Vaults of risk and reward, 'Borderlands 4' raises the stakes

New Primordial Vaults on Kairos challenge players with brutal battles and deliver Legendary loot in return

Gearbox Software has broadened the scope of 'Borderlands 4' with the introduction of Primordial Vaults, a new gameplay system that promises high-risk, high-reward exploration. These vaults, hidden across the planet Kairos, deliver some of the most coveted loot in the game while demanding players' best combat skills.

The vaults cannot be entered casually. Each requires three unique Vault Key Fragments, scattered across Kairos in combat-heavy zones. Only after collecting the correct fragments can players access the entrances, which then unlock through a console mechanism. In total, nine fragments are needed to open all three Primordial Vaults.

The Vault of Inceptus sits atop the craggy formations of the Dissected Plateau. Players must climb a steep slope within a marked map area before assembling the fragments to unseal its gates. The Vault of Origo, meanwhile, hides within a frozen cave in the snowy Low Leys. An Auger Shrine outside the cave serves as a marker for treasure hunters.

The third, the Vault of Radix, lies in the Grindstone of the Worthy, close to the Rustical Hurl Order Silo fast-travel point. Adventurers must push north, cross a bridge, and weave past debris to locate the entrance.

Once inside, the challenge escalates. Each vault is designed as a gauntlet, combining environmental hazards with waves of tough enemies and occasional boss encounters. The rewards match the risk: Legendary-tier weapons, armour, and gear unavailable elsewhere on Kairos. For seasoned players, the vaults provide not only loot but also a proving ground for skill mastery.

The launch of Primordial Vaults reflects Gearbox's post-release support strategy for 'Borderlands 4'. The studio has committed to free content updates, seasonal events, and paid expansions designed to extend the game's lifecycle.

Among the highlights is Story Pack 1, scheduled for early 2026, which introduces C4SH, the franchise's first post-launch playable Vault Hunter. Alongside the new character, the pack will add fresh missions, bosses, a new map zone, and cosmetic options.

Beyond Story Pack 1, Gearbox is preparing Bounty Packs with additional challenges, a new Invincible Boss mode, and rotating weekly events to sustain community engagement. The strategy is consistent with the studio's long-standing approach of combining narrative expansion with gameplay variety.

'Borderlands 4' launched across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release also in development. With Primordial Vaults already live and more content on the horizon, the game appears set for a long and active run.