Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details from its eagerly awaited looter shooter. The presentation dives straight into the action, promising that the 2025 installment is the studio's most immersive and grounded yet, with significant gameplay changes including new traversal abilities and adjustments to the loot drop system. Gearbox packed the 20-minute showcase with insights into how Borderlands 4 elevates the experience with new mechanics and revitalized features. Here's a rundown of the key highlights.

Movement Abilities

Every Borderlands game refreshes its traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. We've had glimpses of the new tools players will wield when the game launches in September, but the gameplay footage showcased today offered a more comprehensive view.

Vault hunters can now utilize a midair hover reminiscent of Destiny, allowing them to shoot while airborne or reach distant ledges. A grappling hook adds versatility for both combat and exploration, while a dash feature enables last-second dodges. Vehicles remain a pivotal element in Borderlands 4, with the new Digirunner now spawnable at players' convenience.

Guns and Manufacturers

While previous showcases highlighted Vault Hunter traversal, today's State of Play spotlighted the gun manufacturers. Eight companies, including three newcomers—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—will supply players with fresh weaponry.

Each new manufacturer brings unique designs and abilities. Borderlands 4 introduces the Licensed Parts System, allowing guns to be composed of parts from different manufacturers. Imagine an assault rifle with Maliwan's elemental components, Torgue's ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons feature more parts, intensifying the quest for epic loot drops.

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 powers to summon allies in battle, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives for quick combat. The duo navigates cold, expansive arenas in the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.

The game continues the series' tradition of blending familiar and new characters. Returning figures like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap appear, alongside hints of more about Lilith. New additions include Rush, a towering armored figure, and Echo 4, a robot companion aiding in exploration, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 aims to enhance the co-op experience with a streamlined lobby system and instant friend joining. Crossplay will be available at launch, with instanced loot and dynamic level scaling ensuring a seamless multiplayer experience across platforms.

Customization extends to individual difficulty settings within parties, and split-screen couch co-op will be available from the start. Players can also fast travel to join friends if someone gets lost.

Borderlands 4 introduces a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, denser skill trees, and more. Players can choose between quick revives and temporary combat buffs with Rep Kit gear, while Ordnances allow them to equip either grenades or unique heavy weapons in a cooldown slot. Enhancements replace Artifacts, granting bonuses to guns from specific manufacturers.

Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date 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 later in the year.

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