Borderlands 4: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapon Manufacturers and Licensed Parts

In the vibrant universe of Borderlands 4, while the colorful Vault Hunters and formidable Rippers capture attention, the true essence of gameplay lies within the diverse array of firearms at your disposal. These weapons, crafted by various manufacturers, each possess unique “affixes” or special characteristics that imbue them with distinct identities. Understanding these manufacturer-specific traits is crucial for strategizing your gameplay, allowing you to pursue loot that complements your preferred combat style. Furthermore, the innovative licensed parts system introduces an additional layer of customization, offering the potential to profoundly transform a weapon's functionality.

This guide delves into the specifics of each primary weapon manufacturer in Borderlands 4, detailing the unique attributes their firearms offer. For instance, Daedalus weapons often feature a secondary fire mode that utilizes a different ammo type, effectively allowing a single gun to serve dual purposes and reducing the need for constant weapon swapping. Jakobs firearms, known for their simplicity and effectiveness against groups, excel when critical hits are landed, causing projectiles to ricochet and target multiple enemies. Maliwan guns are indispensable for elemental damage, offering two swappable elements per weapon, though their elemental attributes may vary. Order weapons provide tactical flexibility, enabling players to choose between precise single shots or powerful charged bursts. Ripper guns, requiring a charged firing gauge, are ideal for initiating combat with a rapid burst of bullets but are less suited for situations demanding precision or quick retaliation. Tediore weapons offer a unique twist: upon reloading, they are thrown and can trigger various effects, such as explosions or continued firing, as seen with the “Shooting” affix. Finally, Torgue firearms specialize in sticky, explosive projectiles, with reload or mode-switch actions triggering substantial bonus damage. Vladof weapons are distinguished by their highly effective and often explosive secondary fire modes, such as turning an assault rifle into a shotgun or increasing fire rate with an extra barrel, typically with a cooldown period.

Beyond the core manufacturers, Borderlands 4 introduces the licensed parts system, which further diversifies weapon customization. This system allows guns, regardless of their original manufacturer, to incorporate parts from other manufacturers, thereby gaining additional unique traits. Three manufacturers—CoV, Hyperion, and Atlas—exclusively produce licensed parts, meaning you won't find complete weapons from them, but their components can significantly enhance existing firearms. CoV licensed parts grant an unlimited magazine size but introduce a heating mechanic that can temporarily disable the weapon if overheated. Hyperion parts equip guns with a protective shield, activated by aiming down sights, which can also provide supplementary effects like amplified damage when the shield absorbs hits. Atlas licensed parts enable players to tag enemies with a tracker, causing all subsequent shots to home in on the marked target, a valuable advantage against highly mobile foes or when seeking sustained damage output while seeking cover. This intricate system of manufacturers and licensed parts fosters a rich and dynamic weapon ecosystem, inviting players to experiment and discover the perfect synergy for their combat needs, reinforcing the idea that adaptability and strategic resourcefulness lead to greater success in any challenge.