Borderlands 4’s enhancements to loot and cooperative gameplay were detailed at PAX East 2025. Explore the system refinements and discover why the game will not include a mini-map.
Borderlands 4 PAX East Panel
Revamped Loot and Co-op Systems
During PAX East 2025 on May 10, Gearbox Software unveiled major upgrades to Borderlands 4's looting and multiplayer features. CEO Randy Pitchford and key developers took the stage to share how they have redesigned these core systems.
The team has carefully considered player feedback since Borderlands 3 and carefully integrated it into Borderlands 4. The new co-op system lets players join and leave games freely, removing previous requirements that forced players to reach certain milestones before teaming up.
Additionally, instant fast-travel to squad members is now possible, a vital improvement given the vast scale of the world. Following Borderlands 3's approach, level scaling ensures balanced play no matter which lobby players join. Individual loot pools let everyone claim unique rewards.
For loot systems, complexity scaling has been adjusted to reduce overwhelming customization options. Legendary drops will appear less frequently, but each will feel impactful and memorable.
Certain loot sources, including mini-bosses and main enemies, now offer fixed rewards to make victories truly satisfying. Replayable missions and bosses are accessible through Moxxi’s Big Encore, eliminating tedious save-file reloading for loot farming.
Removing the Mini-Map: The Team’s Perspective
At PAX East 2025, Gearbox addressed player questions about the missing mini-map, especially given the game’s expansive environments. Pitchford encouraged players to experience the game firsthand to appreciate the HUD design decisions.
“We’ve built a massive world where objectives can be both nearby and miles apart,” he explained. “A localized mini-map isn’t ideal when you’re tracking multiple goals across huge distances. A compass provides clearer guidance for long-range navigation.”
Pitchford emphasized that the new compass is designed to support exploration without pulling focus from the action. He added, “We believe players will embrace the compass once they experience the size of the world. Playing the environment, not the map, makes the adventure richer.”
With the recent State of Play coverage and an earlier-than-planned launch, Gearbox is optimistic about the game’s final stages. More showcases are planned via Fan Fest, Bilibili World, Gamescom, and other events to give players a closer look.
Borderlands 4 will launch on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Keep up with the latest updates by reading our article below.
