A recent State of Play presentation provided an in-depth look at Borderlands 4, showcasing new gameplay features from Gearbox Software’s upcoming looter-shooter. This installment introduces players to Kairos, a previously hidden world rich with secrets and exploration opportunities, moving away from the traditional quest-giving approach.
Kairos has been concealed for millennia by The Timekeeper, the game’s main antagonist. Its existence was revealed following events in Borderlands 3, where the moon Lilith’s teleportation disrupted the barrier shielding Kairos. The new gameplay trailer highlighted various features, such as enhanced movement abilities including gliding, dashing, and double-jumping, coupled with a new vehicle, the Digirunner. A dynamic weather system will also influence gameplay as players navigate the diverse environment.
The demo presented a mission in the snowy Terminus Range, introducing players to silo events emerging organically during their explorations. Unlike previous versions, these activities can be encountered without prior mission assignments, enhancing the exploratory nature of the game.
Originally announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024 and revealing more footage during the Game Awards 2024, Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 12, 2025, for platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The release date was moved forward from an initial September 23, although developers emphasized this change was not influenced by the impending release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
