- Image from Borderlands 4 courtesy of 2K Games

Borderlands 4 Demo at Gamescom Shows Off Open World Revolution

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Mollie Dominy | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 9:53 PM ET

Ready to have your mind blown? I just spent some quality time with a Borderlands 4 demo at Gamescom, and let me tell you, everything I thought I knew about this series has been tossed out the airlock. I’ve been grinding through the older games to prep, and honestly? It was mostly pointless. That’s how much of a leap this new entry is.

As I zipped around the massive open world of Kairos with Harlowe, the new “Gravitar” Vault Hunter, I couldn’t help but gawk. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a full-blown revolution for the series. It’s still got that classic Borderlands soul, but it’s wearing a shiny, new, and frankly, much better-looking outfit.

So, What’s New with Borderlands 4?

First off, let’s talk about the world. “Open world” doesn’t quite do Kairos justice. This is the single largest environment Gearbox has ever built, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The classic cel-shaded art style is back but cranked up to eleven with stunning detail. To get around this beast of a map, you have more toys than a spoiled billionaire’s kid. We’re talking grapple hooks, gliders, and a double-jump mechanic that makes you feel like a caffeinated ninja. And yes, the vehicles are back and more customizable than ever.

This new mobility isn’t just for show; it completely changes the combat. I was flying around battles, using gadgets to trap enemies in stasis fields before blasting them with a corrosive launcher. Standing still is for suckers in Borderlands 4. You’ll be constantly on the move, which is a good thing because this map is packed with secrets you’ll want to uncover.

Same Humor, Different Vibe

Image from Borderlands 4 courtesy of 2K Games

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But what about the humor?” Don’t worry, the signature Borderlands wit is still there. I definitely had a few good laughs at some character intros and snappy dialogue. However, Gearbox has toned it down just a notch to fit a slightly more serious narrative. It’s a change, but a welcome one.

The biggest gameplay shift, though, is the structure. Gone is the mostly linear campaign path. Borderlands 4 is a true sandbox RPG. You can go wherever you want and do whatever you want, right from the get-go. Randy Pitchford has warned us about some seriously tough bosses, so you’ll probably want to level up before you go picking fights with the big baddies.

From a technical standpoint, the game ran like a dream. I played on both controller and keyboard/mouse, and both felt fantastic. Not a single bug in sight, which, let’s be honest, is a miracle for a pre-release demo. The guns feel great, the abilities are flashy, and the skill trees are deep enough to support any playstyle. It just works.

So, is Borderlands 4 a Game of the Year contender? After my hands-on experience, I’d say absolutely. And considering the bangers we’ve had this year, that’s not something I say lightly. This isn’t just another sequel; it’s a bold new direction, and I can’t wait to play more.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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