Borderlands 4 Showcases New Vault Hunters, Planet Kairos, and Overhauled Combat in Major State of Play Reveal

Gearbox Software gave fans an in-depth look at Borderlands 4 during a 20-minute PlayStation State of Play presentation, highlighting major changes to gameplay, movement, customization, and setting while teasing some key story elements. The footage, captured on PS5 Pro hardware, offered the first extended gameplay for the upcoming sequel.

Among the most notable additions are the expanded traversal options. Players can now glide, grapple to specific locations, and launch themselves across vast distances using new overworld activities called Silos. These mechanics not only redefine combat mobility but also make exploration more dynamic and vertical.

The setting has also shifted dramatically. The game takes place on Kairos, a previously hidden planet controlled by a mysterious antagonist known as the Timekeeper, who used neurological implants called bolts to control the population. When an orbiting moon mysteriously appears and disrupts the control system, chaos erupts, setting the stage for a resistance led by familiar Vault Hunters and new faces alike.

Two new Vault Hunters were revealed: Rafa, an exosuit-wielding soldier built for brute force, and Vex, a Siren with the unique ability to summon Trouble, a massive elemental sabertooth familiar whose abilities vary depending on your loadout.

Gearbox also dove deep into Borderlands 4's most ambitious system revamps yet. A reimagined weapon customization system allows players to build guns from modular parts sourced from different in-universe manufacturers, tailoring firearms to specific playstyles. Legendary loot drops are also being rebalanced, with Gearbox promising that acquiring these iconic items will once again feel like "special events."

Each Vault Hunter will now come equipped with one passive ability and three unique action skills, each with its own skill tree. These can be swapped and re-specced freely, giving players unprecedented control over how they build and evolve their character throughout the game.

While this presentation was primarily focused on gameplay and systems, narrative details were scarce. Gearbox mentioned the storyline will feature more serious tones alongside the franchise’s signature humor, but no major story arcs or villain reveals beyond the Timekeeper were offered. Given that the reception to Borderlands 3 was mixed—particularly regarding its antagonists—fans are understandably cautious.

Still, if Borderlands 4 delivers on the promise of its mechanical evolution, dynamic new world, and layered customization, it could mark a triumphant return to form for the looter-shooter titan.

What’s your take on the new Vault Hunters and weapon crafting system? Will Kairos live up to the legacy of Pandora? Let us know in the comments!