Expert Tips for Borderlands 4

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Here are my Borderlands 4 tips based on over 30 hours of gameplay. Whether you’re just starting out on Kairos or already facing some tough challenges, these tips should help you take down the Timekeeper faster than you thought possible.

If you’re not ready to jump in yet, check out our Borderlands 4 classes guide to find the best Vault Hunter for your style.

1. Don’t overlook Silos
Since Borderlands 4 is more open-world than previous games, you’ll find yourself walking back and forth during side quests. While there are fast travel points in the main towns, they are spaced out. Activating Silos to create safehouses is key for easy movement across the map. Yes, climbing up to them takes some effort, especially when you’re passing by quickly, but the time spent will save you later. Trust us, you’ll appreciate it.

2. Be cautious with grappling and stay mobile
Borderlands 4 introduces new movement options like double jumps, gliding, and grappling hooks. While they sound fun, often using cover and dashing is smarter than swinging in the air during firefights. Grappling can make aiming harder and exposes you to more danger. Instead, keep moving with your dash to stay alive without drawing unnecessary fire.

3. Level up between main missions
Focusing only on the story can cause you to fall behind in levels, especially late in the game where enemies scale up. Spend time doing side quests and exploring to keep your level competitive. Staying on top of your experience makes fights smoother and cuts down on the annoying bullet sponges.

4. Experiment with weapons but stick to favorites
Borderlands 4 has more guns than ever, which can be overwhelming. Try out different manufacturers and weapon types to see what fits your playstyle. Once you find a gun you like, stick with it, but don’t be afraid to try something new. Remember, damage numbers are helpful, but functionality like hitting flying targets matters too.

5. Choose your guns carefully
Fill your weapon slots with purpose. As you find new guns, compare their perks and stats. Keep an eye out for features like burst damage or useful alt-fire modes. Don’t just go for the highest damage; consider how well the gun performs in different situations.

6. Manage your inventory smartly
Your backpack has limited space, so stay on top of loot. Use the quick-mark feature to sell junk items automatically and visit every vending machine to unload gear. This prevents clutter and saves you from fumbling for space in the middle of a fight.

7. Use your abilities often
No matter which class you pick, always make sure to use your skills. They may have cooldowns, but fighting without them makes encounters much tougher. For example, Vex can deploy specters to distract enemies, giving you extra seconds to heal or reload. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment—use your abilities regularly.

8. Explore your alt-fire modes
Almost every gun has a special secondary fire mode that can turn the tide of battle. Whether it’s launching missiles or firing alternate projectiles, these modes have the potential to do major damage or provide useful effects. Take time to experiment and remember, they’re there to make fights easier, not harder.

With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle Borderlands 4’s toughest challenges. Good luck!