In New Tales From the Borderlands, Vaultlanders are a notable addition to the collectible content, taking the form of figurines that represent various characters from the expansive Borderlands universe. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their characteristics and purpose within the game.

Details about Vaultlanders:

1. Quantity and Accessibility:
– There are a total of 16 Vaultlanders that players can discover throughout the main game. Additional Vaultlanders can be obtained through the SHiFT program or as rewards for pre-orders, enhancing the collectible experience.

2. Finding Vaultlanders:
– Players must explore specific episodes and locations to locate these collectibles. The process of finding them often involves free-roaming to examine areas for hidden items, sometimes tucked away under debris or requiring certain conditions to be met. For instance, certain Vaultlanders might become available after significant story moments or by achieving particular relationship milestones with other characters by the game’s end.

3. Purpose and Functionality:
– The primary purpose of Vaultlanders extends beyond mere collection; they serve as fan service, showcasing beloved characters from the franchise. Players who enjoy thorough exploration and interacting with the game’s narrative will find collecting these items rewarding.
– Acquiring all Vaultlanders unlocks a specific achievement/trophy, thus providing a completionist objective. This reward system incentivizes players to engage deeply with the game, rewarding them for their exploration efforts.

4. Comparison to Previous Titles:
– Unlike collectibles from older Borderlands games, such as Vault Symbols or Lost ECHOs, which often contributed to gameplay statistics like Badass Ranks or provided rich lore, Vaultlanders in New Tales From the Borderlands are more focused on collection and achievements without directly impacting gameplay mechanics or player progression. This shift highlights a different approach to collectibles in this title, prioritizing fan engagement and completionist ambitions.

Summary:
To summarize, Vaultlanders in New Tales From the Borderlands enrich the game experience through exploration and collectibles, emphasizing fan engagement and the allure of achievement without altering gameplay mechanics directly. Collecting these figurines is a nod to the community and a way for players to connect with the Borderlands universe in a more intimate manner.