Siren Powers in Borderlands 4: Predicting Which Six Abilities Will Be Included

Borderlands 4 has just unveiled its latest trailer, which is packed with new content to explore. Viewers are introduced to fresh locations, intriguing characters, and what appears to be a major conflict against an enigmatic new enemy. However, the most thrilling aspect of this reveal is undoubtedly the introduction of four new Vault Hunters, particularly the latest addition to the Siren roster.

Within the Borderlands universe, the population of Sirens is limited to six or seven at any given moment, a number that varies depending on the source. Every Siren is endowed with a unique ability, which becomes available to others only upon their demise. Given that there are only six Sirens, this means six distinct powers—five are already known, and the comics potentially suggest a sixth. This backdrop fuels speculation about the ability of the new Siren in Borderlands 4.

I’ve aimed to keep this analysis largely free from spoilers, but a word of caution: minor spoilers for Borderlands 1 and Borderlands 3 are included.

The New Borderlands 4 Siren: Powers She Likely Won’t Have

Certain Powers Are Still Active; Others are Already Featured

Let’s clarify something right away: the newly introduced character from the Borderlands 4 trailer is not explicitly confirmed as a Siren, nor are her abilities showcased. In fact, we see every other Vault Hunter’s powers except for those of the Siren. There’s a chance that the character’s tattoo markings might signify something entirely different.

For the sake of this discussion, I will refer to this tattooed Siren as the “BL4 Siren”and use “she/her”pronouns, acknowledging that Sirens have predominantly been female, with the exception of Troy Calypso, who was a unique case. I will also assume either Troy is the much-speculated seventh Siren or that this seventh Siren possesses an ability deemed too dangerous for a conventional Vault Hunter. With this context set, let’s explore the powers the BL4 Siren is unlikely to possess.

Firstly, it’s clear that the Borderlands 4 Siren won’t inherit the Phaselock ability. This ability has been utilized by a previous Vault Hunter, specifically Ava, who received it from Maya. Even without this knowledge, it’s reasonable to believe that Borderlands 4 would refrain from duplicating powers for playable characters.

Applying this logic, we can also cross off Phaseshift (currently wielded by “Sirentist”Patricia Tannis) and Phasetrance, which belongs to Amara, the playable Siren featured in Borderlands 3. Both characters are still alive, meaning their powers cannot be transferred. We can also eliminate Lilith’s Phasewalk ability from the roster for the next Siren, as her original power wouldn’t be reused, particularly given her pivotal role in the franchise since the first game.

Potential Powers for the Borderlands 4 Siren

A Range of Unknown Abilities Await

Now that we’ve outlined the powers that the next Vault Hunter is less likely to possess, we can turn our attention to the abilities that remain a mystery. After ruling out four possible powers, what options are left? The lore surrounding Sirens in the Borderlands series reveals some unknowns. While five powers are known, there are a few Sirens from earlier narratives whose abilities were never fully disclosed.

For example, Commandant Steele, the notorious leader of the Atlas Corporation and antagonist in Borderlands 1, is suspected to be a Siren. Although her powers are not demonstrated in the game, she bears the distinguishing marks of a Siren and possesses a rare skill to unlock the Vault—an ability unique to Sirens. Furthermore, ancient Sirens are mentioned throughout the series, although players never have the chance to encounter them. Notably, Siren Dido is infamous as the Queen of Athenas and the partner of Typhon DeLeon, yet her abilities remain undisclosed.

Additionally, there’s one Siren whose power we do know, though she exists only in the comics. Asha, a Siren from the Borderlands comic series, possesses the ability to control animals. While this ability would certainly add a unique gameplay dynamic, it’s important to note that the comics are not considered canon, making it improbable for this power to transition into future games.

Why I Believe the Borderlands 4 Siren Will Feature the Phaseleech Ability

A Logical Choice that Promises Excitement

The abilities of the Borderlands 4 Siren may draw from some of the unknown powers hinted at in previous games or comics. However, I propose a more compelling theory: the Borderlands 4 Siren could inherit the Phaseleech ability following the defeat of the Calypso twins in the previous game.

With the defeat of the Calypsos, their unique power must manifest elsewhere. Introducing a Siren with Phaseleech could offer gameplay that enables healing, life energy absorption from foes, and perhaps even adversarial characteristics or charged attacks, all of which would be highly engaging.

A Siren with the Phaseleech ability, who does not succumb to the temptations of power and malice, would certainly provide players with a dynamic character. As a long-time fan, I have consistently chosen a Siren in every Borderlands installment, except for Borderlands 3 where Zane’s charisma stole my interest. Regardless, I eagerly anticipate returning to the Siren role and particularly hope that Borderlands 4 will follow through on my prediction by introducing a character who wields the former enemies’ extraordinary powers.

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