Borderlands 4 doubles down on its classic formula, offering refined looter-shooter fun with welcome QoL updates. However, its core gameplay loop remains unchanged, and frustrating encounters persist when you lack the right gear. A pricey but familiar trip for fans.
Borderlands 4 transports players to the new planet of Chyros, a world previously hidden by a powerful being known as the timekeeper. With this veil now shattered, the planet is open to all Vault Hunters and opportunists looking to plunder its riches. The narrative pits players against a private army called the Order, led by the villainous Soul, as a new rebellion fights to reclaim the planet. A new seamless open world, powered by Unreal Engine 5, serves as the backdrop for this chaotic treasure hunt.
The familiar looter-shooter gameplay remains the centerpiece, enhanced by several new mechanics. Traversal is significantly improved with the addition of a grappling hook for verticality and a summonable hoverbike, the Digi Runner, for quick travel. Key quality-of-life updates, like automatic item collection, streamline the experience by reducing tedious inputs. Players can choose from new Vault Hunters, including the Siren Vex and the exo-suit-wearing soldier Rafa, each featuring multiple skill trees that allow for flexible combat approaches and on-the-fly ability swapping.
While the core formula is entertaining, the experience is inconsistent. The gunplay is at its best when players find synergistic weapons and can effectively exploit enemy elemental weaknesses. However, it can quickly become a frustrating slog when facing shielded or armored foes without the proper gear, turning encounters into lengthy battles of attrition. Ultimately, the gameplay is largely unchanged from its predecessors. This commitment to its roots will likely satisfy longtime fans but may disappoint those seeking significant innovation from the series.
