Borderlands 4 has officially launched, bringing with it a hilarious new storyline, the beloved looter-shooter gameplay that fans have come to adore, and a cast of intriguing characters. While many elements remain familiar, there are notable changes in gameplay mechanics that players should be aware of. To enhance your experience in the game, we've compiled a list of essential Borderlands 4 tips to keep in mind during your initial hours of gameplay. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the franchise or a newcomer, there are insights here that may surprise you.
One of the first decisions you'll need to make in Borderlands 4 is selecting your Vault Hunter. Each character comes with unique elemental affinities that can greatly impact your gameplay. For players new to the series, we recommend starting with the Siren, Vex. Her versatility allows her to harness all elements equally. In contrast, other characters like Harlowe excel in specific elemental damage types, such as Cryo or Radiation. Understanding these affinities is crucial; they can be the key to defeating bosses with particular weaknesses. However, don’t worry if your chosen Vault Hunter struggles against certain enemies—remember that weapons in the game can also deal elemental damage. Simply switch to a weapon that targets the enemy's weakness to maximize your damage output.
The healing system in Borderlands 4 has seen some changes. While enemies still drop health packs as loot, players can also utilize the new Repkit. Located in the lower left corner of your screen, the Repkit has a cooldown period but provides an instant health boost when activated. Health packs now also come with varying bonuses, so it’s essential to weigh their perks against their disadvantages when building your character.
As a player focusing on Vex, I discovered that certain skill combinations can lead to powerful synergies. For instance, combining the Idle Hands skill, which increases reload speed by +12% when Vex is at full health, with Sanguine Fiends, which restores 4% of health upon enemy kills, creates a highly effective loop. This synergy allows you to kill enemies, recover health, and reload faster, resulting in a satisfying gameplay experience with minimal downtime. Remember, if you experiment with a build that doesn’t suit your playstyle, you can easily refund skill points or completely respec your character the first time at no cost. Although the price increases with gameplay, it scales with your cash balance, ensuring you can always afford it if you’re not happy with your current build.
As you venture through Borderlands 4, the compulsion to open every glowing container is as strong as ever. However, the developers have added a new layer of danger to the loot system. For instance, some storage crates may contain a lurking Psycho, and certain ammo boxes might explode if you attempt to force them open. While the loot is still rewarding, this new hazard requires players to remain vigilant and cautious.
It’s wise to take note of the last respawn point you passed. If you find yourself heading into a risky encounter and can’t recall seeing a respawn station nearby, it might be worth scouting the area. Respawn points are typically situated close to boss fights, but there are plenty of other hazards to be aware of. The last thing you want is a drawn-out run back to your previous location after a defeat.
After completing a brief introductory quest in the Fadefields area, you will unlock your Digirunner. This vehicle can be customized and summoned almost anywhere, making it an excellent tool for traversing the expansive world of Kairos. Players can expect to gain access to the Digirunner around 90 minutes into the game, provided they don’t get sidetracked by side quests.
In conclusion, Borderlands 4 offers exciting gameplay and new mechanics that can enhance your gaming experience. By understanding character affinities, mastering the healing system, and exploring the world with caution, you’ll be well-equipped for your adventures in this latest installment of the beloved franchise. Happy looting!
