Unveiling the Secrets: The Elusive Characters of Tales from the Borderlands

The Borderlands universe is known for its eccentric characters, over-the-top action, and a healthy dose of dark humor. Tales from the Borderlands, a narrative adventure game developed by Telltale Games in collaboration with Gearbox Software, is no exception. While the main protagonists, Rhys and Fiona, take center stage, a constellation of supporting characters weaves in and out of the story, some with hidden depths and surprising reveals. The question on many Vault Hunters’ minds, though, is: “Who is the secret character in Tales from the Borderlands?” The answer, depending on how you define “secret,” leads us down several intriguing paths.

Defining “Secret”: Multiple Layers of Revelation

The idea of a “secret character” in Tales from the Borderlands is multifaceted. It’s not as simple as unlocking a playable character hidden in the game code. Instead, the “secret” lies in character identities that are either initially concealed, require specific actions to unlock their potential, or represent a surprise appearance that significantly impacts the narrative. The article will delve into the most prominent candidates for the title of “secret character,” examining their roles and the circumstances surrounding their unveiling.

• Loader Bot: The Masked Kidnapper Unmasked: One of the most significant character reveals in Tales from the Borderlands is the true identity of the Masked Kidnapper. Initially presented as an antagonist, this enigmatic figure is eventually revealed to be Loader Bot, Rhys’ loyal and surprisingly resourceful companion. This revelation comes as a shock, turning a seemingly one-dimensional character into a complex and integral part of the story. His transformation and subsequent actions heavily influence the narrative’s trajectory.
• Claptrap: The Unexpected Vault Hunter: While Claptrap is a mainstay of the Borderlands franchise, his appearance in Tales from the Borderlands is far from guaranteed. He only appears in the final episode, “The Vault of the Traveler,” and only then if specific conditions are met. If you manage to accumulate enough money (nine million dollars, to be precise, potentially inherited from Felix) and choose to hire the Mysterious Vault Hunter, you’ll be rewarded with the chaotic and often unhelpful assistance of Claptrap. This makes his appearance a “secret” in the sense that it’s optional and requires specific player actions.
• Handsome Jack: The AI Ghost in the Machine: Even though Handsome Jack is deceased before the events of Tales from the Borderlands, his presence looms large throughout the story. Rhys, one of the playable protagonists, becomes host to an AI recreation of Jack, downloaded during a risky procedure. This digital ghost acts as both a guide and a manipulative force, constantly vying for control. While not a secret in the traditional sense, the depth and impact of Jack’s AI are significant and unexpected, making him a contender for a “secret” influence on the events.
• Gortys: As a Vault Hunter bot, Gortys is definitely the most important secret in Tales From the Borderlands, since she plays a very important role in helping our heroes, Rhys and Fiona, to get to the Vault of the Traveler. Her origins are mysterious to our characters until they learn she was built with the intention of locating and opening the vault of the traveler on Pandora.

Ultimately, the “secret character” of Tales from the Borderlands is not a single entity, but rather a collection of characters whose true natures and impacts are revealed through gameplay and narrative progression. Each provides a unique and surprising element to the overall experience. Games like this that reward critical thinking and have a strong narrative are wonderful for developing important learning skills as discussed in the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Tales from the Borderlands

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide additional information about the characters and mysteries within Tales from the Borderlands:

1. What role does Loader Bot play after being revealed as the Masked Kidnapper?

   After his identity is revealed, Loader Bot undergoes significant character development. He grapples with the consequences of his actions while working to redeem himself and ultimately becomes a crucial ally to Rhys and Fiona. His loyalty is tested, but he remains a steadfast friend, and his combat skills are invaluable.

2. How crucial is Claptrap to the final battle in “The Vault of the Traveler”?

   While Claptrap’s combat prowess is, shall we say, questionable, his presence adds a comedic element to the final battle. More importantly, his knowledge of Vault Hunter protocols and his sheer persistence can provide unexpected assistance. It’s a chaotic and humorous contribution, fitting for the Borderlands universe.

3. Does Handsome Jack’s AI ever gain complete control over Rhys?

   The extent of Jack’s influence over Rhys depends on the player’s choices. Rhys can resist Jack’s manipulations and maintain his own agency, or he can succumb to Jack’s influence, leading to darker and more unpredictable outcomes. The struggle for control is a central theme of the game.

4. What happens if Felix survives in Tales from the Borderlands?

   If Felix survives, he can leave you nine million dollars which allows you to hire Claptrap for help. If you tell him the money case has a bomb, it will blow up if opened. Alternatively, telling him to “choke on it” results in his death.

5. How many endings are there in Tales from the Borderlands?

   There are 5 different endings available in the game, with the definitive ranking on if it’s a New Tales From the Borderlands good ending.

6. Why is Handsome Jack considered a villain?

   Handsome Jack is considered evil because he oppresses an entire world and kills anyone in his way. He was driven insane by betrayal after betrayal.

7. What is Angel’s connection to Handsome Jack?

   Angel is Handsome Jack’s daughter. She is a Siren and plays a crucial role in his plans, charging the Vault key to the Vault of the Warrior by being pumped full of Eridium.

8. Can you romance Fiona in Tales from the Borderlands?

   Initially, there were options to steer Rhys and Fiona into a romantic relationship, but these were ultimately cut from the game. However, the player can encourage Rhys and Sasha into having a relationship.

9. Is Lilith present in Tales from the Borderlands?

   While Lilith doesn’t appear physically, she is a character mentioned in Tales from the Borderlands, the main protagonist of Borderlands, a main character in Borderlands 2 and a character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.

10. Why does Handsome Jack wear a mask in Borderlands 2?

    The mask covers a scar he received from the Siren Lilith in events prior to Borderlands 2 when she destroyed an artifact Jack retrieved inside the Elpis vault.

11. What happens to Rhys at the end of Tales from the Borderlands?

    Rhys and Fiona succeed in rebuilding Gortys, entering the Vault, and killing the monster. The game ends on a cliffhanger, with Rhys and Fiona finding a treasure chest inside the vault and teleporting elsewhere.

12. Why did Handsome Jack torture Tannis?

    Handsome Jack tortured Tannis to get the vault key. He broke her for what he wanted by targeting her beloved torture chairs, due to her strange attraction to them.

13. Should you trust Handsome Jack in Tales from the Borderlands?

    No, you shouldn’t trust Handsome Jack. He is a villain who only cares about himself. He will always attempt to screw you over, even if he tells you that much from the start.

14. What is Rhys’s role in New Tales from the Borderlands?

    Rhys Strongfork, CEO of Atlas and one of the two protagonists from the original Tales, returns in New Tales from the Borderlands. He and his employee Lor from Borderlands 3 are featured.

15. What did Handsome Jack do to his family?

    It´s revealed that Angel killed her own mother when she couldn’t control her powers. She was used by Jack to charge up a Vault key to the Vault of the Warrior, by being pumped full of Eridium.

These FAQs are designed to help you better understand the characters, story, and choices you have to make in Tales from the Borderlands. The depth and complexity of the characters contribute significantly to the overall experience, creating a memorable and engaging adventure for players. Whether you’re a seasoned Vault Hunter or new to the Borderlands universe, Tales from the Borderlands offers a unique and rewarding narrative experience. GamesLearningSociety.org studies games like these to see how they can further education in children and adults alike.