Gearbox Software has just concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details for the much-anticipated looter shooter. The presentation dives straight into the action, promising that the 2025 installment is the studio’s most immersive and grounded experience yet, with significant gameplay enhancements ranging from new traversal abilities to changes in the loot drop system. Gearbox packed the 20-minute showcase with insights into how Borderlands 4 elevates the franchise with fresh mechanics and updated features. Here are the key highlights:
Movement Abilities ------------------Each Borderlands game brings new ways to navigate its worlds, and Borderlands 4 continues this tradition. The gameplay footage revealed a variety of new traversal tools that players can expect when the game launches in September. Vault hunters now have a Destiny-like midair hover, enabling them to shoot while in the air or reach distant ledges. Additionally, a grappling hook enhances both combat and exploration capabilities, while a dash mechanic allows for last-second evasive maneuvers. Vehicles remain a staple of the series, and in Borderlands 4, players can spawn their rides, including the new Digirunner, at any location.
Guns and Manufacturers
While previous showcases focused on Vault Hunter traversal mechanics, the State of Play spotlighted the gun manufacturers. With eight companies supplying the weaponry, including three new ones—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—Borderlands 4 introduces innovative weapon designs and abilities. A groundbreaking addition is the Licensed Parts System, where guns can incorporate parts from various manufacturers. For example, an assault rifle might feature elemental components from Maliwan, a Torgue-made ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons will include more parts, heightening the excitement of loot hunting.
Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots
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Story
The Borderlands 4 State of Play follows two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier in an exosuit. Vex uses Siren abilities to summon allies in battle, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives to swiftly dismantle foes. The showcased gameplay features the duo navigating through the cold, open arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four explorable zones on the planet Kairos.
Borderlands 4 continues the series' tradition of blending familiar and new characters. Today's State of Play included appearances by Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, with hints about more information on Lilith. New additions include Rush, a towering armored figure, and Echo 4, a helpful robot that will accompany players throughout the game, assisting with scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.
Multiplayer
Gearbox aims to enhance the co-op experience in Borderlands 4 with a streamlined lobby system, making it easier to join friends quickly. Crossplay will be available from launch, with all loot instanced for each player and dynamic level scaling ensuring compatibility across platforms. Players can now set individual difficulty settings within their groups, and split-screen couch co-op will be available at launch, complemented by a fast travel feature to quickly reunite with friends.
Borderlands 4 also introduces a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, new dense skill trees, and additional features. Players can choose between quick revives and temporary combat buffs with Rep Kit gear, and fill a cooldown weapons slot with either grenades or unique heavy weapons called Ordnances. Enhancements replace Artifacts, offering bonuses to guns from specific manufacturers.
Borderlands 4 has moved its release date forward by 11 days, from September 23 to September 12, for PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is slated for release later in the year. Despite fan speculation, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford clarified that this adjustment is unrelated to the awaited release of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more information as Gearbox prepares for an upcoming hands-on gameplay event in June.
