Borderlands 4: Loot, Co-op, Mini Map Updates Revealed at PAX East

Discover the exciting updates to Borderlands 4's loot and co-op systems, unveiled at PAX East 2025. Dive in to understand these enhancements and the rationale behind the absence of a mini-map in the game.

Borderlands 4 PAX East Panel

At PAX East 2025, Gearbox Software, the developers behind Borderlands 4 (BL4), showcased significant enhancements to the game's loot and co-op features. On May 10, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, along with other team members, detailed the revolutionary changes made to these core systems.

Building on feedback from Borderlands 3 (BL3), the developers have refined BL4's co-op and loot mechanics. The new co-op lobby system simplifies player connections, allowing seamless entry and exit at any point in the game, without the need to reach specific checkpoints. Additionally, fast-travel options enable players to quickly join their friends, crucial given BL4’s expansive map. The level-scaling system, similar to BL3, ensures players can join any lobby and have their levels adjust to match the game world. This extends to loot, where each player has a personalized reward pool.

Regarding loot, BL4 introduces a refined complexity scale to prevent players from feeling overwhelmed by numerous item combinations. While the number of legendary items will decrease, their impact and uniqueness will be heightened, making them more rewarding. Not all loot will be randomized; specific drops from mini-bosses and major enemies will offer guaranteed rewards, enhancing the satisfaction of defeating them. Players can also grind through Moxxi’s Big Encore to replay missions and bosses, eliminating the need to reload saves for loot farming.

Mini-Map Removal Explained

During the PAX East 2025 panel, the absence of a mini-map in BL4, despite its vast world, sparked curiosity among fans. Randy Pitchford explained that this decision was made to enhance the gaming experience. He encouraged players to try the game to understand the reasoning behind this choice.

"We've created a massive world where local space activities are just a part of the experience," Pitchford said. "With objectives and opportunities spread out over miles, a local space map isn't the best navigation tool. Our new compass system will guide players more effectively as they explore the expansive world. We want you to play the game, not the map."

Pitchford emphasized that playing the game in its world would be more immersive and engaging than relying on a map.

As the release of Borderlands 4 approaches, Gearbox is confident in their progress. Following the Borderlands 4 State of Play and the announcement of an earlier launch date, the studio plans to engage fans at various events like Fan Fest, Bilibili World, and Gamescom, showcasing more of what BL4 has to offer.

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Keep up with the latest news and updates on the game by checking out our detailed article below!