Borderlands 4’s Vex Trailer Signals a Bold New Era for the Franchise

Is Borderlands 4 about to reclaim its place as the king of looter shooters? With the recent reveal of Vex’s animated short, Gearbox Software is making a statement—and longtime fans are taking notice. After the mixed reception of Borderlands 3 and a string of franchise missteps, the latest trailer doesn’t just introduce a new Vault Hunter; it signals a confident, self-aware pivot for the series.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Borderlands franchise has always thrived on irreverent humor, over-the-top action, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Yet, after Borderlands 3’s divisive story and the lukewarm response to spin-offs and the movie adaptation, even diehard fans were left wondering if the magic had faded. The announcement of Borderlands 4 brought excitement, but also skepticism—especially with promises of an open-world format and a darker narrative tone.

• Release Date: September 12, 2025
• Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC (full details)
• Developer: Gearbox Software
• Publisher: 2K

Vex’s Animated Short: A Masterclass in Self-Awareness

The newly released Vex trailer does more than introduce the first playable Siren in Borderlands 4—it delivers a wink and a nod to the community’s biggest criticisms. In a standout moment, Vex banters with a customer about a fictional film series, slyly referencing the real-world debate over Borderlands 3’s story. When Vex agrees that “Deathening 2 was way better” than the third installment, it’s clear Gearbox is poking fun at itself—and promising change.

Why does this matter?

• Acknowledging Fan Feedback: Gearbox is openly addressing the backlash from Borderlands 3, showing they’re listening and willing to evolve.
• Balancing Tone: The trailer strikes a perfect balance between the series’ trademark humor and a more mature, self-reflective narrative.
• Setting Expectations: By referencing past missteps, Gearbox is building trust and anticipation for a smarter, sharper Borderlands 4.

Alt text: Vex, the new Siren Vault Hunter, gives a thumbs up in Borderlands 4’s animated short.

What’s New in Borderlands 4?

Borderlands 4 isn’t just about new faces—it’s about bold changes to the series formula. Here’s what’s catching the community’s attention:

• Open-World Exploration: Moving away from segmented maps, Borderlands 4 promises a seamless world packed with secrets and chaos.
• Refined Humor: Expect less toilet humor and more clever, character-driven jokes, as seen in Vex’s trailer.
• Deeper Storytelling: Gearbox is aiming for a darker, more nuanced narrative without sacrificing the fun.
• Vault Hunter Spotlights: With Vex’s animated short leading the way, expect similar backstory reveals for the other three new Vault Hunters before launch.
• Loot and Gameplay Tweaks: Early hands-on previews (read more) praise the improved gunplay, loot systems, and RPG elements.

Community Reactions: Hopeful, Cautious, and Hyped

The Borderlands community is buzzing with cautious optimism. Many fans, once wary of the open-world shift and tonal changes, are now praising Gearbox’s transparency and willingness to poke fun at itself. The Vex trailer, in particular, has sparked renewed excitement:

“It’s like Gearbox finally gets what made Borderlands 2 so special. If they keep this up, Borderlands 4 could be the comeback we’ve been waiting for.”

Industry watchers note that this level of self-awareness is rare in AAA gaming, and could set a new standard for how studios engage with their audiences after a misstep.

What’s Next? More Vault Hunter Reveals and Deeper Dives

With Vex’s animated short setting the tone, it’s likely that the remaining Vault Hunters will each get their own spotlight in the coming months. This approach mirrors Borderlands 3’s pre-launch campaign, but with a sharper focus on character depth and narrative stakes.

Stay tuned for:
– Animated shorts for the other Vault Hunters
– In-depth previews of new gameplay systems
– Developer Q&As and community events

For more on returning characters and franchise lore, check out Borderlands 4 Could Easily Be a Game Full of Reunions, But That May Not Be For the Best.

Conclusion: Borderlands 4 Is Ready to Win Back Fans

Borderlands 4’s Vex trailer isn’t just a marketing beat—it’s a mission statement. By embracing self-awareness and promising smarter storytelling, Gearbox is inviting both veterans and newcomers to give the series another shot. If the rest of the game delivers on this promise, Borderlands 4 could mark a triumphant return to form.

What do you think of the new direction? Share your thoughts in the discussion thread and follow @earlyggcom for the latest updates.