2K and Gearbox Software have unveiled an extended gameplay reveal for Borderlands 4 during PlayStation’s latest State of Play showcase. The new footage offers fans a closer look at the next instalment of the long-running looter-shooter series, which will launch on 12 September 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. A version for Nintendo Switch 2 is also in development and is expected later in the year.
Introducing new Vault Hunters and the planet of Kairos
The gameplay deep dive introduced two of the four new Vault Hunters available in Borderlands 4. Vex, a Siren, uses mystic abilities to empower herself or summon deadly shades to fight alongside her. Rafa, a former Tediore soldier, wears a cutting-edge exo-suit that can generate a wide range of weapons using digistructing technology. Both characters offer distinct playstyles, supported by the series’ most advanced skill tree system yet.
Set on the sprawling planet of Kairos, Borderlands 4 introduces a new antagonist, the Timekeeper, who has ruled the planet for thousands of years using cybernetic implants called Bolts and a synthetic army known as The Order. Players will battle through four unique regions, each with its own faction fighting to break free from the Timekeeper’s control. Along the way, players will encounter both familiar and new characters, recruit allies, and confront enemies with an arsenal of diverse weapons and abilities.
New weapons, gear and combat features
The footage showcased gameplay from Terminus Range, a mountainous, icy area hiding a secret blacksite. Vex and Rafa’s mission in this region highlighted a number of new systems that define Borderlands 4‘s evolved combat and loot experience.
Weapons from eight manufacturers, both new and returning, will feature prominently, each offering their own distinct advantages. A new Licensed Parts system allows players to combine abilities from different brands into a single weapon, introducing more customisation and firepower than ever before. Enhancements can also be equipped to boost weapon effectiveness further depending on the manufacturer.
The game includes an Ordnance slot that shares space between grenades and heavy weapons such as rocket launchers, now recharging on cooldown to keep players armed in high-stakes battles. Another addition is the Rep Kit gear, which allows players to self-heal or activate temporary buffs to turn the tide in challenging situations.
Built-in multiplayer with new co-op features
Borderlands 4 is designed with co-op play at its core. A new online party system allows players to team up easily and continue playing together even when switching between game modes. Each player receives instanced loot, while dynamic level scaling and personal difficulty settings help maintain balance and fun for all members of a multiplayer group.
