Borderlands 4 HANDS-ON PREVIEW: My Exclusive First Look at Harlowe Gameplay

by

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thoroughly reacquainting myself with the Borderlands series, getting ready for a lengthy demo of Borderlands 4 at Gamescom. However, my preparation seemed almost unnecessary when I realized just how significantly Borderlands 4 has evolved compared to Borderlands 3 (and the entire series).

While journeying through the intricately detailed and lavish open world of Kairos alongside Harlowe, the ‘Gravitar’ Vault Hunter, I was consistently amazed by the remarkable differences that distinguish Borderlands 4 from its predecessors, yet it skillfully preserves the essence that defines Borderlands as Borderlands.

Delve into the following write-up for an exhaustive sneak peek of Borderlands 4, gathered from a unique, previously unseen demonstration at Gamescom.

Before you dive in, here are 35 minutes of Borderlands 4 gameplay, featuring Harlowe:

Less Border, More Lands

In a significant expansion for the Borderlands series, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, Borderlands 4 offers an exceptionally vast open world, the largest single environment Gearbox has ever produced. This ambitious project showcases the highest level of craftsmanship. The cartoon-style graphics of Borderlands 4 boast greater detail than previously, enabling players to scrutinize even the tiniest aspects of this massive game map.

To cater to the grandeur of Kairos, Gearbox has designed a Borderlands game that offers an abundance of travel alternatives, more than one could imagine with 30 billion weapons. This game features various means of traversal such as grappling hooks, gliders, double-jump capabilities, and multiple customizable vehicles. Across this expansive map, you’ll find no dearth of ways to navigate your adventures.

In this game, those features also play a role in the fight scenes. I often found myself soaring over the battlefield as Harlowe, utilizing potent devices to freeze enemies or bombard them with a remarkable launcher that eroded them from within. You’ll find it hard to stay still in Borderlands 4, which is beneficial since you’ll likely be exploring the map for numerous extended periods.

Humor, But Different

During a pre-launch preview, Gearbox shared that the humorous aspects typical of Borderlands remain in Borderlands 4, yet have been subtly muted to align with the game’s overall mood. Despite this adjustment, I found myself laughing at certain amusing character intros and dialog options.

As a devout fan, I’m thrilled about the transformation in the core gameplay loop for the upcoming campaign! Instead of following a strictly linear path, it’s now an open-ended RPG that allows me to roam freely, make my own choices, and explore at my leisure – exactly how I like it.

Randy Pitchford has hinted that Borderlands 4 will feature some formidably tough bosses, so it seems that grinding and leveling up before taking them on will be essential for success. I can’t wait to dive back into the vibrant world of Pandora and face these challenges head-on!

In simpler terms, I had a fantastic time playing Borderlands 4. I tested it using a controller and a keyboard with mouse, finding both methods intuitive and fun. To my delight, there were no technical issues during my one-hour gameplay. The graphics were impressive, running smoothly without any glitches. The variety of weapons and abilities were well-presented.

In this updated scenario, you’ll find some familiar arms manufacturers alongside newcomers. There’s also cross-licensing between brands, allowing them to share components and capabilities in exchange for a fee. This flexibility enables deployment of vehicles from diverse locations. The skills paths are diverse, catering to numerous play styles, and customization has been enhanced for greater personalization.

Essentially, it seems that this is a completely different game, yet it retains some crucial aspects from its predecessors.

Officially a Contender

Borderlands 4 is definitely one of the top candidates for Game of the Year, considering the impressive lineup of games released so far this year. After playing it for an hour at Gamescom, I was completely blown away and wished I could play more!

Randy Pitchford’s affection for this game is undeniably evident, a fact that instills confidence within me regarding the future of the project.

Randy Pitchford’s passion for this game is palpable and reassuringly apparent, leaving me optimistic about what lies ahead.

Could you share your thoughts on Borderlands 4 over at TopMob, and let us know if you plan to buy it on its release date?

Read More

2025-08-22 16:48