2K Games and Gearbox have offered the most comprehensive look yet at Borderlands 4 during the recent PlayStation State of Play deep dive. With the release date drawing closer, fans were given an in-depth preview of new characters, gameplay systems, and the evolving world of Pandora and beyond. The showcase focused heavily on the upcoming title’s core gameplay mechanics, worldbuilding, and the new lineup of Vault Hunters.
The deep dive confirmed the names and initial details for two of the game’s four Vault Hunters. Vex, a Siren with the ability to summon a companion and manipulate the battlefield, leads the charge. Her kit appears focused on crowd control and support, including the ability to teleport her summoned minion and apply elemental effects based on her equipped weapon. Rafa, a former Tediore soldier, is the second confirmed Vault Hunter. He wears an experimental exo-suit that conjures energy-based weaponry and enhances his melee attacks with arm-mounted blades.
While the identities of the other two Vault Hunters were not officially revealed, short clips provided a glimpse into their combat styles. One is a heavily armored brawler who uses an energy shield reminiscent of Athena’s from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, while the other—a female Vault Hunter dubbed “pants lady” by online fans—appears to use abilities similar to a Siren’s phase lock.
The narrative picks up six years after the events of Borderlands 3, centering on the planet Kairos. The world was previously kept under control by the Timekeeper, who relied on cybernetic implants and an organization called The Order. However, Lilith’s sudden return and the appearance of the moon Elpis in orbit disrupted the planet’s balance, sparking rebellion and unrest. The mission shown in the deep dive follows the Vault Hunters at level 24 as they attempt to rescue Lilith from a facility where human experimentation appears to be taking place.
Gearbox also provided new details about movement and traversal. Borderlands 4 will offer expanded mobility with dashing, double-jumps, gliding, grappling, and wall climbing. Vehicle segments are also making a return, with new designs that resemble pod racers and speed bikes.
Weapon customization and loot mechanics are receiving major changes. Eight weapon manufacturers have been confirmed, including returning names like Jakobs, Tediore, Vladof, Torgue, and Maliwan. Three newcomers—Order, Ripper, and Daedalus—are being introduced with unique firing mechanics and ammo compatibility. Gearbox also unveiled a new system that blends parts from different manufacturers for more weapon variety. Enhanced loot rarity and drop systems aim to address concerns raised by the Borderlands 3 community, especially the perceived oversaturation of legendary drops.
Action skills are also evolving. Each Vault Hunter will have three unique action skills, with dedicated skill trees and socketed augments that modify their effects. Vex, for instance, has a skill that causes her summoned minion to detonate, dealing area damage and restoring her health. Weapon enhancements—replacing traditional artifacts—will grant passive bonuses tied to weapon manufacturers, such as improved reload speed or increased damage under specific conditions.
The Echo system, used for player UI and inventory, has received a visual overhaul to improve readability and user experience. A new companion system called Echo 4 will now follow players during missions, assisting with navigation, unlocking doors, and hacking systems.
Multiplayer improvements were also detailed. Borderlands 4 will support cross-platform play at launch, with full functionality across PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. Loot is now instanced per player, eliminating issues around item theft in co-op sessions. Split-screen and online co-op options will both be supported, and the game lobby has been reworked to streamline matchmaking.
New features like Rev Kits, which provide healing and temporary buffs during combat, are being added to improve survivability. These kits are expected to complement the returning Fight For Your Life mechanic. Boss encounters, based on short snippets shown during the deep dive, suggest that fast-paced and chaotic battles will remain a key part of the experience.
With major upgrades to movement, combat, customization, and multiplayer, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be the most technically ambitious entry in the franchise. As the launch window approaches, fans can expect more information to surface in the months ahead.
Source: PlayStation on YouTube
