Gearbox Software recently concluded its highly anticipated Borderlands 4 State of Play, unveiling 20 minutes of fresh gameplay and insightful details about the eagerly awaited looter shooter. The presentation dives straight into the action, emphasizing that the 2025 installment marks Gearbox’s most grounded and impressive offering yet. Players can expect significant gameplay innovations, ranging from enhanced traversal mechanics to revamped loot systems.

The 20-minute showcase was packed with revelations about how Borderlands 4 elevates the series, showcasing new mechanics and refreshing classic features. Here’s everything you need to know.

Movement Abilities

Each Borderlands title introduces innovative traversal mechanics, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. During the State of Play, players caught a glimpse of the new mobility tools that will be available when the game releases in September.

Vault Hunters can now enjoy a mid-air hover reminiscent of Destiny, allowing them to shoot while airborne or access distant ledges. Additionally, a grappling hook offers versatility for both combat and exploration, complemented by a dash mechanic for quick evasive maneuvers. Vehicles remain a core element, with new features like the ability to spawn the Digirunner and other rides anywhere on the map.

Guns and Manufacturers

Previous previews teased some of the new Vault Hunter traversal tools, but today’s showcase highlighted the gun manufacturers driving the action. Eight companies are providing weapons this time around, introducing three newcomers: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Each brings unique weapon designs and abilities to the table.

Borderlands 4 takes gun mechanics to the next level with the introduction of the Licensed Parts System. Weapons can now incorporate components from various manufacturers, such as elemental parts from Maliwan, ammo clips from Torgue, and shields from Hyperion. Higher rarity weapons boast more diverse parts, amplifying the thrill of hunting down rare loot.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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Story

The State of Play followed two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who wields Siren abilities to summon allies in battle, and Rafa, an exosuit-wearing former Tediore soldier who crafts tools like Ark Knives to dismantle enemies. The duo traversed the frigid Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos.

Players will encounter familiar faces like Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, along with new characters such as Rush, a towering armored individual, and Echo 4, a helpful robot companion. Echo 4 assists players by scanning environments, hacking obstacles, and guiding Vault Hunters toward objectives.

Multiplayer

Gearbox has streamlined the co-op experience in Borderlands 4. The improved lobby system makes joining friends effortless, and crossplay will be available at launch. Loot is instanced for each player, ensuring fairness across platforms, while dynamic level scaling ensures compatibility among players of varying strengths.

Customization extends to difficulty settings, allowing each player to tailor their experience independently. Couch co-op and fast travel options ensure seamless teamwork, even when players lose track of each other.

Additional Features

Borderlands 4 introduces several new features, including a lower chance for Legendary loot drops, dense skill trees, and innovative mechanics. Rep Kit gear offers choices between quick revives and temporary buffs, while Ordnances allow players to fill cooldown slots with grenades or heavy weapons. Enhancements replace Artifacts, granting bonuses tied to specific manufacturers.

Release Date Update

Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date to September 12, 11 days earlier than initially planned. The game will launch on PC (via the Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A Nintendo Switch version is expected later this year. Despite fan speculation, Gearbox confirmed this change is unrelated to the rumored release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Stay tuned for more updates as Gearbox prepares for its hands-on gameplay event in June.