Borderlands 4 is bringing a plethora of new things like a massive open-world, in-depth weapon customization, and a new cast of Vault Hunters. However, the fun isn’t stopping there, as Gearbox Software has also introduced a new endgame addition called Firmware.
This feature enabled bonuses for non-weapon gear making your Vault Hunter extra powerful. To explain how it works, we’ve assembled this piece.
Firmware System in Borderlands 4 Explained
For the first time ever, the Firmware System is being implemented in the Borderlands series. Just as looting for weapons is important, this endgame feature makes normal gear collection just as crucial.
If you manage to equip gear with the Firmware, you’ll get a tiered passive bonus. If a full set is completed, you’ll get a unique bonus like automatic missiles and life stealing. If you’re curious about how the tier system works, this is as follows.
| Tiers | Firmware Requirements |
|---|---|
| Minor (Tier 1) | If you have one piece of Firmware equipped. |
| Major (Tier 2) | If you have two pieces of Firmware equipped. |
| Full (Tier 3) | If you have three pieces of Firmware equipped. |
In short, you’ll be able to equip five different Firmwares with Tier 1 bonuses in Borderlands 4. Alternatively, you can have a full Firmware set with three gears, and even enable a Tier 2 bonus with two more. Giving you multiple options to tinker around with your loadout.
Furthermore, this system isn’t exclusive to endgame folks only. Gearbox Software has mentioned that players will get gears with Firmware as early as Level 25. So by the time you reach the endgame, you’ll have enough gears with different Firmware to tinker around.
Firmware can be swapped from one piece to the other, but there’s a drawback. If you swap a Firmware, the original is destroyed, and there’s no way to get it back. One way to do it would be grinding more, but that’s how Borderlands 4 works.
Are Bonuses From the Firmware System Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. Firmware System might be new, but the bonuses you get are more than worth it. Additionally, it makes looting more fun and gives player the freedom to do more with their loadout.
In combination with the detailed Licensed Parts feature for weapons, you can create a loadout that would be unique to you. Pair it all with your character’s Action Skills, and you’ll have a god walking in Kairos. Last but not least, it makes the endgame farming much more fun than before.
How Should You Be Farming and Building Firmware in Borderlands 4
Farming strategies need to be changed with Borderlands 4. Since Gearbox Software has altered the RNG system for the game, alongside loot variation. So if you want to create a loadout of your dreams, you’ll have to grind a lot for gear.
For those who want to customize and fine-tune their gears. Don’t discard your weapons, parts, and even gears. Hoard them as much as possible. Once you get the desired parts, you can swap them later with ease.
Since you won’t be getting any Firmware pieces before Level 25, go berserk and focus on weapon build first. Once you hit the level, start collecting instead of replacing. Chances are you might end up replacing a Firmware that could be more important to you.
So that’s everything you need to know about the Firmware system in Borderlands 4. Are you excited to use the new feature in the game? Share with us in the comments below.
