If you’re a franchise veteran, get ready: the item system of Borderlands 4 has received one of the biggest overhauls in the series. While the search for differently colored weapons continues, the introduction of the Licensed Parts system completely changes what you can find in Pandora.
This guide will detail everything you need to know about the new loot system. We will explain how rarities work, what each weapon manufacturer does, and how the innovative Licensed Parts system can create the most absurd weapons you’ve ever seen.
Weapon Rarities: More Than Just Colors
As always, every item in Borderlands 4 has a rarity indicated by its color. This rarity determines the overall quality of the weapon, its attributes, and most importantly, the maximum number of Licensed Parts it can have.
| Rarity | Quality | Licensed Parts Limit |
| Common (White) | Low. Low-quality parts with few bonuses. | 1 |
| Uncommon (Green) | Below average. Medium parts, may have bonuses. | 2 |
| Rare (Blue) | Average. Good parts that usually have bonuses. | 3 |
| Epic (Purple) | Great. Strong parts that always have bonuses. | 4 |
| Legendary (Orange) | Extremely rare, with a unique and powerful effect. | 3 + 1 Legendary Effect |
Legendary weapons remain the pinnacle of power. They have a special effect that cannot be found on any other item, usually described by an enigmatic text. For example, the weapon “T.K.’s Wave” has the “Heirloom” effect, which makes its projectiles travel in a wave trajectory.
An important note: Pearlescent weapons are not present at the launch of Borderlands 4.
Weapon Manufacturers: Know Your Brand
Each weapon in the game is made by a manufacturer, each with a unique characteristic that defines how their weapons function. In Borderlands 4, some classic names like Atlas, Children of the Vault (CoV), and Dahl have been replaced by Order, Ripper, and Daedalus, respectively. Hyperion is also not present as a main manufacturer.
Here is a summary of what each brand offers:
- Daedalus: Accurate and easy-to-use weapons. The alternate fire mode changes the ammo type, which can alter the weapon’s function. (Replaces Dahl).
- Jakobs: Western-themed weapons focused on massive critical damage and small magazines. Critical hits cause bullets to ricochet off a nearby enemy.
- Maliwan: Specialists in elemental weapons with a high chance to apply status effects. The alternate fire mode switches the elemental damage type of the weapon.
- Order: Energy weapons that function like railguns. Holding the trigger charges multiple shots into one super-powered blast.
- Ripper: Weapons with extremely high rate of fire that need to be “charged”. Holding the trigger fires the weapon in full-auto mode. (Replaces CoV/Bandit).
- Tediore: Digital weapons that turn into projectiles. Reloading the weapon throws it at the enemy, usually causing an explosion.
- Torgue: Slow-firing weapons that launch explosive projectiles. Their bullets are slow but always cause area damage.
- Vladof: High rate-of-fire weapons with huge magazines but low accuracy. The alternate fire mode activates an under-barrel attachment, like a shotgun or grenade launcher.
The Big News: The Licensed Parts System
This is the biggest change in Borderlands 4. From level 15 onwards, you can find weapons with “Licensed Parts.” This means a weapon can be created with components from a different manufacturer than its main one.
The possibilities are endless. Imagine finding a Vladof assault rifle with a Torgue barrel, making your high-rate-of-fire machine gun shoot explosive projectiles. Or a Tediore weapon that, when thrown, activates a Vladof attachment.
This allows combinations that completely break the rules, creating unique weapons at all rarities, not just Legendary ones.
Legendary Parts on Legendary Weapons
The hunt for the “god roll” has reached a new level. There is an extremely rare chance of a Legendary weapon coming with a licensed part from another Legendary weapon, inheriting its unique special effect.
Yes, you read that right. It is theoretically possible to find a weapon with two different Legendary effects. If you’re lucky enough to find such a weapon, keep it, as it is one of the rarest and most powerful in the entire game.
Now that you understand how the new system works, you’re ready to explore the worlds of Borderlands 4 and hunt for the perfect loot!
