Welcome to Borderlands 4, the latest installment in Gearbox Software's beloved looter-shooter franchise. Set in the sprawling world of Kairos, this game introduces new mechanics, characters, and a vast open-world experience. Whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started and succeed.
Choosing Your Vault Hunter
Borderlands 4 offers four unique Vault Hunters, each with distinct abilities and playstyles:
- Amon: A close-quarters tank who excels with shotguns and melee attacks. Ideal for aggressive players who like to be in the thick of battle.
- Vex: A stealthy clone master who can duplicate herself to confuse enemies and amplify damage. Great for tactical players.
- Rafa: A long-range specialist with sniper skills and elemental traps. Perfect for precision shooters.
- Harlowe: A support-oriented character with healing and crowd-control abilities. Best for team players or solo survivalists.
Tip: Read each character's affinity and skill tree before committing. You can respec later, but starting with a character that matches your playstyle makes the early game smoother.
What to Do First
After completing the prologue, you'll land in Kairos with your first mission: Recruitment Drive. Here's what you should prioritize:
Complete "Down and Outbound"
This unlocks the Digi-Runner, your summonable vehicle. It's essential for fast travel and early combat support.
Secure a Safehouse
Safehouses offer fast travel, contracts, and gear storage. Claim one early to make exploration easier.
Upgrade Your Backpack
Inventory space is limited at first. Upgrading your backpack lets you carry more loot and ammo.
Unlock the Glidepack
This mobility tool allows you to traverse vertical terrain and reach hidden areas.
Return Lost Capsules
These collectibles offer XP and gear. They're scattered across Kairos and are worth hunting down.
Navigating Kairos
Borderlands 4 removes the traditional minimap. Instead, you'll rely on:
- ECHO-4 Drone: Your personal navigator. It highlights paths, climbable walls, and grapple points.
- Radar Display: Enable this in the settings (Gameplay → Toggle Radar Display) for better orientation.
- Custom Waypoints: Use these to mark objectives or loot spots on your map.
Combat Tips
Combat in Borderlands 4 is fast, chaotic, and rewarding. Here's how to stay alive and dominate:
Use Cover and Movement
Kairos is filled with vertical terrain. Use walls, ledges, and grapple points to dodge enemy fire.
Elemental Matchups Matter
Match your weapon's element to enemy weaknesses:
- Fire: Best against flesh
- Shock: Effective on shields
- Cryo: Slows and freezes
- Corrosive: Destroys armor
Test Action Skills
Each character has three skill trees with unique capstones. Don't hesitate to respec if a skill doesn't suit you—Borderlands 4 money is easy to earn.
Use Vehicle Weapons
The Digi-Runner comes equipped with basic weapons. Use it to soften up enemies before engaging on foot.
Leveling Up Efficiently
XP is crucial for unlocking skills and gear. Here are the best ways to level up:
- Main Missions: Progress the story to unlock key tools and areas.
- Side Missions (Contracts): These are found in Safehouses, which offer quick XP and gear.
- Farm Bosses: Some bosses drop legendary loot and give decent XP.
- Replay Vault Missions: These are harder but offer large XP rewards.
- Prospects Drill Site: A top-tier farming location with high XP and legendary gear chances.
Looting and Gear
Loot is the heart of Borderlands. Here's how to maximize your haul:
- Color Rarity Guide:
- White: Common
- Green: Uncommon
- Blue: Rare
- Purple: Epic
- Orange: Legendary
- Don't Just Chase DPS
- Look at weapon stats like reload speed, magazine size, and elemental effects. A lower-DPS gun with better utility might outperform a high-DPS one.
- Legendary Drops
- Bosses and elite enemies have a chance to drop legendary weapons. Keep farming if you're after something specific.
- Black Market Vendor
- Hidden in Kairos, this vendor sells rare gear. Check back often for rotating stock.
Advanced Tips
Once you've got the basics down, here are some pro-level strategies:
Drive Recklessly
Vehicles explode easily, but you can summon a new one instantly. Use them aggressively.
Fishing Minigame
Yes, Borderlands 4 has fishing! Look for bubbling water spots. Fish can be traded for gear or used in crafting.
Accessibility Settings
Reduce screen shake and head-bob if you're prone to motion sickness. It makes long sessions more comfortable.
Explore After Getting Vehicle
The map is massive. Wait until you have the Digi-Runner before venturing far from mission hubs.
Collect Vault Symbols
These unlock lore, XP, and sometimes gear. They're hidden throughout the world.
Final Thoughts
Borderlands 4 is a wild ride full of loot, laughs, and laser fire. As a beginner, focus on:
- Picking the right character
- Unlocking your vehicle early
- Using ECHO-4 for navigation
- Farming XP through missions and bosses
- Matching elemental weapons to enemies
- Respeccing your skills to suit your playstyle
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a legendary Vault Hunter in Kairos.
