As we mentioned this week, 2K invited PSX Brasil to play Borderlands 4 at their California offices.
That said, we released a detailed preview of the game, but one section was embargoed until today – the Primordial Vault.
Borderlands 4 – Primordial Vault
After experiencing a calmer demo covered in our previous article, 2K gave us hands-on time with the Primordial Vault.
We started with a level 20 Vex the Siren save file featuring pre-determined loot. This Vault is designed for challenge with rewarding loot – note how the mission objective in the gameplay below bluntly states: “go to your death”.
Rocket Launcher
The Vault consists solely of combat arenas. While our high-level Siren showcases more abilities, the biggest surprise was Rocket Launchers now functioning on a cooldown system. You empty your magazine and wait to reuse it. Crucially, it occupies the R1 Grenade slot – suggesting Rocket Launchers may now share grenades’ category, with both using cooldowns instead of collectible ammo. At least that’s how it worked in my demo build.
I must admit this is a huge improvement. Rocket Launchers were underutilized in previous Borderlands titles due to scarce ammo competing with more abundant weapon slots.
Boss
After surviving varied enemy waves, you confront the area boss – which reportedly stumped many journalists. While I can’t verify claims that the difficulty was Legendary-level, I found it reasonably challenging despite tactical errors, especially before discovering the strategy. Survival demands mastery of Borderlands 4‘s movement mechanics: the grappling hook, double jump, and deployable glider.
To avoid spoilers, watch the combat unfold below (starting 20:57). The footage speaks louder than commentary, but note key movement tactics: double-jumping avoids tail swipes while hookshots bypass poison pools and crumbling platforms (which auto-collapse after seconds).
This brilliantly designed boss transcends basic “shoot-to-kill” gameplay. Movement mastery combines with strategic minion management: leaving adds alive provides instant Second Wind revival opportunities. Hopefully more Borderlands 4 bosses follow this inventive approach.
Though demonstrated solo, these Vaults fully support cooperative play – which notably eases the difficulty.
Borderlands 4 – Story Trailer
Coinciding with the Primordial Vault embargo lift, 2K dropped Borderlands 4‘s story trailer and description:
Witness the cruel reign of the Timekeeper, including the harrowing Bolt implantation process – a cybernetic spine-graft device enforcing compliance. Immediately after crash-landing, Vault Hunters are captured and forcibly implanted, trapping them on Kairos.
The Timekeeper and his Order rule Kairos as the supreme power from their impenetrable fortress, Dominion City. When Elpis entered Kairos’ orbit triggering cataclysmic destruction, the Timekeeper sealed the city, dispatching Commanders to contain the fallout. Now he observes Kairos from his secure tower while Commanders enforce his Order.
Rising from humble origins, you’ll traverse Kairos igniting revolution against the Timekeeper. Rebellion smoulders planetwide – a powder keg awaiting ignition. Enter Claptrap: self-appointed mentor of the Crimson Resistance who recruits the Vault Hunters as his newest operatives.
Borderlands 4 launches September 12 on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, with a Switch 2 version following later.
