Pandora was yesterday! In Borderlands 4 you will explore the planet Kairos – against your will. What defines the new world in Borderlands 4?
Kairos is described as a “beautiful, vast world”, yet hardly anyone wants to stay there in Borderlands 4. Especially not our four Vault Hunters, who find themselves stranded on the planet and would very much like to seek a way out.
The problem on Kairos: The planet is a prison planet that is under the tyranny of the “Time Keeper”. The villainous ruler of the planet keeps his “subjects” in check with cybernetic implants. Through them, the Time Keeper can exercise surveillance, control, and power.
But the planet is in turmoil and the population is on the verge of a revolution. More and more factions are rising up – and this also influences the planet, or rather, life on the planet itself.
This atmosphere is what prevails on Kairos. But what does the planet itself look like?
Kairos and its four zones – Environment and Population
The new planet in Borderlands 4 is divided into four zones, which are connected and explorable. Each of these zones is under the control of a commander that you will face. At the same time, there are factions present that will support you in your battle against the Time Keeper.
The Welkfields: This area consists of beaches, wooded areas, and hills. They currently seem like the friendliest environment on Kairos, but there are plenty of dangers you must confront here. Commander Sol is here, who aims to rise to the right hand of the Time Keeper.
Wasteland of Carcadia: The name already reveals it: Here you should not expect radiant forests and rushing waters. Sand and desert are the motto here. You will face the Rippers, who have succumbed to madness. The Ripper Queen has chosen to tear out her cybernetic implant – which either means death or madness. Accordingly, her soldiers are quite wild.
Terminus Wastes: This is a stormy, dark mountain range. The “Dwellers” roam here, dominated by the “Evil Lictor”.
Dominion: The capital of Kairos. Yet the city’s shine only hides the decrepit reality in which prisoners must survive day by day. Here reigns the Time Keeper.
You can get a closer look at the planet and its inhabitants in the developer’s video here:
Factions on Kairos
Some factions on Kairos are already known. For example, the “Outsiders”, who aim to leave the planet as quickly as possible. They are revolutionaries and are quite aligned with your Vault Hunters.
The “Electi”, on the other hand, are the upper-class citizens of the isolated city Dominion – or they were. Because they have been cast out and now live outside the city gates, where they can no longer shut themselves off from the harsh reality. They are led by Levaine.
Also among the “Dwellers” are rebels, led by the Defiant Calders. The small, old man is a good guy but relentless in his fight against the Time Keeper.
Furthermore, some old acquaintances can also be found on the planet. From Borderlands 3 you might still remember Amara and Zane. Moxxi is also back, as well as the old chatterbox Claptrap. Nevertheless, Borderlands 4 with the new planet is a good entry point for newcomers, say the developers in the video linked above, where Kairos is presented in more detail.
