Borderlands 4 Gameplay Revealed in April State of Play

The April 2025 State of Play event dedicated significant time to Borderlands 4, presenting a comprehensive 20-minute gameplay demonstration highlighting the game's innovative mechanics. Below we examine the key revelations and explore fan theories about the surprise change to its launch schedule.

Borderlands 4 State of Play Highlights

Extended Gameplay Demonstration

PlayStation's April 30 State of Play showcase featured an in-depth look at the upcoming Borderlands title with twenty minutes of never-before-seen gameplay footage. The presentation offered fresh insights into Gearbox's latest installment of their signature looter-shooter franchise.

Viewers were introduced to two of the four new playable Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren wields mysterious phase energy to enhance her abilities while summoning deadly companions, while Rafa the Exo-Soldier utilizes a prototype tactical suit that can materialize weapons on demand.

The gameplay revealed the dangerous new world of Kairos - a planet embroiled in conflict with hostile factions, deadly wildlife, and oppressed residents suffering under the Timekeeper's tyranny. Players will spearhead a rebellion alongside returning fan-favorites including Claptrap, Mad Moxxi, and Zane Flynt.

Notable innovations include:

• A revolutionary weapon customization system allowing modular part combinations
• Additional gear slots for specialized character builds
• New Digirunner vehicle gameplay mechanics

Developer Clarifies Launch Adjustment

Before the showcase, Gearbox announced they were moving Borderlands 4's release forward by two weeks due to the project's smooth development progress. This unexpected scheduling change sparked speculation among fans, particularly regarding potential connections to Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI.

Gearbox Entertainment CEO Randy Pitchford took to social media to firmly dismiss these theories, stating: "Our decision reflects confidence in our final product and bears no relation to other studios' release calendars." This statement came despite both franchises sharing the same parent company, Take-Two Interactive.

Confirmed Release Information

Borderlands 4 is scheduled to launch September 12, 2025 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC platforms. Visit our dedicated coverage for ongoing updates about this highly anticipated title.