borderlands saga, but it’s a closed system. There are only so many stories to tell about a new Siren discovering their powers before it loses its impact. The dramatic and emotional weight of a character like Lilith’s or Maya’s death would be cheapened if the franchise simply introduced another new character with the same powers in the next game. By making Borderlands 4‘s Vex the last of her kind—the final new Siren to grace the playable roster—Gearbox could be making a statement about the franchise’s future. It would be a courageous move that honors the established lore while simultaneously paving the way for a new era of storytelling. It would allow the focus to shift to the existing lore, the new characters, and the cosmic consequences of the Sirens’ actions, rather than just their introduction. In a series that has always been about “mayhem,” this one final Siren may be the most chaotic and necessary development of all.

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