Borderlands 4 details unveiled at PAX East

Borderlands 4 showcased major improvements to its loot system and cooperative gameplay during PAX East 2025. Discover what's changing in these systems and the reasoning behind removing the mini-map feature.

Borderlands 4 PAX East Panel

Loot and Co-Op Overhaul

At PAX East 2025 on May 10, Gearbox Software executives including CEO Randy Pitchford detailed significant enhancements to Borderlands 4's cooperative and loot mechanics. These changes directly address player feedback from Borderlands 3.

The revamped co-op system simplifies player connections, eliminating previous restrictions. Friends can now join sessions at any point rather than waiting for specific story milestones. The improved fast-travel system seamlessly transports players to their teammates, particularly useful given the game's massive open world.

Borderlands 4 maintains the level-scaling functionality from its predecessor, automatically adjusting player stats when joining different lobbies. The loot system now provides individualized rewards for each player, ensuring fair distribution.

Gearbox has refined the loot mechanics to reduce complexity without sacrificing depth. Legendary items will appear less frequently but deliver greater impact when acquired. The team implemented targeted drops for mini-bosses and major encounters, granting players more meaningful rewards for challenging battles.

The new Moxxi's Big Encore feature allows unlimited replay of missions and boss fights, eliminating the need for tedious save-file manipulation when farming specific gear.

Mini-Map Removal Explained

During the panel discussion, Pitchford addressed player concerns about the absence of a mini-map in Borderlands 4 despite its expansive world. He emphasized the design team's focus on immersion through a new compass navigation system.

"We've created an enormous game world where objectives might be miles apart," Pitchford explained. "A traditional mini-map simply doesn't work at this scale. Our compass system better serves players navigating between distant locations while keeping them engaged with the environment."

The CEO encouraged fans to experience the navigation system firsthand before judging the design choice. "When you see how massive this world is and how our new systems function in practice, you'll understand why we made these decisions," he concluded.

Following their successful State of Play presentation and the recent announcement of an earlier release date, Gearbox plans additional showcases including Fan Fest and Gamescom to demonstrate Borderlands 4's features.

Borderlands 4 launches September 12, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay informed with our latest coverage of the game's development.