Borderlands 4 April 2025 Reveal: All Announcements

Gearbox Software recently concluded its Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of fresh gameplay and insights into its much-anticipated looter shooter. This showcase promises that the 2025 installment of Borderlands will be the studio's most engaging and realistic yet, featuring significant gameplay overhauls from new traversal techniques to revamped loot systems. Gearbox packed the 20-minute presentation with exciting reveals about the enhanced mechanics and updated features, and we have all the key points detailed here.

Each Borderlands game introduces innovative traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. We've seen glimpses of the new tools players will use when the game launches this September, but the gameplay footage from today's State of Play gave us a more comprehensive look at what to expect.

Vault hunters can now utilize a Destiny-inspired midair hover, enabling them to shoot while in the air or reach distant platforms. A new grappling hook serves dual purposes for combat and exploration, and a dash ability allows for quick evasive maneuvers. 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 highlighted the new Vault Hunter traversal mechanics, today's State of Play focused heavily on the gun manufacturers. Eight companies will equip players for their adventure, with three new additions—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—introducing unique weaponry.

Borderlands 4 expands on its gun mechanics with the introduction of the Licensed Parts System. Guns can now be assembled from various parts from different manufacturers, allowing for combinations like 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 importance of the loot hunt.

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 her Siren abilities to summon creatures for combat, while Rafa crafts tools like Ark Knives to dismantle foes quickly. The gameplay features the duo navigating through cold, expansive arenas in the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.

Borderlands 4 continues the series' tradition of blending familiar faces with new characters. Notable returnees include Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, with hints of more information about Lilith. New additions include Rush, a towering armored figure, and Echo 4, a helpful robot that accompanies players, aiding in exploration by scanning environments, hacking, and guiding lost Vault Hunters to their next objective.

Multiplayer

Borderlands 4 enhances the multiplayer experience with streamlined co-op features. Gearbox has introduced "an improved lobby system," making it easier to connect with friends. Crossplay will be available at launch, with personalized loot and dynamic level scaling ensuring a smooth experience across platforms.

Customization extends to individual difficulty settings within parties, allowing for a tailored experience. Split-screen couch co-op will be available from day one, and a new feature enables players to fast travel to their friends if they get separated.

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 planned for later in the year.

Despite fan speculation, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford clarified that the release date shift has nothing to do with the long-awaited release of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates on Borderlands 4 as we approach Gearbox's upcoming hands-on gameplay event in June.