Borderlands 4 April 2025 Reveal: Key Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its exciting Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of new gameplay and details for this eagerly awaited looter shooter. The presentation dives straight into the action, asserting that this 2025 installment is the studio's most refined and immersive yet, featuring significant gameplay enhancements from new traversal abilities to a revamped loot drop system. The 20-minute showcase was packed with insights into how Borderlands 4 elevates its mechanics and refreshes beloved features, and we've compiled all the key highlights for you.

Each Borderlands game brings fresh traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. We've glimpsed some of the new tools players will have at their disposal when the game launches this September, but the latest gameplay footage provides a more detailed preview.

Vault hunters can now utilize a midair hover reminiscent of Destiny, allowing for airborne shooting and access to distant ledges. A grappling hook enhances both combat and exploration, while a dash ability enables last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a crucial element in Borderlands 4, with players now able to spawn their rides, including the new Digirunner, anywhere they choose.

Guns and Manufacturers

While previous showcases introduced the new Vault Hunter traversal mechanics, today's State of Play spotlighted the gun manufacturers. Eight companies will equip players on their adventure, including three newcomers: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus, each bringing unique weapon designs and abilities.

Borderlands 4 introduces the Licensed Parts System, revolutionizing gun mechanics. Now, weapons can incorporate parts from various manufacturers, such as an assault rifle with Maliwan's elemental components, Torgue's ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons boast more parts, intensifying the thrill of hunting for exceptional loot.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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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 abilities to summon allies in battle, whereas Rafa constructs tools like Ark Knives to dismantle foes swiftly. The showcased gameplay features the duo navigating the cold, expansive arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.

The narrative continues the series' tradition of blending familiar and new characters. Returning figures like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap make appearances, with hints of more to come about Lilith. New additions include the imposing, armored Rush and the helpful robot Echo 4. Echo 4 will accompany players throughout Borderlands 4, assisting with scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their objectives.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 enhances the multiplayer experience with streamlined co-op features. Gearbox introduces "an improved lobby system" to facilitate quick connections with friends. Crossplay will be available from launch, ensuring loot remains instanced for each player and dynamic level scaling allows for seamless play across different platforms.

Customization extends to individual difficulty settings within parties, enhancing the co-op experience. Split-screen couch co-op will be available at launch, along with a feature enabling fast travel to reconnect with friends if someone gets lost.

Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S by 11 days, now set for September 12 instead of September 23. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is slated for release later in the year, though the exact date remains unspecified.

Despite fan speculation, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford clarified that the release date adjustment is not related to the anticipated launch of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates on Borderlands 4, including an upcoming hands-on gameplay event scheduled for June.