The Borderlands franchise has always thrived on co-op gameplay, and Borderlands 4 carries this tradition forward in a big way. While you can complete the campaign solo, the chaotic, loot-driven world of Pandora (and beyond) is far more enjoyable when shared with friends. Whether you're looking to tackle tough bosses, experiment with complementary skill builds, or simply laugh through the endless waves of loot drops, co-op makes the experience richer.

If you're wondering how to invite your friends or set up a party in Borderlands 4, this guide covers everything you need to know about multiplayer, crossplay, and co-op features.

How to Invite Friends in Borderlands 4

Inviting friends in Borderlands 4 is seamless and integrated directly into the pause menu. No matter if you're mid-mission or just starting the game, you can quickly send an invite without disrupting your flow.

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Pause the game - On PC or console, press the pause/menu button to open the in-game menu.

2. Locate the invite icon - In the top-right corner of the screen, you'll see the invite option.

3. Select your friends - Click on the icon and browse your friend list. Choose who you want to invite.

4. Send the invite - Once your friend accepts, they'll immediately drop into your game.

This process works both in the main menu and while actively playing the campaign. Better yet, players are free to bring their own characters into your game, regardless of where they are in the storyline. This makes it easy for groups of friends with different progression levels to play together without restrictions.

Borderlands 4 Co-Op Features

Gearbox has taken everything players loved about Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3's multiplayer systems and made them even smoother in Borderlands 4.

·Drop-in/drop-out gameplay - Friends can join or leave without interrupting your session.

·Up to four players per lobby - As with previous games, co-op is designed around squads of up to four Vault Hunters.

·Crossplay and cross-progression - Borderlands 4 is fully crossplay compatible, letting PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players team up. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is confirmed for October 2025, and it will also support crossplay. Progression is tied to your account, so you'll keep your characters and loot across platforms.

·Local splitscreen co-op - Console players can enjoy classic couch co-op with up to two players on the same screen.

This flexibility means you can always find a way to play with your friends, regardless of platform or setup.

Subscriptions and Online Requirements

While PC players can enjoy online multiplayer at no additional cost, console players will need active online subscriptions:

·PlayStation 5 - Requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription.

·Xbox Series X|S - Requires Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate for online play.

This is in line with most modern multiplayer titles, so make sure your subscription is active before planning a co-op session.

Why Co-Op Makes Borderlands 4 Better

Although Borderlands 4 can absolutely be enjoyed solo, the game's design encourages co-op play:

1. Faster progression - Playing with friends makes it easier to farm gear, earn experience, and even trade valuable loot. For those looking to accelerate progress further, players often look to buy Borderlands 4 Items from eld.gg.

2. Team synergies - Each Vault Hunter class has unique abilities that can combine for devastating effects in co-op. For example, one player might focus on crowd control while another specializes in DPS.

3. Loot sharing - With the instanced loot system, each player gets their own drops. No more fighting over legendary weapons, but you can still trade gear or currency if you want to help your squadmates. Having extra Borderlands 4 Items ready to swap can make your team stronger.

4. More fun in combat - Boss fights, raids, and wave-based encounters are more dynamic with multiple players strategizing together.

The Borderlands humor and story moments also shine brighter when shared, making co-op not just a gameplay benefit but a more engaging way to experience the narrative.

Crossplay: No More Barriers

One of the most exciting aspects of Borderlands 4 is the day-one crossplay support. Whether your squad is split across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or later Nintendo Switch 2, you'll be able to join forces without issue.

Additionally, cross-progression ensures your Vault Hunter is always with you, regardless of platform. For players who like to switch between console and PC, this is a game-changer.

Tips for Playing Co-Op in Borderlands 4

To get the most out of multiplayer in Borderlands 4, keep these tips in mind:

·Balance your builds - Don't all run the same specialization; variety makes the squad stronger.

·Communicate - Use voice chat or pings to coordinate when fighting tougher enemies.

·Share gear - Even though loot is instanced, trading high-value items can help the group thrive.

·Take advantage of Chaos Events - Special seasonal and event-based content often offers better rewards in co-op.

By playing smart and supporting each other, you'll cut through enemies faster and farm rare loot more efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Borderlands has always been about mayhem, loot, and cooperation, and Borderlands 4 doubles down on all three. The seamless co-op system, full crossplay support, and local splitscreen option make it one of the most accessible multiplayer shooters on the market.

Whether you're running through the campaign for the first time or grinding endgame content, teaming up with friends makes the journey far more rewarding. So don't hesitate to use the invite feature, form a squad, and dive headfirst into the chaos of Borderlands 4.