Gearbox Software has just concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, delivering an exclusive 20-minute gameplay showcase packed with fresh details and exciting updates from the upcoming entry in the beloved looter-shooter franchise.
The presentation dives straight into action, confirming that Borderlands 4, set to launch in 2025, is being positioned as the most refined and grounded installment yet. With a host of major gameplay enhancements, including revamped traversal mechanics and updated loot systems, Gearbox promises a more immersive and dynamic experience for Vault Hunters both new and returning.
Movement Abilities ------------------Traversal has always been a key element in the Borderlands series, and Borderlands 4 continues this tradition with some notable additions. The latest gameplay footage reveals a range of new movement tools designed to enhance both combat and exploration.
Vault Hunters will now have access to a mid-air hover mechanic, reminiscent of those seen in Destiny, allowing players to remain airborne longer for sustained fire or reaching distant platforms. A grappling hook also makes its debut, offering both tactical and exploratory advantages. Additionally, a quick-dash maneuver provides last-second evasive capabilities during intense encounters. Vehicles remain a staple of the Borderlands experience, and this time around, players can summon their rides—including the brand-new Digirunner—virtually anywhere on the map.
Guns and Manufacturers
While previous showcases offered glimpses into the game's traversal mechanics, today’s event put the spotlight squarely on firearms and manufacturers. In Borderlands 4, players will encounter a total of eight weapon manufacturers, three of which are newcomers: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Each brings unique design philosophies and specializations to the table.
What sets Borderlands 4 apart is the introduction of the Licensed Parts System, a groundbreaking approach to weapon customization. Now, guns can be assembled using components from multiple manufacturers. For example, you might find an assault rifle featuring Maliwan elemental tech, a Torgue ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons contain even more modular parts, making high-tier loot drops more valuable than ever.
Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots
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Story
This latest gameplay segment follows two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who wields her mystical powers to summon battle companions, and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier equipped with an exosuit that lets him craft tools like Ark Knives on the fly. The demo takes them through icy, open combat zones in the Terminus Range, one of four expansive regions available on the planet Kairos.
As expected, Borderlands 4 brings back fan-favorite characters such as Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and the ever-annoying but indispensable Claptrap. There are also hints about a deeper storyline involving Lilith, keeping longtime fans engaged. New faces include the towering armored figure Rush and the helpful robotic companion Echo 4, who assists players by scanning environments, hacking terminals, and guiding hunters toward objectives.
Multiplayer
Gearbox has made significant strides in improving the co-op experience for Borderlands 4. Thanks to an enhanced lobby system, joining friends is faster and more intuitive. Crossplay support will be live at launch, ensuring seamless multiplayer across all platforms. Each player receives individual loot drops, and dynamic level scaling ensures balanced play regardless of party members’ progression levels.
Party customization is also more flexible, with options for individual difficulty settings, allowing each player to tailor their experience. Couch co-op returns via split-screen mode, and a new fast-travel feature enables players to instantly locate lost teammates.
The game also introduces a **reduced Legendary loot drop rate**, encouraging meaningful engagement with enemies and exploration. Deepened skill trees, along with the new **Rep Kit** system—which allows players to choose between a quick revive or a temporary combat boost—add strategic depth. **Ordnances** replace grenade mods, letting players select either standard explosives or powerful cooldown-based heavy weapons. Finally, **Enhancements** take over from Artifacts, granting bonus effects for weapons manufactured by specific brands.Mark your calendars: Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date, launching PC (Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S versions on September 12, 2025—originally scheduled for September 23. A version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is also in development, though its release window remains unspecified.
Despite rumors linking the date shift to the anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 launch, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford confirmed there is no connection between the two releases. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares to unveil further details ahead of its hands-on gameplay event in June.
