Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, showcasing an impressive 20 minutes of new gameplay and detailed insights into what fans can expect from this highly anticipated looter shooter. The event kicked off with a bold statement: the 2025 release of Borderlands 4 is set to be Gearbox's most refined and immersive installment yet, featuring significant gameplay enhancements from new traversal abilities to an overhauled loot drop system. The 20-minute presentation was packed with exciting reveals about how Borderlands 4 elevates the series with innovative mechanics and enhanced features, and we're here to break down all the key highlights.
Movement Abilities ------------------Each Borderlands game introduces new ways to navigate the world, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. While previous showcases have teased some of the new traversal tools, the latest gameplay footage provided a clearer picture of what's in store. Vault hunters will now benefit from a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing for shooting on the go or reaching distant ledges. Additionally, a versatile grappling hook serves both combat and exploration needs, complemented by a dash ability for those crucial last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a staple, with players now able to summon their rides, including the new Digirunner, anywhere on the map.
Guns and Manufacturers
While earlier reveals focused on Vault Hunter traversal, today's State of Play put the spotlight on the game's gun manufacturers. Borderlands 4 features eight companies, introducing three new ones: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Each brings its unique flair to weapon design and functionality. The game also introduces the Licensed Parts System, allowing guns to combine parts from different manufacturers. Imagine an assault rifle with Maliwan's elemental components, a Torgue ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. The higher the rarity of the weapon, the more parts it can have, making the pursuit of top-tier loot even more thrilling.
Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots
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Story
The narrative of Borderlands 4 follows two new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier in an exosuit. Vex uses her Siren powers to summon allies in battle, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives to dismantle foes quickly. The gameplay showcased them battling through the cold expanses of the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.
The game continues the series' tradition of mixing familiar faces with new characters. Returning favorites like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap make appearances, with hints of more to come about Lilith. New additions include the imposing Rush and the helpful robot Echo 4, who will assist players throughout their journey by scanning environments, hacking, and guiding them to their next objectives.
Multiplayer
Borderlands 4 aims to enhance the multiplayer experience with streamlined co-op features. Gearbox has introduced an improved lobby system to make joining friends easier, along with crossplay at launch. Loot is instanced for each player, and dynamic level scaling ensures a seamless experience across different platforms.
Customization extends to difficulty settings, allowing each player in a party to set their own challenge level. Split-screen couch co-op returns at launch, and a new fast travel feature helps players quickly reunite with friends who may have strayed off course.
*Borderlands 4* also introduces a lower chance for Legendary loot drops, denser skill trees, and new gear options. Players can choose between quick revives and temporary combat buffs with Rep Kit gear, while Ordnances allow for customization of cooldown weapon slots with grenades or unique heavy weapons. Enhancements replace Artifacts, providing bonuses specific to certain manufacturers' guns.Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date by 11 days, now set for September 12 on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is planned for later in the year. Despite fan speculation, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford clarified that this change is unrelated to the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares for a hands-on gameplay event in June.
