Borderlands 4 April 2025 State of Play: All Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details for the eagerly awaited looter shooter. The showcase promised that the 2025 installment is the studio's most grounded and ambitious entry yet, introducing significant gameplay enhancements from new traversal abilities to revised loot drop formulas. Gearbox packed the 20-minute presentation with insights into how Borderlands 4 elevates the series with fresh mechanics and revamped features, and we're here to break down all the highlights.

Each Borderlands game traditionally refines its movement mechanics, and Borderlands 4 continues this trend. The gameplay footage showcased innovative traversal tools that players will wield upon the game's release this September. Vault hunters now benefit from a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing them to shoot while airborne or access distant ledges. Additionally, a grappling hook enhances both combat and exploration capabilities, while a new dash feature enables last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a staple in Borderlands 4, with players gaining the ability to spawn them, including the new Digirunner, at any desired location.

Guns and Manufacturers

While previous showcases introduced Vault Hunter movement mechanics, the recent State of Play emphasized the gun manufacturers. Borderlands 4 introduces eight companies, including three new ones: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus, each contributing unique weapon designs and abilities. The game further innovates with the Licensed Parts System, allowing guns to incorporate parts from various manufacturers. This means players could encounter an assault rifle with Maliwan's elemental components, a Torgue-made ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons boast more parts, intensifying the thrill of hunting for top-tier loot.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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The Borderlands 4 State of Play centers on two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier equipped with an exosuit. Vex leverages her Siren powers to summon allies in combat, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives for rapid enemy takedowns. The showcased gameplay follows the duo through the cold, expansive arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.

The narrative will blend familiar faces with fresh characters. Returning figures include Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, with hints of Lilith's deeper involvement. Newcomers include Rush, a formidable armored figure, and Echo 4, a helpful robot that will accompany players throughout Borderlands 4. Echo 4 aids in exploration by scanning environments, hacking systems, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 aims to enhance the co-op experience with a streamlined process. Gearbox introduces "an improved lobby system" to facilitate quick connections with friends. Crossplay will be available from launch, ensuring instanced loot and dynamic level scaling across platforms. Players can also set individual difficulty levels within their parties, making co-op more inclusive.

Additional multiplayer features include split-screen couch co-op at launch and a fast travel system to rejoin friends if someone gets lost. Borderlands 4 also boasts a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, expanded skill trees, and new gear options. Rep Kit gear offers choices between quick revives and combat buffs, while Ordnances allow players to equip either grenades or unique heavy weapons. Enhancements replace Artifacts, providing bonuses to guns from specific manufacturers.

Borderlands 4 recently advanced its release date by 11 days, moving 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 clarified that this adjustment is unrelated to the anticipated release of Take-Two Interactive's Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares to unveil additional gameplay details at an upcoming hands-on event in June.