Fans of the long-running Borderlands series have turned against one of its central characters, Rhys, and don’t want him in Borderlands 4. The popular first-person shooter franchise debuted in 2009, spawning six mainline titles and multiple spin-offs. Rhys was introduced in Tales from the Borderlands and has appeared in every main game since, but some players now feel he doesn’t belong in Borderlands 4. Known for its chaotic gunplay, desert wastelands, and sharp humor, the franchise has built a sizable fanbase, but it seems that not all characters remain universally beloved.

The game’s unique visuals and absurd characters are key ingredients behind its popularity with gamers. Throughout the series, it drops numerous pop culture references and often shows self-awareness by mocking overused gaming tropes. Borderlands’ success and distinct blend of elements even led to a Borderlands movie adaptation in 2024, which notably left out Rhys and received mixed reviews at best. However, following the film’s release, Borderlands 3 saw a significant boost in player count.

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A Redditor named finnwasnt_here recently shared a post expressing hope that Rhys won’t return to the upcoming Borderlands 4. The post highlights their disappointment with his character arc since his introduction, citing a lack of depth in his backstory and nonexistent growth. Many commenters agreed with this assessment, noting that Rhys has little to no interaction with his right-hand man and best friend, Vaughn, in Borderlands 3.

Borderlands Fans Are Disappointed With the Rhys Character Arc and Want It to End

In his first appearance in the Borderlands series, Rhys was one of the central protagonists, portrayed as a highly ambitious yet somewhat awkward Hyperion employee, driven by power but conflicted by his moral choices. Rhys has friendly origins in Borderlands, especially in his relationship with his best buddy, Vaughn. Another reason fans are against Rhys making a comeback is the missed opportunity to explore his intriguing backstory, especially with his ruthless former boss, Handsome Jack, literally in his head. Many feel the games could have delved deeper into the psychological impact of this.

Vaughn serves as Rhys’s loyal sidekick in Borderlands, often displaying a cowardly nature but providing solid comic relief throughout the games. Many fans consider their dialogue some of the funniest in the entire series. However, the lack of interaction between them in Borderlands 3 is a major disappointment for many commenters on the post and part of the reason some oppose Rhys returning in Borderlands 4.

For many players, Rhys’s complex nature and untapped potential have been underutilized, leading some to turn their backs on him. With Borderlands 4 expected to release in Spring 2025, fans will have to wait and see if Rhys returns—and in what form.

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