After years of anticipation and expectation, Gearbox Software recently confirmed that the next mainline entry in its popular looter shooter IP, Borderlands, is in development. Borderlands has captivated players since 2009 across three major installments and numerous DLC expansions and spin-offs with its parody of a space Western premise, while also building a fun and unique setting with increasingly complex lore and storylines. The series usually coats its more serious aspects and emotional explorations with a host of lighthearted elements, and perhaps one that is most prevalent is the robot with grand plans that are often thwarted by his own hand: Claptrap.
Among Borderlands' cast of colorful characters, the talkative Claptrap has long been a franchise mascot and an embodiment of many of its more farcical elements. The chipper robot's relentless enthusiasm that inevitably, and hilariously, bumps up against the harsher realities of Borderlands' setting and his own limitations is often the source of some of the series' best and most memorable moments. Claptrap has been known to engage in various plots in his attempts to find true friendship as well as his place in the universe, but as yet to no avail. As such, one of his previous endeavors to do so that ended in failure should finally be realized in the fourth installment.
Though it is officially announced, Gearbox has not yet provided fans with further details regarding Borderlands 4's direction, plot, or other possible changes to its established designs.
Borderlands 4 Should See Claptrap Finally Succeed in One of His Greatest Ambitions
Claptrap's Search for Friendship and Acceptance
Though he is usually the go-to comic relief character, Claptrap does have a bit of a tragic history. He is the last survivor of a decommissioned line of support robots, which were deemed obsolete and cruelly scrapped en masse by longtime villain and Hyperion CEO, Handsome Jack. Since then, and upon meeting each group of subsequent Vault Hunters, Claptrap has desperately wanted to be recognized and embraced as a truly valued member of the troupe. While many of his schemes may be misguided, his heart appears to be in the right place.
Fans were given the chance to play as Claptrap in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which delved further into his personality, literally, in the Claptastic Voyage DLC. Borderlands 3 saw Claptrap convince the current Vaunt Hunters to recover various parts in service of reconstructing another damaged Claptrap unit, which he intended to be his robotic romantic partner. While this unit, called VR-0N1CA, was successfully restored, upon installing her higher cognitive functions, she promptly dismisses Claptrap and goes on her own independent path. All of this was perfectly fitting for the long-suffering Claptrap, even as it was a sadder outcome in terms of his simple wish for companionship.
How Claptrap Could Finally Find a Friend in Himself in Borderlands 4
While it's still uncertain exactly which characters Borderlands 4 might bring back, there is almost no doubt Claptrap will return in some way, since he is so ingrained in its identity. This time around, perhaps Claptrap finds a method to clone or otherwise recreate himself, since it seems having a companion that he deems worthy and equal to himself is what would make him happiest. Two exact Claptraps would certainly be in line with the series' constantly escalating absurdity, especially when it comes to the diminutive robot.
However, in true Borderlands style, this would also probably have a high chance of backfiring spectacularly in amusing ways. For example, it wouldn't be outside the tone that, if his plan comes to fruition, the Claptraps then end up being at odds with themselves, perhaps by deciding that there, in fact, can be only one. At the end of the day, though, Claptrap merely seems to want to be accepted and seen as a helpful hero by others than himself, and it would be nice to see something to that effect in Borderlands 4, as he has surely earned some measure of personal satisfaction.
Borderlands 3
- Released
- September 13, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.
A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE
Stop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.
YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE
Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.
LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT
With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
NEW BORDERLANDS
Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION
Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Borderlands
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- Metascore
- 91
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 Players
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
