Borderlands 4 already departs from BL3 in One Key Area

Summary

Borderlands 4 will tone down the use of toilet humor for a darker, more serious approach.
Many fans felt that BL3 relied too much on crude humor that dragged down the story and character development.
BL4 aims for a more mature and meaningful experience with its new antagonists and ongoing story.

After a wait that spanned nearly five years, fans have received some welcome updates on Borderlands 4 this year. After officially revealing it in a teaser at Gamescom, Gearbox Software recently released a longer and more substantial gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4 at the 2024 Game Awards. The latest footage sheds light on some of what's to come in the next chapter of the Vault Hunters story following the earth-shattering events of the previous title. Expectations are therefore high for the fourth installment, with fans speculating on how it will progress and develop both its characters and established formula.

One thing the series is well known for is its often sophomoric sensibility when it comes to humor. While they contained meaningful themes and emotionally affecting arcs, there was also a constant undercurrent of more vulgar comedy and similar moments throughout each title, which seemed to peak in the latest main entry. However, based on comments and responses by Borderlands 4 narrative director Sam Winkler to fans on social media, it seems BL4 will rein this in. Specifically, Winkler confirmed his concerns about Borderlands 3s “toilet humor galore,” it elaborates Borderlands 4 will not embrace such comedy to the same degree as previously seen.

Collage Borderlands, porta prison psycho and claptrap

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Borderlands 4 will drop some of the series' “Toilet Humor” in favor of more dark overtones

Borderlands humor usually skews towards the youth

From the very beginning, Borderlands incorporated a crass and rough comedy style. This reflected the irreverent nature of much of its world and wacky characters, and was generally put to good use in the previous games. As time went on, the franchise bordered on relying on this type of humor as a crutch in lieu of more substantial satire. This seemed to culminate in Borderlands 3villains, the Calypso twins, who were essentially parodies of streamer culture. Many of their antics and dialogue were based on topical references that quickly became outdated and irrelevant, dramatically reducing their impact and memorability.

While all comedy is inherently subjective, there was a general feeling among fans that more than a few of the jokes and meme-based gags in Borderlands 3 didn't quite land as intended. They often came across as reaching for low-hanging fruit and could sometimes detract from the other aspects of the story that were focused on more meaningful interactions and developments. Gearbox recognizes this and strives to correct it Borderlands 4 is a promising sign that the studio isn't keen on doubling down on the approach.

Borderlands 4's setting and story seems to call for a more subtle and serious brand of comedy

In his responses, Winkler noted that Borderlands 4 will not be entirely devoid of the comedic stylings that have become associated with the IP. But he reiterated that it won't lean into them as heavily as before, especially compared to BL3. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has also previously said that the fourth title would take a much darker turn, with Borderlands 4 to have a more sinister villain to rival or even surpass the legendary Handsome Jack. Such a change in direction and focus seems to necessarily come with leaving some of the “toilet humor” behind in order to adequately deliver an experience that aligns with that vision.

With The Timekeeper confirmed as one of the Borderlands 4's major antagonists, the coming conflict and story seem to require a more mature foundation, which extends to the choice of switching up comedic tones. Borderlands 4 looks to account for this by moving away from its previous emphasis on “lowbrow” humor, while promising to have moments that invoke its classic sensibilities in that area.