Borderlands 4’s loot and co-op improvements were discussed during PAX East 2025. Read on to learn more about the changes made to those systems and why there is no mini-map in the game.
Borderlands 4 PAX East Panel
Loot and Co-Op Overhaul
Borderlands 4 (BL4) developer Gearbox Software revealed the game’s massive improvements for its loot and co-op features. During PAX East 2025 on May 10, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and other team members explained the changes for their co-op and loot systems.
Since Borderlands 3 (BL3), the developers have listened to fan feedback and used those suggestions to improve BL4. For the co-op lobby system, they have made it easier for players to connect. Players can go in and out of the game anytime, and do not need to reach specific points of the game to play together.
Additionally, they can fast-travel quickly to where their friends are, which is inevitable with BL4’s huge map. Similar to BL3, it will feature a level-scaling system that allows players to join any lobby and match up with the levels in that world. This also applies to their loot, as each player will have their own pool of rewards to check.
Moreover, on loot, BL4 will adjust its complexity scaling so players won’t feel overwhelmed with its different combinations. The amount of legendary items players will receive will be reduced, but those will feel more powerful and special.
Not every loot will be randomized, as rewards earned from fighting mini-bosses and major enemies will yield specific drops that will make defeating them feel worth it. Players can still grind through BL4’s Moxxi’s Big Encore, allowing them to replay missions and bosses. This removes the need for players to reload their previous saves to farm loot.
Mini-Map Removal Explained
During their panel at PAX East 2025, fans asked why the game would not feature a mini-map, considering BL4’s world will be huge. Pitchford wanted players to play the game first so that fans would understand their choices with the HUD.
He elaborated, "We made a big freaking world, and a lot of the things you do can be local space, but a lot of the things you do or want to do are out there, and a local space map is not a good way to navigate when you're thinking about objectives and opportunities - several at the same time that might be miles away - and a compass really helps us do that."
Pitchford noted that he wants players to play the game, not the map, and their new compass system will aid players in their journey as they traverse the world. "Play the game first and understand the choices we've made, and I think you'll see and understand when you realise how big this world is and how playing the game in the world is better than playing the map," he stated.
Gearbox feels that they are in a great spot as they lead up to the game’s launch. Hot on their heels from the Borderlands 4 State of Play and their recent announcement of the game releasing 2 weeks earlier, the studio plans to have more events such as Fan Fest, Bilibili World, Gamescom, and more, to showcase what BL4 has in store for the players.
Borderlands 4 is set to be released on September 12, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below!
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Gearbox Main Theater Show at PAX East 2025!
