Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, showcasing 20 minutes of new gameplay and details from the eagerly awaited looter shooter. The presentation dives straight into the action, promising that the 2025 release will be the studio’s most immersive and grounded experience yet, featuring significant gameplay innovations. From new traversal abilities to revamped loot drop mechanics, Gearbox packed the 20-minute showcase with insights on how Borderlands 4 elevates the series with fresh mechanics and enhanced features. Here are all the key highlights.
Movement Abilities ------------------Each Borderlands game refreshes its traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. We've seen glimpses of the new tools for players in previous previews, but the latest gameplay footage provides a more detailed look at what's in store.
Vault hunters now have a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing them to shoot while airborne or reach distant ledges. A grappling hook adds versatility for both combat and exploration, and a new dash feature enables last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a core element in Borderlands 4, with the ability to spawn rides, including the new Digirunner, at any location.
Guns and Manufacturers
While previous showcases focused on Vault Hunter traversal, today’s State of Play spotlighted the gun manufacturers. Eight companies, including three new ones—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—will arm players in this adventure.
Each manufacturer brings unique weapon designs and abilities to the table. Borderlands 4 introduces the Licensed Parts System, allowing guns to be composed of parts from various manufacturers. You might find an assault rifle with elemental components from Maliwan, an ammo clip from Torgue, and a shield from Hyperion. Higher rarity weapons feature more parts, intensifying the hunt for exceptional loot.
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 her Siren abilities to summon allies in battle, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives to swiftly dismantle foes. The gameplay takes place in the cold, expansive arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.
Borderlands 4 continues the series' tradition of blending old and new characters. Familiar faces like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap make appearances, with hints of more to come about Lilith. New characters include the imposing armored figure Rush and the helpful robot Echo 4, who will assist players throughout the game by scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.
Multiplayer
Borderlands 4 enhances the multiplayer experience with streamlined co-op processes. Gearbox introduces "an improved lobby system," making it easier to join friends instantly. Crossplay will be available at launch, with instanced loot and dynamic level scaling ensuring seamless play across platforms.
Customization extends to individual difficulty settings within parties, and split-screen couch co-op will be available from day one. A new feature allows players to fast travel to their friends, simplifying group navigation.
Borderlands 4 also introduces a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, expansive new skill trees, and various new features. Rep Kit gear lets players choose between a quick revive or a temporary combat buff, while Ordnances allow filling a cooldown weapons slot with either grenades or unique heavy weapons. 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 confirms that the date change is unrelated to Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. More details about Borderlands 4 are expected as Gearbox prepares for its upcoming hands-on gameplay event in June.
