Is Borderlands 3 a prequel?

Is Borderlands 3 a Prequel? A Comprehensive Answer

The question of whether Borderlands 3 is a prequel or not has been on the minds of fans and enthusiasts alike since its release in 2019. Gearbox Software, the developers of the game, has dropped several hints and references that suggest a connection between the story of Borderlands 3 and the events that transpired in previous games in the series. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the connections between Borderlands 3 and its predecessors, shedding light on the role of this game in the larger narrative of the series.

Direct Answer

Is Borderlands 3 a prequel? In short, no. However, this answer is subject to some caveats, as the game’s narrative does intersect with the stories of its predecessors in subtle but meaningful ways.

A Bridge Between Games

To better understand the connections between Borderlands 3 and the previous games in the series, let’s start by examining the plot of each game. Here’s a brief summary of each:

• Borderlands (2009): The first game follows four vault hunters as they band together to take down the bandit leader, bandits, and an ancient evil.
• Borderlands 2 (2012): The sequel introduces new characters and factions, expanding the world and narrative of the first game. It concludes with a final confrontation with the antagonist, Handsome Jack.
• Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (2014): Set between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2, this game takes place on the moon and revolves around a rebellion against Handsome Jack’s regime.
• Borderlands 3 (2019): The latest installment takes place five years after the events of Borderlands 2, with the players controlling Calypso Twins and various other characters in their struggle against the return of a powerful and familiar enemy.

Connections Between Games

Now that we’ve reviewed the plots of each game, let’s look at the connections between Borderlands 3 and its predecessors:

• Direct Storyline: The main storyline of Borderlands 3 is not directly connected to the events of previous games. However, it shares some common villains, including the Calypso Twins, who play a central role in the story.
• Referential Narrative: The game is rich in references to the events of previous games. From character cameos to in-jokes and easter eggs, Borderlands 3 is full of nods to the series’ rich history.
• Larger Universe: While Borderlands 3 does not necessarily build upon the direct narrative of previous games, it expands the series’ overall universe. This expansion introduces new characters, locations, and factions that deepen the lore and history of Pandora.

Breaking Down the Narrative

Here’s a breakdown of how the story of Borderlands 3 relates to its predecessors:

• Ties to The Pre-Sequel: Although Borderlands 3 does not directly address the events of The Pre-Sequel, it includes some characters and factions that appear in that game, including Atlas and the remnants of Jack’s regime.
• Influence of Borderlands 2: The villains of Borderlands 3, the Calypso Twins, owe a significant debt to Handsome Jack, the antagonist of Borderlands 2. Jack’s legacy looms large over the game’s story, and some of the villains’ motivations and methods are directly connected to his actions.
• Setting the Stage: Borderlands 3 concludes the storyline of the main trilogy, setting the stage for potential future games in the series. It ends with a cliffhanger that teases the events of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a game that has been announced for release in the near future.

Conclusion

While Borderlands 3 does not have a direct, storyline connection to its predecessors, it is deeply connected to the series’ lore and universe. The game includes subtle references and nods to the events of previous games, while expanding the overall universe and setting the stage for future adventures in the world of Pandora.

Summary Table

Here’s a summary of the connections between Borderlands 3 and its predecessors:

In conclusion, Borderlands 3 may not be a direct prequel in the classical sense, but it is still deeply connected to the series’ lore and universe. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll appreciate the nods to previous games and the new narrative twists that Borderlands 3 brings to the table.