At PAX East 2025, Gearbox Software offered a revealing look into the evolution of *Borderlands 4*, spotlighting major updates to its loot system, co-op mechanics, and the surprising decision to remove the mini-map. These insights were shared during a panel featuring CEO Randy Pitchford and other key members of the development team, offering fans a deeper understanding of how the game has been reimagined based on community feedback.
Loot and Co-Op Overhaul
One of the most notable improvements in *Borderlands 4* lies within its revamped co-op and loot systems. Since the release of *Borderlands 3*, Gearbox has taken fan input seriously, using it as a foundation for meaningful enhancements. The new co-op lobby system is designed to make multiplayer interactions smoother and more accessible. Players can now jump in and out of sessions freely, without needing to reach specific story milestones to play together. This flexibility makes co-op more enjoyable, especially for those with varying schedules.
The fast-travel feature also got an overhaul, allowing players to instantly teleport to their friends—crucial given *Borderlands 4*’s expansive open world. Much like its predecessor, the game includes a level-scaling system that ensures players can join any lobby and seamlessly match the power levels of others. Additionally, each player receives their own individualized pool of loot rewards, eliminating the chaos of shared drops and ensuring everyone gets something valuable.
On the topic of loot, Gearbox addressed one of the biggest pain points from previous titles: overwhelming complexity. In *Borderlands 4*, legendary items will be rarer but feel more impactful, giving them a sense of prestige. Not every item will be randomized either—defeating mini-bosses and major enemies will yield targeted drops, making those victories feel truly rewarding. Moxxi’s Big Encore returns, letting players replay missions and bosses to farm gear without having to reload old saves—a welcomed change for completionists and loot enthusiasts alike.
Mini-Map Removal Explained
A hot topic among attendees was the removal of the mini-map—a staple in past *Borderlands* games. Randy Pitchford explained that this decision stemmed from a desire to encourage exploration and immersion in *Borderlands 4*’s massive open world. He noted:
“We made a big freaking world, and a lot of the things you do can be local space, but a lot of the things you do or want to do are out there, and a local space map is not a good way to navigate when you're thinking about objectives and opportunities—several at the same time that might be miles away—and a compass really helps us do that.”
Rather than relying on a mini-map, the game introduces a redesigned compass system that guides players through multiple objectives simultaneously. According to Pitchford, removing the mini-map encourages players to focus on the environment rather than constantly checking a small screen overlay. His message to fans was clear:
“Play the game first and understand the choices we've made, and I think you'll see and understand when you realize how big this world is and how playing the game in the world is better than playing the map.”
Looking Ahead
As the launch date approaches, Gearbox expresses confidence in the direction of *Borderlands 4*. Fresh off the heels of the State of Play presentation and the announcement of an earlier release date, the team plans to engage fans further through events such as Fan Fest, Bilibili World, and Gamescom. Each event will offer deeper dives into the game's features, content, and future post-launch support.
*Borderlands 4* is scheduled to launch on September 12, 2025**, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date draws closer!
