Borderlands: What exactly are Vaults? 

Most of the games in the Borderlands franchise put players in the shoes of Vault Hunters – aspiring treasure hunters on the hunt for elusive Vaults. But what exactly are Vaults, and why are they so sought after by both the sane and insane inhabitants of Gearbox Software’s crazy universe? 

Vault history 101 

The Vaults were created by an ancient alien race known as the Eridians to house their various artifacts and technology. They are often guarded by large beasts to prevent the unworthy from pilfering the Vaults’ contents.  

The first Vault that was found and opened lies not on Pandora but on the planet Promethea. Discovered by the Atlas corporation (possibly through the first Vault Hunter Typhon DeLeon), the Promethea Vault contained a vast arsenal of weaponry. Atlas used these weapons to broaden their ship and weapon manufacturing divisions. This allowed the corporation to grow exponentially, leading others to believe similar Vaults could be found throughout the galaxy. 

Vaults carry the promise of treasure and riches 

Soon after the Promethea Vault was opened, rumors of a Vault on Pandora began to spread. This prompted a slew of aspiring Vault Hunters to search for the Vault in hopes that they too may find fortune and fame. Unfortunately, Pandora’s harsh conditions and violent locals led to many fleeing the planet – leaving only the bravest (and craziest) Vault Hunters to continue the search for the Vault. 

It is here where the first Borderlands game takes place. As the Vault Hunters Roland, Lilith, Mordecai, and Brick, players discover that the first Pandora Vault contains a deadly monster known as the Destroyer. Locked away by the Eridians, the Destroyer guards a valuable substance called Eridium. Eridium was released onto Pandora following the Destroyer’s release but since the Vault Hunters were unaware of the substance’s importance, Pandora’s first Vault was initially considered a disappointment. 

The discovery of more Vaults increases the demand for Vault Hunters 

A few years after the events of the first game, a new group of Vault Hunters appear. These Vault Hunters are after the same Pandora Vault as Hyperion head honcho Handsome Jack, who wants to use the Vault for his own nefarious purposes. It turns out the second Vault houses another monster called the Warrior, only this one can be controlled by whoever holds the Vault Key used to open the Vault. After defeating the Warrior and Handsome Jack, the Vault Hunters and their friends discover the locations of various Vaults on different planets. Thus, the hunt for the great Vaults reignites, with more Vault Hunters than ever searching for them. 

Despite the high probability of death, many Vault Hunters choose their profession in hopes of striking it rich. Much like how a gold rush pushes miners to seek their fortune, so do Vaults motivate Vault Hunters. The rewards may not always be apparent but based on the Vaults that have been opened in the franchise thus far, each Vault holds something of value to those that raid them.