Despite a somewhat rocky start and various performance challenges, Borderlands 4 has emerged as one of the franchise’s most celebrated titles. It is often regarded as the spiritual successor to Borderlands 2, capturing the hearts of many long-time fans.
This brings us to an important question: Does this reputation shed light on the limitations of Borderlands 3? Personally, I relished the countless hours spent playing with friends, akin to previous titles in the series. However, I contend that Borderlands 4 brings forth a range of impressive quality-of-life improvements that significantly enhance the overall gameplay experience.
To illustrate these improvements, I’ve compiled a list of the most notable enhancements that make Borderlands 4 a superior game compared to its predecessor.
10 Grappling Hook
Hook, Line & Sinker
The most notable addition to Borderlands 4 is undoubtedly the grappling hook. However, it finds itself at the bottom of the list due to its somewhat limited application. Unlike in other titles where this tool is universally usable, here it can only be deployed at marked locations or to pull specific objects, making its function rather situational.
That said, it’s a valuable addition, especially for solving puzzles throughout the open world and for repositioning your Vault Hunter during intense battles. The grappling hook can prove to be a game-changer in tight situations.
9 Waypoint Path
Mark the Trail
The waypoint system is another solid improvement, allowing players to mark their desired path or objective. While the default waypoint duration can be adjusted in the options menu, there are instances where it directs players on unnecessarily complicated routes. It would be beneficial for Gearbox to refine this feature for better accuracy.
8 Jetpack Traversal
Move in Style
The introduction of the jetpack mechanic is one of Borderlands 4‘s standout features. This ability not only enhances maneuverability but also provides exhilarating gameplay. Starting with the jetpack upon landing in Kairos, players can gradually upgrade their abilities by completing vaults around the world.
Upgrading your jetpack allows for more frequent use of its capabilities with reduced charge time—a personal recommendation for players looking to improve their gameplay experience.
7 Weapon Wheel
Small Yet So Valuable
Although it might seem like a minor change, the inclusion of a dedicated weapon wheel was a much-needed feature. While players could switch weapons using hotkeys in Borderlands 3, nearly all first-person shooters benefit from an intuitive weapon wheel for ease of access. It’s gratifying to see this feature included at launch, enhancing the user experience.
6 Licensed Gun Parts
Pimp My Sidearm
A significant and exciting addition is the introduction of licensed gun parts. This feature enables players to equip weapons with secondary parts from various manufacturers, allowing for synergies that enhance gameplay. Imagine a rapid-fire Vladof weapon sporting a Jakobs underbarrel, creating critical ricochets for devastating effects.
This innovation not only makes weapons feel more unique but also motivates players to seek out epic gear and explore the possibilities of various perk combinations.
5 Custom Vehicle
Catch-a-Ride Laid to Rest
One of my favorite enhancements is the introduction of the customizable vehicle, the Digirunner. This replaces the traditional Catch-a-Ride system, allowing each player to have their own hoverbike rather than relying on a shared kiosk. You can personalize your vehicle with different skins and performance upgrades, tailoring your ride to enhance speed, weaponry, and overall handling.
4 Moxxi’s Encore
Farm at Your Heart’s Content
Moxxi’s Encore has resonated well with the player community. This feature enables players to reset boss fights for a small fee, streamlining the process of farming for those elusive Legendary items or specific drops. With Moxxi’s Encore, you can reset many boss encounters, allowing for more efficient loot gathering and ensuring that you’re continually rewarded throughout your quest.
3 Repkits
Juicing Yourself Up
Repkits stand out as a crucial new feature in Borderlands 4. These injectables offer various bonuses, in addition to standard healing, making them invaluable during combat. Incorporating them into your build can elevate your gameplay, as certain perks synergize incredibly well with these items, transforming them into essential tools for survival.
2 DLC Vault Hunters
Begone Director’s Cut
Although the implementation of new playable Vault Hunters has not yet launched, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Recent announcements confirm the return of DLC Vault Hunters, with C4SH debuting in the first story expansion of Borderlands 4. This return is a welcome contrast to the previous game, which faced backlash for eliminating new characters in favor of skill tree updates.
The inclusion of new Vault Hunters revitalizes gameplay diversity and incentivizes players to explore expansion content.
1 Difficulty Adjustment
Walk Like an Ultimate Vault Hunter
Lastly, a significant enhancement in Borderlands 4 is the reintroduction of the Ultimate Vault Hunter (UVH) difficulty setting, providing players with a more tailored experience. This system features five tiered levels that increase the challenge while rewarding players with exclusive loot based on their chosen difficulty.
Additionally, the co-op experience has improved, allowing players to select their individual difficulty settings while fighting together, ensuring that friendly play remains balanced without sacrificing the unique challenge each player craves.
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