If you’re a fan of the Borderlands series and are looking for a game that surpasses Borderlands 3, then Borderlands 4 might be exactly what you need. While it may not be a groundbreaking title vying for the prestigious Game of the Year award in 2025, the game has evolved significantly thanks to six years of player feedback and development adjustments. It presents several enhancements while removing some of the less favorable elements from its predecessor.
Set on the planet Kairos, which is rich with Vaults and governed by the formidable, immortal Timekeeper, players are tasked with extracting items from three bosses scattered across the expansive open world. Although the concept may not be entirely fresh, the open-world design marks a significant milestone for the franchise. Gone are the days of navigating through 20 segmented zones that required constant loading screens. Instead, players can now traverse a vibrant, populated landscape that offers a plethora of activities and collectibles. This improvement is particularly refreshing when paired with the new Destiny-like Sparrow feature, allowing players to summon a vehicle for quick travel.
One of the standout features of Borderlands 4 is its focus on combat mobility. The introduction of a Warlock-like floaty jump is a welcome addition, alongside a base-level double jump available to all characters. However, the air dash feature feels underwhelming, providing minimal movement boost. My primary concern lies with the much-publicized grappling hook, which disappointingly can only latch onto fixed points, often serving merely as a substitute for climbing. In combat scenarios, the grappling mechanics can feel disorienting rather than tactical, and the ability to grapple barrels for throwing at enemies proved to be less effective than anticipated. Shooting the barrels remains the more efficient approach.
Despite my reservations about the grappling hook, the gunplay in Borderlands 4 is exhilarating. Combat feels engaging, and the introduction of a rechargeable ordinance slot for heavy weapons, grenades, and throwing knives adds a new dynamic by eliminating the hassle of managing inventory or ammo. During my gameplay, I chose to explore a single Vault Hunter, Rafa, a Tediore mecha-soldier equipped with an electric arm cannon, auto-firing shoulder turrets, and slicing arm blades. The sheer power of his rocket turret augment and the transformation of his arm cannon into an incinerator beam was exhilarating. I eagerly anticipate experimenting with the other Vault Hunters, as the character buildcrafting promises to be a thrilling experience.
The weapons in Borderlands 4 have evolved significantly, featuring numerous underbarrel attachments that enhance gameplay. Players can now hurl cleavers at enemies for one-shot kills, create gravity wells, or deploy corrosive pools. The loot system has also been revamped, making legendary items feel genuinely legendary once again, particularly in the campaign. While I encountered a mix of useful and impractical weapons, such as a shotgun that shoots inaccurately and a sniper rifle that excels in boss fights, the thrill of discovering new loot adds to the excitement of the game. I look forward to the endgame where even more powerful items await.
In terms of narrative, Borderlands 4 delivers a story that ranges from decent to quite good. Unlike its predecessor, which faced criticism for its humor and tone, this installment presents villains who are genuinely menacing rather than comically absurd. The script has significantly toned down modern-day memes, allowing for more emotionally charged storylines that resonate with players. While there are fewer character cameos from previous titles, those that do appear have a substantial impact on the narrative. Humor is still present, primarily through Rafa’s witty remarks, yet the absence of overly gimmicky elements, like the H4WK-2A gun, is a refreshing change.
However, performance issues mar the overall experience. Despite meeting the surprisingly high recommended specifications set by Gearbox, I encountered numerous instances of hitching, particularly when exploring new areas. The game’s performance on PC is not as smooth as one would hope. Additionally, I experienced a frustrating build issue that led to endless crashes until Gearbox released a patch. While I don't anticipate this problem at launch, it did impact my initial gameplay experience.
Despite the technical challenges, I have enjoyed my time with Borderlands 4 so far. It stands as a marked improvement over Borderlands 3, with most changes enhancing the gameplay experience. As I’ve only scratched the surface, with three additional Vault Hunters to test and a vast endgame to explore, my journey is far from over. While I may not be able to dedicate 150 hours of playtime in a week like some content creators, I remain eager to share my experiences. Overall, Borderlands 4 has the potential to become a cherished entry in the series, and I recommend it to both new players and long-time fans alike.
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