Borderlands 3: Which BL2 Character Suffered The Most?

Hey guys, let's dive into a topic that's sure to spark some debate: Which Borderlands 2 character got the short end of the stick in Borderlands 3? The Borderlands series is known for its over-the-top characters, hilarious dialogue, and engaging gameplay. But as with any sequel, changes are inevitable. Some of these changes, however, didn't sit well with the fanbase. Some beloved characters from Borderlands 2 were either sidelined, their personalities altered, or their stories mishandled in Borderlands 3. Let's explore which character suffered the most from these changes.

The Case for Maya

Maya, the Siren with the Phase Lock ability, is a strong contender for the character most negatively affected by Borderlands 3. In Borderlands 2, Maya was a powerful and compassionate character. She was a mentor to Gaige, she fought alongside the Vault Hunter, and she had a clear goal: to protect those she cared about. Her Phase Lock ability was not only incredibly useful in combat, but it also provided opportunities for strategic gameplay, allowing players to control the battlefield. Maya's story arc in Borderlands 2 was well-developed, culminating in a bittersweet ending that left players emotionally invested in her fate. In Borderlands 3, Maya's presence is felt from the very start, but not in a good way. Maya's appearance is limited, and her ultimate fate is one of the most shocking and controversial moments in the game. This act happens very early on in the story, a move that left many players feeling betrayed and saddened. It's not just that Maya dies; it's how it happens. Her death felt rushed, disrespectful to her character, and served primarily as a plot device to move the story forward. The impact of her death is further diminished by the way it's handled, with little time given to mourn her loss or explore the emotional consequences for the other characters. Her death seems to mostly serve as a way to further the plot of Ava. The lack of respect and care put into the event leaves Maya's fans feeling bitter, and it's hard to argue that her story was not ruined in Borderlands 3. Her impactful presence in Borderlands 2 is overshadowed by a quick and unceremonious exit in the sequel. The story arc and the emotional journey that the players have shared with the Siren character is undone by the very early stages of the game. This betrayal of the character is the main reason why Maya is on top of the list.

Why Maya's Fate is So Controversial

The controversy surrounding Maya's fate stems from several factors. First, as stated before, her death happens early in the game. Second, her death is used primarily to advance the story of another character, Ava. Third, Maya was a fan-favorite character, and players felt a strong connection to her. Fourth, the circumstances of her death felt disrespectful to her character. The whole event feels like a cheap move, a move made for shock value rather than genuine emotional impact. The development team could have handled her demise with more care, and it would have had a better impact. A more respectful and well-developed story arc for Maya, even if it had ended in her death, would have been far more effective in terms of emotional resonance. The swiftness and brutality of her end, and the lack of time dedicated to mourning her, left many fans feeling cheated and disappointed.

Other Contenders for the Most Ruined Character

While Maya is a strong contender, other characters also suffered from questionable decisions in Borderlands 3. Let's look at some other characters and why they might be included in this discussion.

Lilith

Lilith, the leader of the Crimson Raiders and another Siren, also experiences a tragic fate in Borderlands 3. Though her death is handled with a bit more care than Maya's, it still leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. Lilith's role in Borderlands 2 was that of a powerful and determined leader, someone the Vault Hunters could rely on. She was a major character, and in Borderlands 3, she is still important. The decision to sacrifice herself to save Pandora, while heroic, felt like a cheap way to remove a key figure from the story. Just like Maya, Lilith's character is done wrong, as the team takes the easy way out and eliminates the character. The loss of Lilith's guidance and experience leaves a void in the Crimson Raiders. Some players would argue that her death, while impactful, was not a complete character assassination, as her sacrifice was in line with her character. However, it still felt like a somewhat unsatisfying end for such an important character.

Zero

Zero, the enigmatic assassin, also faces some changes in Borderlands 3. Zero's personality is not changed in any way. What's changed is his role. In Borderlands 2, Zero was a mysterious and powerful character with an intriguing backstory. His quest line and unique combat style made him a fan favorite. In Borderlands 3, Zero's presence is greatly reduced. His appearances are limited, and he doesn't get the same level of focus as he did in the previous game. While he still has his iconic abilities and witty dialogue, he's not given as much screen time or character development. This limited role makes it feel as though Zero was not given the respect that he deserved. The story does not follow his arc, and his story is not expanded. This change in his overall role and importance makes him a prime candidate for the characters that were done dirty. The writers had many options, but they chose not to explore them. So his potential was diminished.

Why These Changes Happened

There are several reasons why these characters might have been handled differently in Borderlands 3. The most obvious reason is the writers' need to move the story forward and introduce new characters. While this is understandable, it should not come at the cost of established characters. Creating a compelling narrative in a sequel is always challenging, but it is important to honor the characters that players have come to love. Another reason is the desire to create dramatic moments and raise the stakes. Death and sacrifice can be powerful narrative tools, but they can also backfire if they're not handled carefully. Some fans believe that some characters were simply not as popular as others, and therefore were not given as much attention. It's easy to see that behind the scene the focus of the writers has shifted towards new characters. Whatever the reasons, the result is the same: some beloved characters did not get the treatment they deserved.

Conclusion: The Verdict

So, who got it the worst in Borderlands 3? While the debate will continue, Maya arguably suffered the most from the changes in the sequel. Her abrupt death, the lack of emotional impact, and the way it was used to further the story of another character make it a particularly controversial move. Lilith also faces a similar fate, with her importance greatly reduced. Zero also suffers from a diminished role. Ultimately, the treatment of these characters highlights the challenges of creating a sequel that satisfies both the fans and the narrative goals of the developers. It's a constant balancing act, and in this case, some of the beloved Borderlands 2 characters paid the price. The original game had a certain magic that was not kept in the third installment, resulting in some characters being overlooked or mistreated. Borderlands 3 had many great characters, but for some, it came at a price.