Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox, has announced an exciting update about Borderlands 4, which features the largest map in the series to date—”by far.” Notably, there will be no minimap, a decision that Pitchford explains is aimed at encouraging players to immerse themselves in the gameplay rather than fixate on navigating through menus.
During a panel discussion at PAX East, Pitchford urged fans to “experience the game first” and to appreciate the design choices the development team has implemented before critiquing the new HUD elements. “We made a huge world,” he mentioned, as reported by PC Gamer. “While some tasks can be localized, many objectives are far apart, making a traditional map insufficient for navigation. That’s where a compass becomes essential.”
“We want you to engage with the game rather than just navigate the map,” Pitchford explained. “So we invested in an advanced compass system, which is readily accessible alongside a comprehensive map. Plus, we’ve added more exciting features than ever before, including an AI-driven navigation system that acts like GPS on the big map.”
Pitchford did emphasize that the team remains “open to future possibilities,” inviting players to keep an open mind. “Play the game first to truly grasp the decisions we’ve made. You’ll see how much better experiencing this vast world is compared to just looking at a map.”
He elaborated, “We’re on the offense, and while we often find ourselves pushing every boundary, the momentum is incredible. This is the best position we’ve been in so close to launch for Borderlands 4.”
Borderlands 4 is now set to launch sooner than anticipated on September 12. Gearbox recently offered fans a deeper glimpse into this new looter shooter during a PlayStation showcase, highlighting new Vault Hunters, innovative weapons, enhanced traversal mechanics, and much more. Creative director Graeme Timmins described it as “hands-down our best Borderlands ever.”
