Controversial Character Ava Reportedly Cut from Borderlands 4
In a move that will likely please many fans, it appears that Ava, one of the most polarizing characters from Borderlands 3, has been cut from the upcoming Borderlands 4. This information comes from dataminers who have reportedly unearthed mentions of her in the game's files.
The details were shared by content creator and Borderlands lore expert EpicNNG, known for his work in recovering data from the canceled Borderlands Chinese MMO. According to EpicNNG, he discovered references to Ava and her Siren abilities within the files of Borderlands 4. These files even included lines suggesting that Ava was originally slated to accompany Zane, another fan-favorite character from Borderlands 3.
A Shift in Development
However, it seems these elements have since been replaced in the current version of the game. Instead of Ava, Amara, another Siren from Borderlands 3, now appears in the narrative. Her introduction is tied to Hermes, Ava's pet from Borderlands 3, and the wreckage of the Sanctuary ship, also from the previous game. This strongly suggests that Ava was completely removed from the storyline and replaced by Amara during development.
It's important to note that the discovered data consists only of textual mentions. No character models, voice lines, or complete scenes featuring Ava have been found, indicating that her role might not have progressed far into actual asset creation before the decision was made to cut her.
Listening to Fan Feedback
If Ava was indeed part of early Borderlands 4 development, her removal signifies a significant pivot in the game's direction. This aligns with past actions by Gearbox, the game's developer. Approximately a year ago, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford openly polled fans about their opinions on Ava. The response was varied, ranging from outright annoyance to a willingness to give the character a second chance.
This isn't the first time Gearbox has shown a willingness to listen to player feedback. In Borderlands 4, for instance, they even included a volume slider specifically for Claptrap, allowing players to quiet the often-noisy robot. Such responsiveness suggests that player sentiment regarding Ava likely played a role in the decision to remove her from the upcoming title.
What This Means for Players
While there's no official word on whether Ava might appear in future DLC, EpicNNG's findings suggest her return to the main game is highly improbable. For many players who found Ava's character arc in Borderlands 3 to be a point of contention, this news will likely be met with relief. It signals that Gearbox is actively paying attention to its community and making development choices that reflect player preferences, potentially leading to a more widely appreciated narrative experience in Borderlands 4.
Borderlands 4 is available on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release expected in the future.
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