Borderlands 4 has officially arrived, and the cinematic launch trailer gives us our best look yet at what promises to be the franchise’s most ambitious entry. After years of anticipation, Gearbox Software has delivered a mayhem-fueled adventure that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a looter shooter.
Meet the New Vault Hunters Taking on Planet Kairos
The trailer introduces us to four completely new Vault Hunters: Vex, Rafa, Amon, and Harlowe. Each character brings their own unique abilities and personality to the chaotic world of Borderlands 4. Unlike previous entries that mixed new and returning characters, this fresh roster gives the game a clean slate to work with.
What’s particularly exciting is how these characters interact with the game’s new setting – planet Kairos. This hidden world serves as the backdrop for an epic conflict against the Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who’s maintained iron-fisted control over the masses. The planet itself becomes a character in the story, with diverse environments that range from mechanical strongholds to wild, untamed territories.
Revolutionary Movement Changes the Borderlands 4 Experience
One of the most significant upgrades showcased in the launch trailer involves movement mechanics. Borderlands 4 introduces double jumping, gliding, dodging, and fixed-point grappling that completely transforms how you navigate the world. These aren’t just cosmetic additions – they fundamentally change combat encounters and exploration.
The grappling system alone opens up entirely new tactical possibilities. You can swing into combat, escape dangerous situations, or reach previously inaccessible areas. Combined with the gliding mechanic, verticality becomes a major factor in both combat and exploration.
Billions of Weapons Get Even More Complex
The weapon system receives a major overhaul that goes beyond just adding more guns. Individual weapon parts now come from specific manufacturers, meaning you could find a Vladof gun with a Jakobs barrel. This creates exponentially more variety in how weapons feel and perform.
Early reviews suggest this system makes farming and experimentation more engaging. Instead of just looking for better stats, you’re hunting for interesting combinations that suit your playstyle. The trademark Borderlands humor remains intact, but it’s been dialed back from the overwhelming presence it had in Borderlands 3.
Story and Performance: The Good and the Challenging
Reviews consistently praise the narrative improvements over Borderlands 3. The story strikes a better balance between serious moments and the series’ signature humor. The Timekeeper might not be the most memorable villain in gaming history, but supporting characters and boss encounters apparently make up for any shortcomings.
However, performance issues on PC have been noted by several reviewers. Console versions seem to fare better, but it’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re planning to dive in immediately. These technical hiccups don’t seem to overshadow the core experience, but they’re definitely present at launch.
Co-op Adventure Built for Modern Gaming
The cooperative experience supports up to four players, maintaining the series’ tradition of shared chaos. The new movement mechanics work seamlessly in multiplayer, creating opportunities for coordinated attacks and creative problem-solving that weren’t possible in previous games.
The trailer showcases how different Vault Hunters can work together using the new traversal options. One player might grapple to a vantage point while another glides in from above, creating dynamic combat scenarios that feel fresh even for series veterans.
Platform Availability and Future Content
Borderlands 4 launches today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. Nintendo Switch 2 players will need to wait until October 3, 2025, but the delay suggests Gearbox is taking time to properly optimize the experience for Nintendo’s new hardware.
While the base game launches with solid content, the endgame experience is expected to expand significantly through DLC and updates. This follows the franchise’s established pattern, where post-launch content often defines the long-term experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Borderlands 4 release?
Borderlands 4 is available now (September 12, 2025) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version launches on October 3, 2025.
Who are the new Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4?
The four new Vault Hunters are Vex, Rafa, Amon, and Harlowe. Each brings unique abilities and personalities to the game, with no returning characters from previous entries.
What new gameplay mechanics does Borderlands 4 introduce?
The game adds double jumping, gliding, dodging, and fixed-point grappling mechanics that completely change how you move through and engage with the world.
How many players can play Borderlands 4 together?
Borderlands 4 supports up to four players in cooperative multiplayer, maintaining the series’ tradition of shared mayhem and loot hunting.
Is the story better than Borderlands 3?
Early reviews consistently praise the narrative improvements over Borderlands 3, noting better balance between humor and serious storytelling elements.
Are there performance issues with Borderlands 4?
Some PC performance issues have been reported at launch, though console versions appear to run more smoothly. These technical problems don’t seem to significantly impact the core experience.
What makes the weapon system different in Borderlands 4?
Individual weapon parts now come from specific manufacturers, creating more complex combinations. You might find a gun from one company with parts from another, dramatically increasing variety.
Conclusion
The Borderlands 4 launch trailer delivers on the promise of evolution rather than revolution. While the core DNA remains intact – chaotic combat, billions of weapons, and cooperative mayhem – the new movement mechanics and refined systems show a franchise willing to grow and improve. Despite some launch performance hiccups, early reception suggests Gearbox has created something special that honors the series’ legacy while pushing it forward. Whether you’re a longtime fan or newcomer to the franchise, this latest adventure on planet Kairos offers plenty of reasons to jump back into the vault hunting life.