It’s rare for a long-running franchise to get unanimous praise months before release, but Borderlands 4 is doing just that.
Previews by journalists and fans are packed with excitement, and it’s not hard to see why. Not just a visual upgrade but a bold remake of everything from the foundation.
The first thing most hands-on previews rave about is the movement system. Gearbox has scrapped the rigid feel of past entries, replacing it with jetpacks, grappling hooks, air glides, and directional dodging that all work seamlessly in both traversal and combat.
Players can double jump, zip between cliff faces, and reposition mid-fight, which turns every encounter into something far more dynamic than we’ve seen before.
Is the Gunplay Finally as Good as It Should Be?
Instead of using single-brand weapons, the redesigned gun system mixes parts from multiple brands for better performance.
You can’t just expect a Jakobs or Maliwan gun to behave a certain way anymore—every weapon’s stats, perks, and actions change with their unique combinations.
That depth gets stronger as brand-specific bonuses return, plus new gear like Repkits, which enable healing on command and speed up skill cooldowns.
The game lets players have more control and options while keeping the wild action Borderlands is famous for.
Has the Humor Finally Found Its Groove Again?
The tone shifted hard from the meme-filled vibe that Borderlands 3 was all about.
Initial feedback is positive, saying the humor feels more natural and fits the world better, like Borderlands 1’s low-key weirdness rather than BL3’s constant gags.
Characters like Claptrap are still around with their over-the-top antics, but cringey internet references don’t bog down the main story.
Writing has more focus, and while there are still funny moments, they don’t overshadow the new maturity of the setting.
What Makes This World Feel Bigger and Better?
Borderlands 4 happens on Kairos, a whole new planet that’s nothing like Pandora and way different from the dry, split-up maps of the older games.
Players navigate extensive, open spaces that are fused into a single, massive world with almost no loading pauses.
Exploration now meets modern design with hidden bosses, secret vaults, environmental storytelling, and surprise airship events.
Vehicles are smarter now; instead of using Catch-A-Ride stations, players can summon a Digirunner bike anytime for fast and smooth movement.
What Do the New Vault Hunters Bring to the Table?
Vault Hunters return with new options, swapping between multiple action skills in battle.
Rafa can shift from close-up slashes to ranged attacks whenever the situation calls for it.
Players are already loving the distinct personalities of the new characters and their banter, and you can even pet Vex’s giant cat summon. Gearbox has hit the sweet spot between charm and edge, and it’s paying off.
Is This Really Borderlands at Its Best?
Even with concerns about the missing minimap and humor that might not be as sharp, Borderlands 4 looks set to be the series’ best installment.
Most previews call it a striking return to form, enhanced by up-to-date design. It’s faster, smarter, more self-aware, and finally ready to challenge the looter shooter genre again.
If the full game lives up to even half of what these early versions show, Gearbox could be looking at more than just a fan favorite—they might have a serious Game of the Year contender.
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