Summary
If early looks atBorderlands 4have proven anything, it’s that the next entry in theBorderlandsseries not only looks to make some changes to the long-standing formula, but to introduce plenty of new features as well. Among those new features are mechanics likeBorderlands 4’s Licensed Parts system, as well as some new weapon manufacturers to go with it. There are a fewnew manufacturers being introduced inBorderlands 4, each of which has unique properties. However, one of these manufacturers, new as it may be, still feels oddly familiar in its design and function.
Of the new weapon manufacturers arriving alongsideBorderlands 4, Ripper is one of the more intriguing due to its obvious ancestors. It’s still a manufacturer the series has never seen before, but its design and function screams of a few specific manufacturers from the series' past — namely, Bandit, Scav, and even COV. Chances are, should players be familiar with these manufacturers and even have a special place in their heart for them, they might become quickly attached to Ripper weapons inBorderlands 4.
Borderlands 4’s Ripper Feels Familiar for a Reason
Ripper’s Design Echoes the Loudest Guns from Borderlands' Past
Based on what has been shown and said about them so far, Ripperweapons inBorderlands 4are primarily characterized by their fully automatic firing modes and rugged, thrown-together aesthetics. In a way, Rippers are highly reminiscent of the Bandit and Scav designs fromBorderlands 2andBorderlands: The Pre-Sequel, respectively.
Due to their automatic nature, these weapons often feature large magazines, thereby allowing players to fire them for an extended period before needing to reload. However, these larger magazines generally come at the cost of longer reload times and even lower accuracy and damage per shot compared to other manufacturers. More than anything, this design philosophy emphasizes a “spray and pray” approach that prioritizes volume over accuracy. Naturally, this complements the Rippername inBorderlands 4, which suggests an unhinged weapon that can tear through large waves of enemies.
Based on what has been shown and said about them so far, Ripper weapons inBorderlands 4are primarily characterized by their fully automatic firing modes and rugged, thrown-together aesthetics.
Then there’s the visual design of Ripper weapons inBorderlands 4that reflects this chaotic nature. Their cobbled-together appearance traces back to S&S Munitions in the originalBorderlands, which was then succeeded byBandit weapons inBorderlands 2, then Scav inBorderlands:The Pre-Sequel, and COV inBorderlands 3. Each iteration of this design has revolved around the theme of being improvised, high-capacity weapons crafted from salvaged parts. Clearly, the Ripper weapons' roots are showing, and despite being a new manufacturer inBorderlands 4, they’re a callback to the series' past.
Bandit, Scav, and COV May Be Gone, But Their DNA Isn’t
Essentially, this just goes to show that whileBorderlands 4may be attempting to chart new territory for the series, it hasn’t completely abandoned where it came from.Borderlands 4may not feature Bandit, Scav, or COV weapons for players to use, but Ripper is evidence that their DNA isn’t gone. That being said,Borderlands 4’s new Licensed Parts system means Ripper weapons may not be entirely like they’re clear ancestors, as they may not be definitively Ripper in nature. With Licensed Parts, a Ripper weapon can have theexplosive capabilities of a Torgue weaponor the elemental effects of a Maliwan.
Ripper may be the new kid on the manufacturer block, but it already looks like one of the more nostalgic additions inBorderlands 4. By channeling the spirit of Bandit, Scav, and COV, all while adding an occasional twist through the Licensed Parts system, Ripper walks a fine line between homage andinnovation inBorderlands 4. It’s a reminder that while old manufacturers may be gone in name, their influence hasn’t been erased.
