Check out the Borderlands 4 gameplay reveal – everything we now know

Gearbox has unveiled the first real look at Borderlands 4 gameplay during a dedicated State of Play stream hosted by Sony. Borderlands 4 is scheduled to release on 12th September 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with the release date moved up by two weeks.

Be sure to check out the gameplay deep dive, showcasing gameplay on the PS5 Pro.

Hosted by Creative Director Graeme Timms and Senior Project Producer Anthony Nicholson, the gameplay deep dive provided a detailed look at the missions, weapons, characters, and Action Skills in Borderlands 4.

Borderlands 4 Setting and Story

Borderlands 4 transports players to the planet Kairos, ruled by the tyrannical Timekeeper and their synthetic army, the Order. As a Vault Hunter, players will embark on a quest for alien treasures, racing against time to beat the Timekeeper.

Set after the rogue moon from Pandora is teleported to Kairos, the planet faces chaos as the Timekeeper’s control wanes, leading to a rebellion among the populace.

Campaign & Co-op

Borderlands 4 introduces a new lobby system for full cross-play between platforms, bringing back local split-screen and independent difficulty levels for each player. The game also offers full mission and boss replay for added gameplay flexibility.

World Activities

Players can explore the vast open worlds of Borderlands 4, such as the frigid Terminus Range, complete with dynamic weather effects and events. Missions involve hacking silos, uncovering secrets, and unlocking high-level dungeons for top-tier loot.

New Vault Hunters

Two new Vault Hunters, Vex and Rafa, bring unique abilities to the game, each with three customizable Action Skills. Players can further tweak their skills using Cap Stones and passive Traits for added depth.

Weapons

Borderlands 4 features weapons from eight manufacturers, including new ones like Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Players can customize weapons with Licensed Parts for more control over their performance. Enhanced gear boosts weapon stats and introduces a separate slot for heavy Ordinance weapons.

Looting

Improved looting mechanics in Borderlands 4 offer more rewarding loot from crates, with Legendary weapons being less common for a more special feel. Loot is instanced for each player, ensuring fair distribution.

Movement and Combat

New movement abilities like glide, double jump, and dash enhance exploration and combat in Borderlands 4. Players can utilize vehicles like the Digi Runner hover vehicle for added mobility and offensive capabilities. Fast travel options are available for easy navigation.

Borderlands 4 promises an exciting gameplay experience with its dynamic world, diverse characters, and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the game’s release in September!