Borderlands 4 April 2025: All Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details for the eagerly awaited looter shooter. The showcase promises that the 2025 installment will be the studio's most engaging and grounded adventure yet, with significant gameplay enhancements ranging from new traversal abilities to innovative loot drop mechanics. The 20-minute presentation was packed with insights into how Borderlands 4 elevates the series with fresh mechanics and enhanced features, and we've compiled all the key highlights for you.

Each Borderlands game introduces new ways to navigate the world, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. The recent gameplay footage offers a more detailed look at the upcoming traversal mechanics set to launch in September. Vault Hunters can now utilize a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing them to shoot while airborne or reach distant ledges. Additionally, a grappling hook serves dual purposes for combat and exploration, and a dash ability aids in those critical last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a crucial part of the Borderlands experience, with the new Digirunner model giving players the ability to spawn their ride anywhere on the map.

Guns and Manufacturers

While previous showcases focused on Vault Hunter traversal, the State of Play spotlighted the gun manufacturers. Borderlands 4 introduces eight companies, including three new ones: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus, each bringing unique weapon designs and abilities to the game. A groundbreaking feature, the Licensed Parts System, allows weapons to be composed of parts from various manufacturers. For example, you might find an assault rifle with elemental components from Maliwan, a Torgue-made ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. As weapon rarity increases, so does the number of parts, making the pursuit of high-value loot drops more thrilling than ever.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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The Borderlands 4 State of Play follows the adventures of two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier in an exosuit. Vex harnesses her Siren powers to summon allies in combat, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives for swift enemy takedowns. The gameplay showcases the duo navigating the cold, expansive arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four explorable zones on the planet Kairos.

Borderlands 4 continues the series' tradition of blending familiar faces with new characters. Returning figures like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap make appearances, with hints of more to come about Lilith. New additions include the towering, armored Rush and the helpful robot Echo 4, who will accompany players throughout the game, assisting with exploration through scanning, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 enhances the multiplayer experience with streamlined co-op features. Gearbox has introduced an "improved lobby system" to facilitate quick connections with friends. Crossplay will be available at launch, ensuring seamless play across different platforms, with instanced loot and dynamic level scaling for flexible gameplay. Players can also customize their party experience, as each member can set their own difficulty level independently. Split-screen couch co-op and a fast travel feature to join friends instantly further enhance the cooperative play.

Borderlands 4 also introduces a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, expanded skill trees, and a host of new features. Players can choose between a quick revive and a temporary combat buff with Rep Kit gear, while Ordnances offer a choice between grenades and unique heavy weapons in a cooldown slot. Enhancements replace Artifacts, granting bonuses to guns from specific manufacturers.

The release date for Borderlands 4 on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S has been moved up by 11 days from September 23 to September 12. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a later release this year.

Despite fan speculation, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford clarified that the date change is unrelated to the anticipated release of Take-Two Interactive's Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more information as Gearbox prepares to unveil further details at an upcoming hands-on gameplay event in June.