Summary
- Borderlands 4 introduces new manufacturers like Ripper with automatic firing modes and improvised aesthetics.
- Ripper weapons have large magazines for prolonged firing but sacrifice accuracy and damage per shot.
- Ripper is a nostalgic addition to Borderlands 4, channeling the spirit of Bandit, Scav, and COV weapons.
If early looks at Borderlands 4 have proven anything, it's that the next entry in the Borderlands series not only looks to make some changes to the long-standing formula, but to introduce plenty of new features as well. Among those new features are mechanics like Borderlands 4's Licensed Parts system, as well as some new weapon manufacturers to go with it. There are a few new manufacturers being introduced in Borderlands 4, each of which has unique properties. However, one of these manufacturers, new as it may be, still feels oddly familiar in its design and function.
Of the new weapon manufacturers arriving alongside Borderlands 4, Ripper is one of the more intriguing due to its obvious ancestors. It's still a manufacturer the series has never seen before, but its design and function screams of a few specific manufacturers from the series' past — namely, Bandit, Scav, and even COV. Chances are, should players be familiar with these manufacturers and even have a special place in their heart for them, they might become quickly attached to Ripper weapons in Borderlands 4.
Borderlands 4 Is Taking an Open World-Sized Page Out of Skyrim’s Playbook
Borderlands 4 may not be fully open world, but its Skyrim-inspired exploration lets players reach distant landmarks that spark their curiosity.
Borderlands 4's Ripper Feels Familiar for a Reason
Ripper's Design Echoes the Loudest Guns from Borderlands' Past
Based on what has been shown and said about them so far, Ripper weapons in Borderlands 4 are primarily characterized by their fully automatic firing modes and rugged, thrown-together aesthetics. In a way, Rippers are highly reminiscent of the Bandit and Scav designs from Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, respectively.
Due to their automatic nature, these weapons often feature large magazines, thereby allowing players to fire them for an extended period before needing to reload. However, these larger magazines generally come at the cost of longer reload times and even lower accuracy and damage per shot compared to other manufacturers. More than anything, this design philosophy emphasizes a "spray and pray" approach that prioritizes volume over accuracy. Naturally, this complements the Ripper name in Borderlands 4, which suggests an unhinged weapon that can tear through large waves of enemies.
Based on what has been shown and said about them so far, Ripper weapons in Borderlands 4 are primarily characterized by their fully automatic firing modes and rugged, thrown-together aesthetics.
Then there's the visual design of Ripper weapons in Borderlands 4 that reflects this chaotic nature. Their cobbled-together appearance traces back to S&S Munitions in the original Borderlands, which was then succeeded by Bandit weapons in Borderlands 2, then Scav in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and COV in Borderlands 3. Each iteration of this design has revolved around the theme of being improvised, high-capacity weapons crafted from salvaged parts. Clearly, the Ripper weapons' roots are showing, and despite being a new manufacturer in Borderlands 4, they're a callback to the series' past.
Bandit, Scav, and COV May Be Gone, But Their DNA Isn't
Essentially, this just goes to show that while Borderlands 4 may be attempting to chart new territory for the series, it hasn't completely abandoned where it came from. Borderlands 4 may not feature Bandit, Scav, or COV weapons for players to use, but Ripper is evidence that their DNA isn't gone. That being said, Borderlands 4's new Licensed Parts system means Ripper weapons may not be entirely like they're clear ancestors, as they may not be definitively Ripper in nature. With Licensed Parts, a Ripper weapon can have the explosive capabilities of a Torgue weapon or the elemental effects of a Maliwan.
Ripper may be the new kid on the manufacturer block, but it already looks like one of the more nostalgic additions in Borderlands 4. By channeling the spirit of Bandit, Scav, and COV, all while adding an occasional twist through the Licensed Parts system, Ripper walks a fine line between homage and innovation in Borderlands 4. It’s a reminder that while old manufacturers may be gone in name, their influence hasn't been erased.
Borderlands 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
- Released
- September 12, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
