Borderlands 4 just took center stage during a special State of Play event, giving fans a deeper look at what’s coming. The extended gameplay footage showed off two new Vault Hunters, explosive combat, and the mysterious new planet Kairos. The event also highlighted new loot systems, gear upgrades, and fast-paced co-op for up to four players.
We first covered the Borderlands 4 reveal back at The Game Awards in December 2024, and this new showcase builds on that excitement. No matter where you plan to play—PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, or Switch 2—there’s a lot to unpack. Borderlands 4 launches September 12, 2025, and today’s showcase offered the most detailed look at the game so far. Here’s everything you need to know from the deep dive—starting with the two new Vault Hunters leading the charge.
Borderlands 4 details
Platform(s): Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC
Developer(s): Gearbox Software
Publisher(s): 2K
Genre: First-person shooter, action role-playing
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: Not yet rated
Vault Hunters Vex and Rafa show off new skills
The State of Play gave us a first look at two of the four new Vault Hunters featured in Borderlands 4. Vex is a Siren who can conjure spectral minions and empower herself with elemental phase energy. Rafa, a former Tediore soldier, uses a high-tech exo-suit to digistruct weapons and overwhelm enemies with firepower.
Each Vault Hunter offers three customizable Action Skills and a branching skill tree with passive upgrades and capstone abilities. Vex’s unique Trait syncs her powers to the element of the weapon she’s holding, adding versatility in combat. Rafa’s build focuses more on durability and output, turning him into a walking armory during larger encounters.
The new skill system allows for deeper build experimentation than ever before, supporting a wide range of playstyles. Movement options also expand, with gliding, dashing, double-jumping, and grappling giving you more flexibility in battle. Everything shown pointed to a faster, more expressive combat experience built for both solo and co-op play.
Kairos brings a connected world full of factions and chaos
Borderlands 4 takes place on Kairos, a war-torn planet ruled for centuries by a tyrant called the Timekeeper. This villain controls the population using cybernetic implants called Bolts and an army of synthetic soldiers known as The Order. A rogue moon shattered Kairos’ veil six years ago, triggering rebellion and setting the stage for the game’s events.
You’ll explore four distinct regions, each home to unique factions, hostile creatures, and hidden Vault Key fragments. Several familiar faces return, including Claptrap, Moxxi, and Zane, alongside new characters recruited to your growing resistance. Kairos is fully connected, letting you travel seamlessly by foot or with a customizable Digirunner vehicle.
You’ll use zip lines, grappling points, and a helpful robot companion called ECHO-4 to navigate the terrain. World events, enemy patrols, and discoverable activities like Silos give each area something new to find or fight. The game encourages exploration without forcing it, blending mission structure with optional discoveries and fast travel options.
Loot gets a major overhaul with new weapon systems
Borderlands 4 brings back the loot chase with a deeper weapon system and more meaningful Legendary drops. Eight manufacturers return—Jakobs, Maliwan, Vladof, Torgue, and Tediore—joined by three newcomers: Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Each brand offers different strengths, from elemental effects to explosive rounds and high-precision burst fire.
The new Licensed Parts system allows weapons to mix traits from multiple brands for unique results. Gear also feels more personalized with new slots: Enhancements, Ordnance, and Rep Kits. Enhancements boost weapons based on brand synergy, while Ordnance gives you cooldown-based grenades and heavy weapons. Rep Kits add support options like healing or temporary buffs during intense encounters.
Legendary guns are now rarer, but more memorable, bringing back the sense of payoff after a tough fight. Bosses are larger and more dangerous, like Vile Lictor in Terminus Range, a frigid blacksite shown in the footage. You’ll be able to refight bosses and replay missions using tools like Moxxi’s Big Encore Machine.
Built for co-op from the ground up
Borderlands 4 supports up to four-player online co-op with drop-in/drop-out functionality and full crossplay at launch. Local co-op is also available through two-player split-screen for those playing together on the same console. The improved lobby system makes forming parties easier and keeps you connected across different game modes. Each person gets instanced loot, so there’s no fighting over drops during missions or boss fights.
Dynamic level scaling and adjustable difficulty help everyone stay on the same page, regardless of progress. You can also Fast Travel directly to your teammates, cutting down on downtime between objectives. Everything we saw in the State of Play reinforces that Borderlands 4 is designed to be just as fun solo or with friends.
Borderlands 4 pre-orders are coming soon
Gearbox confirmed that a hands-on event is coming this June, giving fans their first chance to try the game directly. More details will follow in the months leading up to launch, including looks at the final two Vault Hunters. With its updated loot system, deep skill customization, and wide-open world, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be massive. And with full crossplay, flexible co-op, and platform support across PC and consoles, it’s more accessible than ever.
The game arrives September 12, 2025, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version coming later this year. Which new Vault Hunter has your attention? Drop your pick in the comments!
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