Why Zane’s Return in Borderlands 4 Is a Big Deal

Zane Flynt might not be the most favored of Borderlands 3‘s Vault Hunters among fans, as that position likely goes to FL4K the Beastmaster. Much of Zane’s mixed reception compared to Borderlands 3‘s other Vault Hunters comes down to gameplay more than anything else, as he has a fairly high skill ceiling, requiring more complex builds in order to get the most out of his character. However, Zane has gained a significant cult following since his debut, thanks to his quirky sense of humor, smooth Irish charm, and morally ambiguous personality. Now, the witty Vault Hunter is confirmed to return in Borderlands 4 for another shot, though his role in the story has yet to be disclosed.

Despite being one of the lesser Vault Hunters from Borderlands 3 from a gameplay perspective, Zane Flynt’s return in Borderlands 4 is a big deal for a couple of very notable reasons. Firstly, Zane’s unique position as an NPC in Borderlands 4 now grants him character development opportunities he didn’t have as a playable character in Borderlands 3 — opportunities that his backstory arguably needs. Additionally, as a Vault Hunter with experience under his belt, he can serve a very important role in Borderlands 4‘s Vault Hunters by providing them with the guidance they need to succeed.

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Zane Flynt’s Return in Borderlands 4 Has Big Implications

Borderlands 4 Could Give Zane’s Character the Chance He Never Had in Borderlands 3

Of all the playable Vault Hunters in Borderlands 3, Zane Flynt arguably has the most compelling backstory. This is not to say that the other Vault Hunters are one-dimensional by any means, but Zane’s past has a bit more complexity than the other characters, and his status as a playable character in Borderlands 3 certainly didn’t do his backstory any justice. However, now that Zane has been “upgraded” to NPC status in Borderlands 4, the game has a chance to delve even deeper into Zane’s past, giving the character the chance he never had in Borderlands 3.

Most notably, it is Zane’s connection to the infamous Flynt family that could allow him to take center stage, with an emphasis on how growing up around criminals influenced his decision to become a rogue operative. Missions tied to Zane in Borderlands 4 could potentially reveal more about his complex relationships with his brothers, Baron and Captain Flynt, both of whom are now dead but could still return in Borderlands 4, especially if its story deals with time manipulation at all. If Borderlands 4 were to be bold enough to explore Zane more thoroughly, it could see the lackluster reception of his Borderlands 3 debut effectively turned upside-down, thereby redeeming and solidifying his significance in the Borderlands universe.

Zane Could Take on the Role of Mentor to Borderlands 4’s Vault Hunters

Based on his appearance in the latest gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4, Zane looks authoritative and commanding, which could mean he has taken on the role of mentor to the new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4. This would carry great weight from a narrative standpoint, given his backstory, as his perspective as an aging operative who has outlived his brothers and fought to redeem his family name could establish an emotional connection between him and the new Vault Hunters. From a gameplay standpoint, Zane’s expertise with gadgets, stealth, and improvisation could provide valuable assistance to the new Vault Hunters, helping them in their battle against the Timekeeper, Borderlands 4‘s antagonist.

Ultimately, Zane Flynt’s return in Borderlands 4 gives him a rare shot at redemption, not only for the character himself, but also for how he’s perceived within the Borderlands universe. Thanks to his newfound NPC status in Borderlands 4, there’s an opportunity for a deeper exploration of Zane’s complex backstory, from his notorious Flynt family ties to his journey as a morally ambiguous operative. It’s also possible that Zane could play a very important role in Borderlands 4‘s story, considering he was one of the least popular characters in Borderlands 3 and Gearbox has chosen to bring him back for some reason. If Borderlands 4 seizes the opportunity, Zane could finally achieve the recognition he deserves as one of the franchise’s most interesting characters.

Looter Shooter

Action

Adventure

RPG

Franchise

Borderlands

Released

2025-00-00