Borderlands 4 April 2025 Reveal: Key Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, showcasing 20 minutes of new gameplay and details for their eagerly awaited looter shooter. This presentation dove straight into the action, promising that the 2025 release of Borderlands 4 will be Gearbox's most immersive and refined game to date, with significant gameplay enhancements. From new traversal mechanics to revised loot drop systems, Gearbox packed the 20-minute showcase with insights into how Borderlands 4 is raising the bar. Here are the key takeaways from the event.

Each installment in the Borderlands series introduces novel traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. While previous previews hinted at new tools for players, today's gameplay footage offered a detailed glimpse into what's in store.

Vault hunters in Borderlands 4 can now utilize a midair hover feature, reminiscent of Destiny, enabling them to shoot while in the air or reach distant ledges. Additionally, a grappling hook enhances both combat and exploration, and a new dash ability aids in those crucial last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a core element, with the ability to spawn rides, including the new Digirunner, anywhere on the map.

Guns and Manufacturers

While earlier showcases focused on Vault Hunter traversal, the State of Play spotlighted the game's gun manufacturers. Borderlands 4 introduces eight companies, including three new ones: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus, each bringing unique weapon designs and abilities to the table.

The game also introduces the Licensed Parts System, revolutionizing gun mechanics. Now, weapons can be assembled from various parts made by different manufacturers. For example, you might find an assault rifle with elemental components from Maliwan, an ammo clip from Torgue, and a shield from Hyperion. This system makes higher rarity weapons even more coveted, as they contain more parts.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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

Borderlands 4 continues the series' tradition of blending familiar faces with new characters. Returning figures include Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, with hints of deeper lore about Lilith. New additions include Rush, a towering armored figure, and Echo 4, a helpful robot that assists players by scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 enhances the co-op experience with a streamlined lobby system, making it easier to connect with friends. Crossplay will be supported at launch, with individual loot instances and dynamic level scaling ensuring a smooth multiplayer experience across platforms.

Customization extends to party settings, allowing each player to set their own difficulty level. Split-screen couch co-op will be available at launch, and a new feature lets players fast travel to their friends if they get separated.

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 expected later in the year.

Despite fan speculation, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford clarified that the date change is not related to the release of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares for a hands-on gameplay event in June.