During PAX East 2025, Gearbox Software detailed the refined loot mechanics and cooperative gameplay upgrades in Borderlands 4. Learn more about these redesigned systems and the reasoning behind excluding a mini-map.

Borderlands 4 at PAX East

Redesigned Loot and Co-op Systems

Gearbox Software, the developer of Borderlands 4 (BL4), showcased major overhauls to the game's loot mechanics and cooperative features. In a panel on May 10, 2025, at PAX East, CEO Randy Pitchford and other team members presented the enhancements made to these core systems.

Building on player feedback from Borderlands 3 (BL3), the team incorporated community suggestions to shape the BL4 experience. The co-op lobby system has been streamlined for faster and more flexible connections, enabling players to drop in and out seamlessly without requiring specific story progression to team up.

Players can also fast-travel directly to their friends' locations—essential given BL4's expansive game world. The game retains Borderlands 3’s level-scaling technology, allowing players to join any lobby while maintaining level balance. The loot system supports this approach, with individual reward pools for each player.

On the loot front, BL4 introduces a more refined complexity curve, reducing the potential for overwhelming customization. Legendary items will appear less frequently but carry greater weight and uniqueness.

Not all loot follows a randomized formula. Defeating mini-bosses and major enemies will yield specific, high-value rewards, making these encounters more meaningful. Players can revisit missions and bosses through Moxxi’s Big Encore, eliminating the need to reload previous saves for loot farming.

Why the Mini-Map Was Removed

At the 2025 PAX East panel, attendees questioned the absence of a mini-map, especially given the scale of BL4’s world. Pitchford encouraged players to experience the game firsthand before judging the HUD changes.

He explained, “We’ve built a massive world. While some objectives are nearby, others are miles apart. A local mini-map doesn’t support navigating multiple distant goals at once—our compass system does.”

Pitchford emphasized that the updated compass helps players engage with the world, not just the map. “Once you see how vast this world is,” he added, “you’ll understand why we chose a system that supports real exploration.”

With growing momentum since the Borderlands 4 State of Play and a recent announcement moving the launch two weeks earlier, Gearbox is gearing up for more events—including Fan Fest, Bilibili World, and Gamescom—to share what BL4 has in store.

Borderlands 4 launches September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Keep up with the latest updates in the article below.