Borderlands 4 Ava Datamine Reveals She Was Planned but Later Removed

While Borderlands 4 reintroduces several familiar faces from previous games, one notable Vault Hunter is missing — Ava. However, recent datamined files suggest that Gearbox Software initially planned to bring her back before deciding to remove her from the final release.

Note: The following information is based on datamined content and has not been officially confirmed by Gearbox Software.

Also Check: Borderlands 4 To The Limb It Couples Therapy Guide: Location & Rewards

Ava’s Role Was Planned but Later Cut

According to X (formerly Twitter) user @EpicNNG, datamined Borderlands 4 files directly reference Ava in cutscene segments and mission scripts. These files hint that Ava was meant to join Zane, one of the returning Vault Hunters, in several key story missions involving the fight against the Timekeeper, the game’s main antagonist.

Additionally, leftover assets from the game include Ava’s 3D model and even references to her Phase Bubble ability, which she used in Borderlands 3. This strongly suggests that her role was developed enough to reach the animation and scripting phase before being cut.

Also Check: Borderlands 4 To The Limb It Redux Guide: Location, Walkthrough & Rewards

Also Check: Borderlands 4 G.M.R. Guide: How to Get the Best Assault Rifle

Why Was Ava Removed from Borderlands 4?

The reason behind Ava’s removal seems to stem from fan backlash following her debut in Borderlands 3. Many players criticized her for her unlikeable personality and poorly written dialogue, which clashed with the tone of the series.

Even more controversially, Gearbox positioned Ava as Maya’s successor, killing off the beloved Siren from Borderlands 2. This narrative decision sparked significant outrage within the community, and Ava quickly became one of the most disliked characters in the franchise.

Given that Borderlands 4 features Amara using a bubble shield ability similar to Ava’s, it’s possible Gearbox repurposed Ava’s mechanics for another character to avoid reopening old wounds.

Community Reactions and Gearbox’s Direction

While many fans see Ava’s exclusion as a positive change, it also reminds them of the studio’s missteps in Borderlands 3. Despite efforts to refine tone and humor in the latest installment, some players believe Gearbox may still struggle to regain the trust lost over Maya’s death and Ava’s mishandled introduction.

That said, removing Ava might reflect a mature direction for the franchise — one focused on deeper storytelling and better character development rather than over-the-top meme humor.

Although Ava’s absence in Borderlands 4 disappointed some who wanted closure to her story, most fans view it as a fresh start for the series. With Borderlands 4 focusing on a more balanced narrative, it seems Gearbox is finally listening to its audience — even if that means leaving some characters behind.