We’ve been learning quite a few things about Borderlands 4 thanks to Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford being active on social media, including the fact that the game will feature a separate volume slider for divisive character Claptrap. In a new post, Pitchford has confirmed that the studio has been holding back quite a few details about the game for launch.
“So many things we are holding back from everyone until launch,” posted Pitchford in response to a Borderlands fan asking whether there will still be some things about the game kept secret. “So. Many. Things.”
As for Claptrap’s volume slider, we still don’t have complete details about the feature aside from a Twitch partner having posted a screenshot of the game’s audio settings menu with the slider present. Borderlands 4 also likely features a few jokes about the slider, going by the words of narrative director Sam Winkler, who mentioned that one of the jokes revolved around a bad accent in a classic immersive sim.
“I wrote some lines just for this feature and it includes maybe the dumbest most niche reference to a certain terrible accent in a certain classic immersive sim,” wrote Winkler. While we don’t know what immersive sim he is referring to in his post, his use of the word “classic” would imply it is from the Deus Ex series.
The volume slider for Claptrap has been an interesting addition to Borderlands 4, since the character has been known to be quite divisive. While present from all the way back in 2009’s Borderlands, Claptrap has since evolved into becoming a mascot for the franchise. Because of this, the character has continued to be featured in many prominent roles throughout the games. While some find the character absolutely hilarious, others tend to find him annoying.
Just last month, Pitchford, along with creative director Graeme Timmins, revealed on social media that Borderlands 4 will be quite a bit “more intense” than the previous games in the franchise. In a post celebrating one of the bosses from the upcoming title – Inceptus – “going hard”, Pitchford responded by saying that he could think of some bosses that go harder.
In response to a fan asking whether this means that the game has been made considerably harder, Timmins wrote that the game will be harder than previous games, while still being generally more accessible rather than hardcore. He also mentioned that the title will include difficulty options.
“The demo fast forwarded players, and as a result made the opening section a little more difficult than what you’ll likely experience at launch,” wrote Timmins in response to the question about the game’s difficulty. “BL4 is a little more intense than previous games, but still more casual than hardcore. You can lower diff if you need too if you like!”
Borderlands 4 is being developed for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2. The game is slated to hit store shelves on September 12, and will be priced at $69.99. For more details, check out the recent Wastelands region trailer.
