Borderlands 4 is renowned for its expansive open world and rich content, but this can also overwhelm new players. Figuring out how to efficiently navigate the vast map and numerous quest options, and acquire valuable resources, is a primary concern.

If you're struggling to find your footing in the game, this guide will outline nine key points for the early stages, helping you get started quickly and embark on your journey to wealth and glory in Kairos.

1. Choose Your Starting Character Wisely

Carefully reviewing the attributes of each Vault Hunter is crucial when starting the game. While reading a lot of text might seem tedious, this step will directly impact your gameplay experience.

There are four starting classes, each with unique strengths. For example, Amon is a typical melee fighter, adept at taking damage and dealing damage with shotguns and powerful melee attacks; while Vex can clone herself to increase damage and distract enemies.

If you're new to Borderlands 4, consider a dedicated character selection guide. Generally, any choice is fine; the key is to choose based on your personal playstyle and preferences.

2. Prioritize Obtaining Digirunner

The game world is vast, and traveling on foot is time-consuming and inefficient. Therefore, completing Down and Outbound main quest to obtain Digirunner as soon as possible is a wise move.

This summonable vehicle not only significantly reduces travel time but also comes equipped with basic weapons, helping you gain the upper hand in dangerous situations.

And if you die in combat, don't worry; spending some Borderlands 4 Money at Reset Machine will respawn you quickly.

Additionally, we recommend not focusing too much on side quests before obtaining Digirunner to maximize overall efficiency.

3. Utilize Fishing System

Fishing is a hidden gem in the game. While exploring Kairos, look for areas with bubbles on the water's surface; these trigger simple fishing mini-games.

Each fishing attempt can yield random-quality weapons, grenades, and other useful items. While not guaranteed to yield high-value rewards every time, it's an excellent way to supplement your early-game equipment. 

4. Storage Deck Upgrades

In the early game, you'll quickly accumulate a large amount of weapons, ammo, and items, so your inventory space will easily become full.

Use Storage Deck Upgrades menu to prioritize expanding your inventory capacity using upgrade modules obtained from missions. This allows you to experiment with different weapon combinations more flexibly.

Then, increase your ammo capacity based on your most frequently used weapon types to ensure sustained combat capability.

5. Master Alt Fire

Every gun in the game has a unique Alt Fire function, such as switching ammo types, deploying an energy shield, or increasing fire rate. These functions are usually displayed below the ammo counter in HUD.

Actively experimenting with different modes will deepen your understanding of the weapon system and significantly enhance your tactical versatility.

6. Utilize Jetpack Effectively

You'll receive a Jetpack early in the game. It's not only a tool for traversing terrain, but also provides significant advantages in combat.

For example, hovering can dodge melee attacks, the dash function allows for quick movement and rushing towards enemies, and aerial attacks deal extra damage to ground targets.

Mastering the combination of dashing and combat skills will allow you to handle complex combat situations with ease.

7. Equip Action Skills Promptly

When you level up and allocate skill points in Vault Hunter's skill tree, you need to manually equip one of the character's three active skills in the skill menu. This also applies to Capstone skills, they need to be manually selected after unlocking them in the skill tree.

These Action Skills are the core of Vault Hunter, significantly altering the combat rhythm, but the system doesn't automatically activate them. Remember to manually equip them promptly.

Additionally, if you want to level up quickly or re-equip skills due to incorrect skill point allocation, spending BL4 Cash at Skill Point Reset Machine will help you achieve this!

Also Read: Borderlands 4 Best Vault Hunter Skill Trees Ranked - Most Powerful Builds

8. Replay Missions For Additional Rewards

The developers introduced a system in Borderlands 4 that allows players to replay completed missions for additional rewards. To quickly accumulate weapons, skill points, or BL4 Cash early in the game, switch to Replay menu in Missions section of the mission menu.

Note that some missions cannot be replayed, but there are plenty of other missions that offer substantial rewards and experience. Prioritize missions with generous rewards to maximize your gains!

9. Start Your Side Quest Journey With Abduction Injunction

If you're looking for a fun and engaging side quest to start with, Abduction Injunction is a great choice. This quest is located near your first safehouse and is triggered by talking to Wildhorn Jenny.

During this quest, you'll explore Coastal Bonescape region, familiarize yourself with the game mechanics, and encounter other side quests. It's an ideal way for players to experience early-game exploration, combat, and story elements.

While the open world of Borderlands 4 can be overwhelming, by focusing on these nine points - from character selection and movement efficiency to resource management and tactical development - you'll quickly establish a game rhythm, gain advantages efficiently, and lay a solid foundation for exploring the exciting world of Kairos.

Remember, mastering the game systems is more important than aimlessly exploring. We wish you a rewarding adventure in Kairos!