Borderlands 4 gameplay showcase during the April 30, 2025, PlayStation State of Play revealed a refined looter shooter experience, addressing Borderlands 3’s loot issues and introducing dynamic combat systems. Set for release on September 12, 2025, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and later on Nintendo Switch 2, the game promises a satisfying loot chase and innovative mechanics on the new planet Kairos. Here’s a breakdown of the key loot and combat updates.
Revamped Loot System for a Rewarding Grind
Gearbox has tackled Borderlands 3’s oversaturated legendary drops by making loot rarity matter again in Borderlands 4. Legendary weapons are now rarer but more powerful, ensuring each drop feels special. The new Licensed Parts system allows guns to combine traits from multiple manufacturers, like Maliwan’s elemental effects with Torgue’s explosive ammo, creating unprecedented weapon variety. Dedicated drops from minibosses and major encounters guarantee rewarding fights, while Moxxi’s Big Encore Machine lets players replay missions and bosses for specific loot without save-quit grinding, enhancing the loot chase.
Dynamic Combat and Movement Mechanics
Borderlands 4 Gameplay introduces fluid combat with new traversal tools like double jumping, gliding, dodging, and grappling hooks, allowing players to engage enemies from every angle. The game features eight weapon manufacturers, including three new ones—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—each with unique traits. Active Skills for the four Vault Hunters, such as Vex the Siren’s minion summoning and Rafa the Exo-Soldier’s weapon-digistructing exosuit, offer diverse playstyles with branching skill trees. These mechanics, paired with a seamless Kairos world, make combat fast-paced and strategic, perfect for solo or co-op play with up to four players.