Is There a Siren in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?: A Definitive Guide

The Allure and Importance of Sirens

Sirens. The very name conjures images of immense power, mystical abilities, and a vital role in the fate of the Borderlands universe. These enigmatic women, blessed (or cursed, depending on your perspective) with extraordinary talents, have captivated players since the very first installment of the franchise. With only a handful of Sirens existing at any given time, their presence is always a significant event, impacting the narrative in profound ways. Therefore, a common question amongst Borderlands enthusiasts is: Are there any playable or significant NPC Siren characters featured in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel?

While Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel features a narrower focus compared to some of its predecessors, it does offer players the chance to experience the power of a Siren through the character of Athena, and it subtly expands upon the broader Siren lore within the series. This guide aims to provide a definitive answer to the question of Siren presence in The Pre-Sequel and delve into Athena’s unique abilities and role within the game.

Before diving into the specifics of The Pre-Sequel, it’s essential to understand just why Sirens are so integral to the Borderlands mythos. At their core, Sirens are powerful, almost god-like beings. The Borderlands lore stipulates that only six Sirens can exist simultaneously in the universe. Each Siren possesses unique and distinct abilities, often referred to as “phases,” which manifest as incredible powers beyond the scope of ordinary humans.

These powers are not simply cosmetic additions; they fundamentally shape the gameplay experience for characters like Lilith (phasewalking), Maya (phaselocking), Amara (spiritual projection), and others. Their abilities can be used to devastate enemies, control the battlefield, or provide vital support to their allies. This variability also makes each Siren a unique character to play and keeps gameplay interesting.

But the Sirens’ importance extends far beyond their combat prowess. The Sirens are tied to the ancient Eridians, the original inhabitants of Pandora, and their technologies. As such the Sirens are often central to understanding and unlocking the secrets of the Vaults, the repositories of Eridian tech and knowledge that drive much of the Borderlands narrative. The machinations of the villainous Hyperion Corporation, and other interested parties, depend on the powers of the Sirens.

Because of their pivotal role in the lore and gameplay, players are always keen to know if and how Sirens will feature in each new Borderlands installment. The mystery surrounding their origins, the variability of their powers, and the constant threat of exploitation by unscrupulous entities all contribute to the enduring fascination with these powerful women.

The Playable Siren: Athena, The Gladiator

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel does not disappoint in this regard, providing players with a compelling Siren character: Athena, the Gladiator. While Athena is not born with her Siren powers, her unique story and abilities set her apart in the Borderlands universe. A former assassin for the Atlas Corporation, Athena abandoned her life of violence after experiencing the horrors of war firsthand. She sought redemption and joined the Crimson Raiders, quickly becoming a trusted ally and friend to Lilith, Brick, and Mordecai.

Athena’s action skill, the Kinetic Aspis, perfectly reflects her strategic and defensive fighting style. When activated, Athena summons a powerful shield that absorbs incoming damage. Once the shield has absorbed enough damage, or the duration expires, Athena can throw the Aspis at enemies, unleashing a devastating blast of energy.

Her skill trees further enhance her defensive and offensive capabilities. The Phalanx tree focuses on improving the Aspis and providing defensive bonuses for herself and her teammates. The Xiphos tree emphasizes close-quarters combat, granting Athena increased melee damage and bleeding effects. Finally, the Ceraunic Storm tree allows Athena to manipulate electrical energy, granting her powerful elemental attacks and crowd control abilities.

Athena’s journey in The Pre-Sequel is a fascinating one. While she begins as a member of Jack’s team, her moral compass is constantly tested as she witnesses his descent into villainy. Her interactions with the other characters, especially Lilith, provide insight into her past and her unwavering commitment to doing what she believes is right. Through Athena, we see the complexity of Siren abilities and their impact on their wielders, even if they are not born with those powers.

It should be noted that Athena’s abilities are not the same as the Sirens of previous games. Athena does not posses the six dots or tattoos that traditionally mark a Siren. The ability to obtain and use Siren abilities makes Athena a unique character within the Siren lore. She is a worthy character that does contribute to the lore.

Connections and Hints

Although Athena is the only playable Siren in The Pre-Sequel, the game subtly expands upon the broader Siren lore. Dialogue between characters sometimes alludes to the existence of other Sirens, and hints at the mysterious origins of their powers. While these references may be fleeting, they serve as reminders of the greater Siren narrative that permeates the Borderlands universe.

The game’s narrative also plants the seeds for future Siren appearances in later Borderlands games. The events of The Pre-Sequel directly contribute to Lilith’s character development and her understanding of her own Siren abilities. Further, the exploration of Elpis, the moon of Pandora, reveals more information about the Eridians and their connection to the Sirens.

There are no obvious visual easter eggs referencing specific Sirens. There are no hidden paintings of Maya, no cryptic symbols linked to Amara. The Pre-Sequel’s Siren references are much more subtle, woven into the narrative fabric rather than explicitly displayed.

Conclusion: Sirens in the Pre-Sequel

While Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel presents a different perspective on the Siren dynamic by focusing on a character who becomes empowered rather than being born with Siren abilities, the game still manages to provide a compelling Siren experience through Athena.

Athena’s unique gameplay mechanics, combined with her character arc within the story, make her a valuable addition to the Borderlands universe. Her powers, while distinct from the traditional “phase” abilities of other Sirens, are undeniably formidable and offer players a satisfying way to engage with the game’s combat.

Sirens have become cornerstones of the Borderlands experience, their powers and their existence are intricately linked to the Vaults and the secrets within. Athena continues this by joining forces with other Vault Hunters and learning about the secrets of the Vaults. The Siren is a vital component of the Borderlands story and adds a unique and powerful element to the gameplay.

With the Borderlands universe constantly expanding, what other mysteries of the Sirens will be revealed in future installments? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the legacy of the Sirens will continue to shape the destiny of Pandora and beyond. The question now is not *if* Sirens will appear, but *how* their presence will impact the narrative and the gameplay in the next chapter of the Borderlands saga. Will their powers evolve? Will new Sirens emerge? The possibilities are endless, and the anticipation is palpable. The sirens ensure that the future of the Borderlands is bright.