Borderlands 4 introduces groundbreaking build diversity influenced by Baldur's Gate 3 and Path of Exile. Discover how the enhanced passive skills system refines the game's RPG components.
Borderlands 4's Expanded Passive System and Build Options
Unprecedented Number of Passive Skills
Borderlands 4 dramatically expands its passive skill offerings, surpassing the combined total from all previous franchise entries. In a recent Polygon interview (August 15), Lead Character Designer Nick Thurston discussed new Vault Hunter Amon the Forge Knight and the game's deepened RPG mechanics.
While Amon's imposing physique suggests a traditional tank archetype, his gameplay centers on weapon crafting through cybernetic drones - a concept Thurston describes as "sci-fi viking."
This fusion of technology and raw power reflects the team's design approach, most evident in the expanded skill tree system offering unprecedented build customization.
Thurston explains: "Our Augment and Capstone systems require meaningful choices that dramatically alter gameplay. Combined with over 80 passive skills per character - Amon has 87 - this creates our most diverse build system yet."
This layered perk system complements Borderlands' signature weapon variety ("billions of combinations"), allowing players to perfect their preferred playstyle.
Learning from RPG Masters: BG3 and PoE
Beyond its looter-shooter core, Borderlands 4 elevates RPG elements through its refined skill system. Thurston cites his passion for Baldur's Gate 3 and Path of Exile as key influences.
"As a min-maxer," Thurston notes, "I appreciate games allowing specialized damage approaches. While past Borderlands characters had singular focuses, we've ensured Amon offers multiple viable playstyles."
The team prioritized distinct build identities: "Previously, identical characters played similarly. Now, four players using Amon could have completely different builds." This philosophy extends to all Vault Hunters.
With major innovations including seamless open-world design and enhanced endgame content, Borderlands 4 aims to be the franchise's most ambitious installment. The game launches September 12, 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
