Understanding the Borderlands 4 License Part System
Hey everyone! Today, we’re breaking down the Borderlands 4 License Part System – one of the biggest changes to the loot-shooter formula yet. If you thought weapon farming was wild before, just wait until you see this. Basically, any weapon can now roll with parts from other manufacturers, totally changing how it behaves. Imagine a Maliwan SMG that crits like a Jakobs or a Torgue pistol that sticks explosives everywhere. Yeah, it’s that crazy.
For more tips and strategies, check out the Borderlands 4 game guide!
How the License Part System Actually Works
On the surface, it sounds simple: guns can have parts from different brands. But there’s more to it. You won’t see, say, a Dahl part on a common white gun at level 2. Gearbox is easing players into the system. As you level up, you’ll find gear with more mods attached. A purple at level 9 might have one extra part, while a purple at level 20 could have three. It’s all about progression.
Also, not every part is a “license” part. Some are just passive stat boosts – like a Jakobs grip that gives reload speed. But only specific licensed parts grant game-changing traits:
A Jakobs barrel lets any gun ricochet on crits.
A Torgue magazine adds sticky explosive rounds.
A Hyperion sight might improve stability while moving.
So you’re hunting for both classic god-roll and license-enhanced combos.
Legendary Guns & Complex Guns Are Back!
Yes, the fan-favorite Complex Root is returning! But here’s how legends work now: a legendary’s unique effect (like the Root’s splitting projectiles) counts as one locked part. That means a legendary gun might have three parts total – its innate trait plus two random rolls. So they’re a bit less variable than purples but still pack insane synergy potential.
Grenades and Ordinance Are Even Crazier
Where the Borderlands 4 License Part System gets truly unhinged is with grenades and other ordinance. Each grenade has:
A manufacturer-specific detonation style (e.g., Tediore’s reload-throw).
A payload type (like lingering AoE or Mirv clusters).
Augments that modify that payload (duration, damage, radius).
Stat adjustments (e.g., “Concussive” for extra knockback).
And yes, you can get a Jakobs throwing knife that ricochets. Enough said.
Balancing Concerns & Final Thoughts
I won’t lie – I’m curious how Gearbox will balance this. What happens when a mediocre gun rolls the perfect licensed part combo and becomes totally broken? But honestly, that potential for chaos is what makes Borderlands great. The build-crafting possibilities are endless, and finding a gun that feels uniquely yours will be worth any balancing headaches.
So that’s the scoop! The Borderlands 4 License Part System is deep, a bit chaotic, and exactly what the series needed. Can’t wait to see what you all cook up. Catch you in the next one!
