Borderlands 4 scraps the minimap for a compass system because of its massive, seamless world. Gearbox head Randy Pitchford explained this change at PAX East 2025. Players can spot locations far away and travel there without loading screens. The compass helps players track goals that might sit miles apart. Local maps became less useful for such a vast space.
The game features much more up-and-down movement than earlier titles. Traditional flat maps confuse players when environments stack on multiple levels. The compass shows if targets sit above or below with clear arrows. Players access the full map with one button press. An AI navigation system draws path lines to help players find their way.
Borderlands 4 arrives September 12 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. A Nintendo Switch 2 version comes out later. Pitchford asked fans to try the game before judging the navigation changes. The company might add a minimap after launch based on player feedback. Gearbox built special features like Echobot to assist with finding locations.
The game features much more up-and-down movement than earlier titles. Traditional flat maps confuse players when environments stack on multiple levels. The compass shows if targets sit above or below with clear arrows. Players access the full map with one button press. An AI navigation system draws path lines to help players find their way.
Borderlands 4 arrives September 12 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. A Nintendo Switch 2 version comes out later. Pitchford asked fans to try the game before judging the navigation changes. The company might add a minimap after launch based on player feedback. Gearbox built special features like Echobot to assist with finding locations.
