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Borderlands 4 steals the show at State of Play
During the recent State of Play event dedicated to Borderlands 4, fans were treated to an exhilarating gameplay trailer alongside an extensive presentation. The session featured key figures from Gearbox, including CEO Randy Pitchford, creative director Graeme Timmins, and senior project producer Anthony Nicholson, who offered a deep dive into the upcoming title.
The event kicked off with a stunning gameplay trailer that set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable gaming experience. Following the trailer, the presentation continued for over 15 minutes, showcasing segments of a main mission interspersed with insights into various game elements. Viewers got a closer look at the new movement options, skills and equipment systems, cooperative gameplay mechanics, and the ever-important loot system, all captured on the powerful PS5 Pro. Both videos are available within this news piece.
Newcomers and veterans welcome in Borderlands 4
Gearbox made it clear that Borderlands 4 aims to be a perfect entry point for newcomers while also delivering an engaging experience for longtime fans. They emphasized a blend of fresh concepts, such as enhanced exploration freedom and new movement mechanics, alongside traditional elements that have defined the series. The game introduces a more serious tone reminiscent of the original installment and features a rebalanced loot system where legendary weapons will be less common but truly unique.
The roster of quirky characters returning in Borderlands 4 includes familiar faces such as Moxxi, Zane, Amara, and ClapTrap, alongside new additions like Rush and Echo-4. The latter is a drone companion that will assist players in various ways, from scanning areas to guiding them to objectives and hacking terminals.
Exploring the vast world of Kairos
During the presentation, attendees witnessed gameplay set in the Terminus Chain, a mountainous and snow-covered region that serves as one of the four major areas on the planet Kairos. The expansive game world is designed with random events and points of interest scattered throughout, enhancing the exploration experience.
The gameplay segment was presented from the perspective of Vex, the new Siren character in Borderlands 4, who is one of the four playable characters available at launch. Vex possesses phasic energy powers that can be harnessed for self-empowerment, defeating enemies, and summoning lethal familiars.
Innovative movement and combat mechanics
The presentation highlighted exciting new movement mechanics. In addition to sprinting and climbing, players can now utilize a grappling hook and glide to quickly reach points of interest. They can also summon a customizable digirunner, a sort of space motorcycle, at any time. This increased mobility translates to more dynamic combat, allowing seamless transitions between melee attacks, cover slides, and ranged fire.
Moreover, cooperative gameplay was a significant focus. Borderlands 4 supports split-screen play with a friend or online multiplayer with up to three players, featuring cross-play compatibility across all platforms. Gearbox has improved the lobby system, allowing players to adjust difficulty settings for individual experiences, with loot instantiated per player and rapid teleportation to allies’ locations if they stray too far.
Loot system revamped for a unique experience
The loot system in Borderlands 4 is crafted by eight different manufacturers, including beloved names like Jakobs, Maliwan, and Tediore, along with newcomers such as Order and Deadalus. Each manufacturer offers weapons with unique attributes and strengths, allowing players to customize their gear extensively using components from various brands. This opens up a plethora of configurations tailored to individual playstyles.
Additionally, the gear available to Vault Hunters now includes Repair Kits, tools for healing and activating buffs, and Heavy Ordinances, powerful weapons that do not consume ammunition but have a cooldown period, functioning like an ability. Action Skills return with three options per character, each customizable through an enhancement tree featuring passive bonuses and various modifiers.
What’s next for Borderlands 4?
For those eager for more, Gearbox has announced an upcoming gameplay presentation scheduled for June. Mark your calendars, as this will dive deeper into the mechanics and features of Borderlands 4. The game is set to launch on September 12, available on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.