Gearbox Software recently unveiled a wealth of exciting new details and gameplay footage for Borderlands 4 during their State of Play presentation. Clocking in at 20 minutes, the showcase provided fans with a comprehensive look at what to expect from this highly anticipated looter shooter, set for release in 2025. Gearbox claims that this latest installment will be their most immersive and refined yet, featuring significant gameplay enhancements, including new traversal mechanics and an evolved loot system.
Movement Abilities ------------------Each new entry in the Borderlands series brings fresh ways to navigate the game world, and Borderlands 4 is no exception. The recent gameplay footage showcased several innovative traversal tools that players will be able to use when the game launches in September. One standout feature is a Destiny-inspired midair hover, allowing players to shoot while in the air or reach distant ledges. Additionally, a versatile grappling hook enhances both combat and exploration, while a quick dash ability enables last-second evasions. Vehicles remain a key element, with players now able to spawn their rides, including the new Digirunner, at their convenience.
Guns and Manufacturers
While previous showcases highlighted Vault Hunter traversal mechanics, today’s State of Play focused on the game’s diverse arsenal. Borderlands 4 introduces three new weapon manufacturers—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—bringing the total to eight. Each manufacturer brings unique weapon designs and abilities to the table. A groundbreaking Licensed Parts System allows guns to be assembled from various parts sourced from different manufacturers, such as an assault rifle with Maliwan elemental components, a Torgue ammo clip, and a Hyperion shield. Higher rarity weapons will feature more parts, intensifying the thrill of hunting for top-tier loot.
Borderlands 4 State of Play Gameplay Screenshots

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Story
The narrative of Borderlands 4 centers on two Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, who can summon beings to aid in combat, and Rafa, a former Tediore soldier equipped with an exosuit and tools like Ark Knives for rapid enemy dismantling. The showcased gameplay takes place in the cold, expansive arenas of the Terminus Range, one of four zones on the planet Kairos. The game continues the series' tradition of blending familiar faces with new characters, including the likes of Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and Claptrap, alongside hints about Lilith. New additions include the imposing armored figure Rush and the utility robot Echo 4, which will assist players throughout their journey by scanning environments, hacking, and guiding them to objectives.
Multiplayer
Co-op enthusiasts will appreciate the streamlined multiplayer features in Borderlands 4. Gearbox has introduced an enhanced lobby system to make joining friends easier, with crossplay available at launch. All loot will be instanced per player, and dynamic level scaling ensures seamless play across different platforms. Customization options extend to individual difficulty settings within parties, while split-screen couch co-op and fast travel to friends enhance the social experience.
Additional features include a reduced chance for Legendary loot drops, denser skill trees, and new gear options like Rep Kits for choosing between quick revives and combat buffs, Ordnances for selecting grenades or heavy weapons, and Enhancements that replace Artifacts with manufacturer-specific gun bonuses.
Originally slated for September 23, Borderlands 4 has moved up its release date 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 a later release this year. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has clarified that this date change is unrelated to the anticipated launch of Take-Two Interactive’s Grand Theft Auto 6. Fans can look forward to more insights as Gearbox gears up for a hands-on gameplay event in June.