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

At PAX East 2025, the Borderlands 4 development team from Gearbox Software unveiled key improvements to the game’s loot mechanics, co-op functionality, and navigation system. Fans got an in-depth look at how the sequel is refining its core systems based on community feedback, while also learning the reasoning behind the bold decision to remove the mini-map.

Borderlands 4 PAX East Panel

Loot and Co-Op Overhaul

Gearbox is redefining the Borderlands experience with significant upgrades to both loot and co-op systems in Borderlands 4. During the PAX East panel on May 10, CEO Randy Pitchford and lead developers shared insights into how player feedback from Borderlands 3 has shaped the evolution of the franchise.

The co-op lobby system has been completely streamlined for seamless multiplayer access. Players can now jump in and out of sessions at any time without needing to reach specific mission checkpoints. Fast travel to teammates is fully supported, making it easy to regroup across the game’s expansive open world.

Like its predecessor, Borderlands 4 features dynamic level scaling, allowing players of different levels to join the same lobby and remain competitive. Each player will receive personalized loot drops based on their progression, ensuring rewards are relevant and rewarding.

On the loot front, Gearbox has fine-tuned the complexity of item generation. While the number of legendary drops has been reduced, each one now feels more impactful and unique. The goal is to make powerful gear feel truly special, rather than lost in a flood of randomized stats.

Not all rewards will be procedurally generated—defeating mini-bosses and major enemies will yield curated loot drops, making those encounters more meaningful. For players who enjoy farming, Moxxi’s Big Encore returns, letting you replay missions and boss fights to earn additional gear without resorting to save-scumming.

Mini-Map Removal Explained

One of the most talked-about decisions revealed at the panel was the removal of the mini-map. With Borderlands 4 featuring a vast, interconnected world, fans questioned how navigation would work without this staple UI element.

Randy Pitchford addressed the concern directly, emphasizing the team’s vision: “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.”

The new compass system is designed to guide players efficiently across long distances, highlighting active objectives, points of interest, and dynamic events. Pitchford encouraged players to experience the game firsthand, stating, “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.”

As development progresses smoothly, Gearbox is building momentum toward launch with a packed promotional schedule. Following the recent State of Play showcase and the announcement of an earlier release date, the team plans to appear at major events like Fan Fest, Bilibili World, and Gamescom to share more details.

Borderlands 4 launches on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates—there’s plenty more to come.