Player has invested significant time crafting builds in anticipation of Borderlands 4, but expresses concern about the lack of substantial post-launch activities for custom builds at the game's release.
Borderlands 4, the latest instalment in the popular looter-shooter series, has been met with a mix of excitement and concern regarding its endgame content.
One of the notable changes is the introduction of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVHM), a system that increases enemy difficulty and loot quality as players progress through five tiers. The mode also offers a Specialization skill tree, providing impactful buffs and build refinements beyond the level cap, offering meaningful progression without relying on repetitive campaign or Wildcard missions.
However, the absence of strong endgame activities like Proving Grounds and Circles of Slaughter, which were present in Borderlands 3, has been a point of contention. The primary way to farm gear in Borderlands 4 is by farming dedicated loot pools for all bosses, either in replayed campaign missions or Wildcard Missions and Moxxi's Big Encore.
The author of this article, who has already prepared builds for each Vault Hunter in Borderlands 4, finds the current endgame offerings lacking. Repeating the same missions and bosses can lead to a severe case of deja vu, and the author is seeking new challenges.
To address this, Gearbox Software has announced occasional free events and DLC, which will provide more content. Additionally, the first Invincible boss will be arriving a few months after the launch of Borderlands 4, for free.
While the foundations of the endgame are present, the lack of strong systems and activities, as stated by the author, leaves room for improvement. No new content exclusive to the endgame has been announced for Borderlands 4 at launch.
On a positive note, Pearlescent rarity will return in Bounty Pack 2, releasing in Q1 2026, providing more rare loot to chase. Furthermore, players can skip the campaign and start at level 30 on alternate characters, a feature that should appease those eager to delve into the endgame right away.
In conclusion, Borderlands 4's endgame presents a balanced mix of familiar elements and new challenges. While it may not live up to the expectations set by its predecessor for some players, the promise of free events, DLC, and future updates offers hope for a more robust and engaging endgame experience in the future.
