The popular looter-shooter series, Borderlands, is set to evolve dramatically with the release of Borderlands 4. The new installment seems to be aiming for a more serious tone, moving away from the over-the-top zaniness that defined previous games. Think of it as a refined and updated version. While it retains the core gameplay loop of shooting and looting that fans loved from the immensely successful original trilogy, it introduces a host of modern enhancements. However, this shift in direction might mean sacrificing some of the unique charm that made the series so special.
In this new chapter, players will venture to Kairos, a previously untouched planet. Vault hunters, intergalactic arms manufacturers, and even the ever-present Claptrap robots have never set foot on this world – until now. A cataclysmic event, a moon crashing through the planet’s protective field, merges the familiar with the unexplored. This collision of old and new results in a unique blend of characters, weaponry, and a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from previous Borderlands titles.
One of the most impressive aspects of Borderlands 4 is its expansive and visually stunning sci-fi world. During a recent preview, I had the opportunity to explore small parts of Kairos: a richly detailed, green landscape forming a portion of its open world. Unlike its predecessors, Borderlands 4 eliminates loading screens and digital barriers between zones, creating a seamless and immersive experience. The focus on exploration, uncovering optional battles, and discovering hidden treasure has been significantly improved. Even within the limited preview area, finding a drilling site and facing a secret boss felt rewarding. The game’s open-world feel is reminiscent of Destiny, but in a positive way.
The shift to an open-world format also brings familiar challenges, mainly how to fill the vast spaces between key areas. Borderlands 4 doesn’t completely overcome this hurdle. While developers have scattered collectibles like audio logs and vault symbols across the landscape, the random world events – variations of standard gunfights – felt infrequent. I only encountered one such event, which involved boarding a spaceship for valuable loot. Many of my journeys across the world felt uneventful.
Combat in Borderlands 4 retains the satisfying gunplay that defined its predecessors. The variety of weapons, found on the ground, in chests, or even in toilets, offers plenty of satisfying ways to dispatch enemies. Landing headshots with a sniper rifle or blasting foes away with a shotgun remains enjoyable. And the new weapon mods, like sniper rifles that shoot elemental bolts or shotguns that transform into walking, weaponized robots, only add to the fun.
The weapon system has moved away from manufacturer-specific weapons with distinct styles. Instead, Borderlands 4 features a modular weapon part system. Now, a Jakobs sniper pistol, once known for its high damage, can be customized with a high fire rate, elemental damage, or a pre-fire charge. The goal is to enhance weapon variety and provide a wider range of options within each weapon type. While snipers remain snipers, what any particular sniper can do remains unpredictable.
This change is a mixed bag. Gearbox successfully expanded the weapon pool, but the unique character of each brand might suffer as a result. Enhancements that provide bonuses to weapons with specific parts exist, but it is questionable if a percentage damage or fire rate boost really compare to the deliberate role the weapons used to fill? The melting barrage of Maliwan or the explosive power of Torgue? While I appreciate the steps taken to preserve the original experience, I can’t help but wonder if these changes dilute the essence of the series. Is a Bugatti engine inside a Ferrari, still a Ferrari?
The shift in tone is also significant. The series’ trademark humor and irreverence have been toned down, replaced by a more mature and modern feel. The developers have seemingly learned from the divisive humor of Borderlands 3. As such, the game avoids excessive silliness, which results in a more balanced approach to levity. However, this adjustment might swing too far in the opposite direction, potentially making Borderlands 4 feel like every other game.
In the preview, I played a short main story mission featuring Rush, a kind-hearted muscleman. He tasks you with defeating a boss named Horace and recovering stolen packages from Horace’s base. Throughout the mission, Rush makes lighthearted comments about protein shakes and his peer’s dice collection. Rush is an unoffensive and generally likeable character, designed to appeal to a broad audience.
Later, I encountered Claptrap near a lakehouse. He asked me, a new recruit in the Crimson Resistance, to retrieve some of his belongings. These included a picture of Moxxi in a hidden worship room, the voice module of his companion Veronica, and a classic Psycho mask. This quest was hilarious and more entertaining than the earlier main mission.
Borderlands 4 seems hesitant to embrace its comedic roots. Optional bounty board missions are straightforward kill quests without the quirky characters and humorous dialogue. Instead, you simply eliminate a target named Romeo for a reward of cash and a gun. This lack of personality is noticeable. While the developers seem to be aiming for the tone of the original Borderlands, they’ve overlooked the fact that the first game was still full of dark humor.
I hope that the full game offers more opportunities for comedic moments. The Claptrap mission ended on a surprisingly poignant note. You place Claptrap’s belongings, including the original Borderlands mask, on a boat and set it adrift before detonating it. The scene serves as a symbolic farewell to the past and a bold declaration of the new direction for Borderlands 4.
While I enjoyed my time with Borderlands 4, its departure from established norms is undeniable. Vaults, the traditional end-game goals of each planet, usually offer climactic fights and substantial loot rewards. Vaults are what Borderlands is all about. A big boss, and a bunch of loot.
The vault I experienced in Borderlands 4 was a series of platforms filled with enemies, culminating in a boss fight. The boss battle was a highlight, requiring me to grapple to vines and exploit the boss’s weak points. This encounter showcased the successful evolution of gunplay and boss design in Borderlands 4.
However, upon reaching the “treasure room,” I found only two chests. The loot I acquired was underwhelming. This experience lacked the satisfaction of defeating iconic bosses like The Rampager or The Graveward. The vault in Borderlands 4 felt different – a new interpretation that retained some aspects of the old vaults while streamlining others. Borderlands 4 is similar; it’s a reimagining of the series that might not resonate with all fans.
After previewing Borderlands 4, I’m left wanting more time with the game. Its revolutionary changes are so significant that I need more than just a few hours to fully form my opinion. The core elements of the series remain intact, but they are presented in a new and different way. Approach Borderlands 4 with an open mind, and you might find it to be a fantastic experience; the gameplay and looting are still satisfying.
However, if you’re deeply attached to the older games, be prepared for some changes. If you’re still stuck on the old hooks, be warned that you may find them viciously torn from your chest and what’s worse still is that no one will even make a joke about it, you’ll just be sad.
Borderlands 4 was previewed at a closed press event under controlled conditions.