Guns and Gimmicks: All Weapon Manufacturers and Licensed Parts in ‘Borderlands 4’

In the world of Borderlands 4, your choice of weaponry is more than a matter of damage numbers; it’s a statement. The franchise’s iconic weapon manufacturers, each with a unique style and signature gimmick, have returned to arm Vault Hunters on the new planet of Kairos. However, the game introduces a massive new twist with the “Licensed Parts” system, allowing for unprecedented weapon customization and creating a chaotic synergy between brands. This guide provides a complete rundown of every weapon manufacturer, their defining traits, and the new licensed part system that has changed the loot game forever.

The weapon ecosystem in Borderlands 4 is a fascinating blend of old and new. Fan favorites like Jakobs and Maliwan are back, alongside three brand-new manufacturers. But the real game-changer is the ability to find a weapon from one company that has parts from another. For example, you can find a Vladof assault rifle that fires Torgue gyrojets, or a Jakobs pistol with a Maliwan elemental switch. This system allows for billions of new weapon combinations, making every loot drop a potential goldmine of creative and destructive possibilities.

All ‘Borderlands 4’ Weapon Manufacturers

There are eight primary weapon manufacturers in Borderlands 4, each with a distinct and recognizable style. Three of these are entirely new to the series, while others have been reworked to fit the new loot system. The absence of some classic brands like Dahl and Hyperion from the main weapon pool is notable, but they return as “licensed parts” (more on that below).

• Daedalus: This is a new manufacturer known for its versatile and reliable weapons. Their core gimmick is the ability to swap between multiple ammo types. For example, a Daedalus assault rifle could have an alternate fire mode that uses shotgun ammo, making it a great all-around tool for any situation.
• Jakobs: “If it took more than one shot, you weren’t using a Jakobs!” The classic Wild West-themed manufacturer returns with its signature gimmick: critical hits ricochet bullets to nearby enemies. Jakobs weapons hit hard and fast, rewarding players with good aim.
• Maliwan: The masters of elemental mayhem are back. Maliwan weapons specialize in elemental damage, and their new gimmick allows you to instantly swap between two different elements on the fly. This gives you unparalleled flexibility in any fight.
• Order: A brand-new manufacturer introduced with the game’s new main enemy faction. Order weapons are energy-based guns that can be charged to fire multiple, incredibly fast rounds at once. They are powerful but require precise timing to master.
• Ripper: This new manufacturer focuses on high-rate-of-fire weapons that require a spin-up time before they begin firing. They are similar to the old Children of the Vault (CoV) weapons but with a new twist, making them a great choice for players who want to unleash a hail of bullets on their enemies.
• Tediore: The masters of disposable guns are back. When you reload a Tediore weapon, you throw it, and it either explodes or sprouts legs and becomes a walking turret. The more ammo you have in the magazine, the bigger the explosion or the longer the turret lasts.
• Torgue: “EXPLOSIONS?!” Mr. Torgue’s brand of heavy, explosive weaponry returns. Torgue weapons fire sticky projectiles called “Gyrojets” that can be stacked on enemies and then detonated all at once for a massive explosion. They are the go-to for players who want to deal massive area-of-effect damage.
• Vladof: Why be accurate when you can just shoot until everything is dead? Vladof guns are all about high fire rates and large magazines. Their secondary fire modes add even more flexible firepower, with underbarrel attachments that can be anything from a second barrel to a rocket launcher.

Licensed Parts and What They Do

The new Licensed Parts system is a massive addition to the game. Certain manufacturers that are not in the main weapon pool now provide “parts” that can be found on weapons from other manufacturers. This creates powerful synergies that can change the way you play. There are three manufacturers that exclusively create licensed parts:

• Atlas: Atlas licensed parts grant a weapon the ability to fire “Track Grenades” that tag enemies. Your subsequent shots will then home in on the tagged enemies for a short period of time. This is incredibly useful for hitting fast-moving or hard-to-hit targets.
• Children of the Vault (CoV): CoV licensed parts remove the magazine from a weapon entirely. Instead, the weapon will fire continuously from your total ammo reserves. The downside is that the weapon can overheat and break, requiring a cooldown period. This is perfect for players who love full-auto chaos.
• Hyperion: Hyperion licensed parts give a weapon a defensive shield when aiming down sights. This shield can absorb incoming damage and, in some cases, provide a damage boost to your gun. This adds a crucial layer of defense for players who like to be a bit more tactical in a fight.

The combination of these licensed parts with the primary manufacturers’ gimmicks has created a level of weapon diversity never before seen in the series. The hunt for the perfect roll—a Torgue shotgun with a Hyperion shield, for example—is a major part of the endgame experience. The developers at Gearbox have truly knocked it out of the park with this new system, ensuring that every time you find a legendary weapon, it’s a moment of pure, unpredictable joy.