Borderlands 4 April 2025 Reveal: Key Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its highly anticipated Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details from their latest looter shooter. The showcase promised that the 2025 entry is the studio's most immersive and refined experience to date, with significant gameplay enhancements including new traversal abilities and revamped loot drop systems. Gearbox packed the 20-minute presentation with insights into the new mechanics and enhancements that elevate Borderlands 4 to new heights. Here are all the key highlights.

Each installment of the Borderlands series brings fresh traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. While we've had glimpses of the new tools in earlier showcases, the latest gameplay footage provided a more detailed look at what players can expect come September.

Vault hunters will now have access to a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing for shooting on the move or reaching distant ledges. A grappling hook adds versatility for both combat and exploration, complemented by a dash for those crucial last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a staple in Borderlands 4, with the ability to spawn them, including the new Digirunner, at any location enhancing player freedom and strategy.

Guns and Manufacturers

While previous showcases focused on Vault Hunter traversal, today's State of Play highlighted the gun manufacturers. Eight companies, including three new ones—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—will arm players on their adventures. Each new manufacturer brings unique weapon designs and abilities.

Borderlands 4 introduces the Licensed Parts System, a revolutionary change to gun mechanics. Weapons can now combine parts from different manufacturers, such as an assault rifle with Maliwan's elemental components, Torgue's ammo clip, and Hyperion's shield. Higher rarity weapons feature more parts, intensifying the thrill of hunting for the ultimate loot.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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The State of Play showcased two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who summons beings to aid in combat, and Rafa, an exosuit-wearing former Tediore soldier who crafts tools like Ark Knives to dismantle foes swiftly. The gameplay follows their journey through the frigid expanses of the Terminus Range on the planet Kairos, one of four zones to explore.

The narrative will blend familiar faces with new characters. Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap make a return, with hints at further exploration of Lilith's story. New additions include Rush, a towering armored figure, and Echo 4, a helpful robot that assists in scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.

Multiplayer

Gearbox has streamlined the co-op experience in Borderlands 4. An "improved lobby system" simplifies joining friends, while crossplay at launch ensures seamless multiplayer across platforms, with instanced loot and dynamic level scaling. Customization within parties is enhanced, allowing individual difficulty settings.

Split-screen couch co-op will be available from day one, alongside a feature enabling fast travel to friends, ensuring no one gets left behind.

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 set for a later release this year.

Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford clarified that the date change is not related to the anticipated release of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares to unveil additional details at their upcoming hands-on gameplay event in June.