Borderlands 4 reveal: Key details unveiled

Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play event, showcasing 20 minutes of fresh gameplay footage alongside exciting new details about the upcoming looter shooter.

The presentation immediately dives into action, positioning Borderlands 4's 2025 release as the studio's most refined and ambitious entry yet. Significant gameplay innovations range from enhanced movement mechanics to revamped loot systems, with the showcase packed full of reveals about how Borderlands 4 evolves its signature formula.

Enhanced Movement Options

Each Borderlands installment brings new traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 continues this tradition. While previous previews teased mobility upgrades, today's footage provides a clearer look at upcoming features – including a Destiny-inspired midair hover for combat flexibility and ledge traversal, a grappling hook for both combat and exploration, and an evasive dash maneuver. Vehicles remain integral to gameplay, now with the added convenience of summoning rides like the new Digirunner anywhere on demand.

Expanded Arsenal & Manufacturers

While movement updates dominated earlier previews, today's State of Play spotlighted Borderlands' iconic gunplay. Eight weapon manufacturers will appear in Borderlands 4, introducing three newcomers: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. These join returning favorites, each offering distinct weapon aesthetics and functionalities.

Borderlands 4 innovates further with its Licensed Parts System – firearms can now combine components from different manufacturers, enabling hybrid creations like Maliwan-powered elemental assault rifles with Torgue magazines and Hyperion shields. Higher-tier weapons accommodate more parts, elevating the loot hunt's importance.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Screenshots

New Characters & Story Setting

The presentation followed two new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who summons spectral allies, and Rafa, an ex-Tediore soldier specializing in modular weaponry. Their journey unfolds across Kairos' Terminus Range, one of four explorable zones featuring expansive frozen battlegrounds. Familiar faces like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap return alongside fresh characters including the hulking Rush and utility-focused companion bot Echo 4, which assists with navigation, scanning, and hacking.

Co-op Improvements

Borderlands 4 streamlines multiplayer with a refined lobby system and instant join functionality. Crossplay enables seamless platform co-op, featuring instanced loot and dynamic level scaling for balanced play. Party customization extends to individualized difficulty settings, while local split-screen and quick teammate teleportation enhance accessibility.

Further depth arrives via reduced Legendary drop rates, expanded skill trees, and revamped gear systems: Rep Kits offer revival/combat boosts, Ordnances replace grenades with heavy weaponry, and manufacturer-specific Enhancements supersede Artifacts.

Borderlands 4's release has moved forward from September 23 to September 12 on PC (Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A Nintendo Switch 2 version arrives later in 2025. Gearbox confirms the date change isn't related to Grand Theft Auto 6's release, with more hands-on previews expected this June.