Borderlands 4 has expanded the chaotic, loot-filled universe with fresh mechanics, new worlds, and improved traversal systems. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to summon and customize vehicles on the go. Whether you’re exploring vast open zones, chasing down loot, or fighting your way through hordes of enemies, vehicles are essential for both speed and survival.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spawning vehicles in Borderlands 4—from unlocking your first ride to advanced customization, upgrades, and strategies for maximizing their usefulness. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to call in your ride anytime, anywhere, and use it to dominate the wastelands.
What Are Vehicles in Borderlands 4?
Vehicles in Borderlands 4 are more than just transportation—they’re an extension of your arsenal. Unlike in earlier Borderlands games, where you needed to rely on Catch-A-Ride stations, the new Digistruct system allows players to spawn vehicles almost anywhere in the game world.
Each vehicle has unique stats, handling styles, and built-in weapons, making them useful for both exploration and combat. From sleek hover bikes to armored war machines, Borderlands 4 ensures that your journey through Pandora (and beyond) is as thrilling as the firefights.
When Can You Unlock Your First Vehicle?
The first vehicle you’ll unlock in Borderlands 4 is the MAV-880 Digirunner, often shortened to just “Digirunner.” This high-tech hover bike is your introduction to the game’s vehicle mechanics.
- Unlock Mission: You’ll gain access to the Digirunner during the “Down and Outbound” main story quest.
- Progression Required: Before this mission, you’ll complete quests such as Recruitment Drive and encounter fan-favorite characters like Claptrap.
- Key NPC: The Digirunner becomes available permanently after you meet Conway (via Rush).
From this point onward, you’ll always be able to summon your Digirunner and expand your vehicle collection as you progress.
How to Spawn or Summon a Vehicle
Spawning a vehicle in Borderlands 4 is one of the simplest mechanics once unlocked. Here’s how to do it depending on your platform:
- PC: Press X to summon your vehicle instantly.
- Console: Use the Right on the D-Pad (some control schemes map it to the Left D-Pad).
Thanks to the updated Digistruct system, you no longer need a Catch-A-Ride station. Vehicles can be spawned almost anywhere, saving time and adding freedom to exploration.
Pro Tip: If your vehicle is destroyed, don’t panic. You can resummon it right away without major penalties.
Key Features of the Digirunner
The Digirunner isn’t just your starter vehicle—it’s a versatile tool that grows with you.
- Boost & Jump:
- Use the boost for bursts of speed and the jump function to clear obstacles or reposition quickly during fights.
- Integrated Weapons:
- The Digirunner is equipped with mounted guns, allowing you to attack enemies without dismounting.
- Health Meter:
- Vehicles have their own durability. If enemies destroy it, you can simply resummon, making it more convenient than risking your character’s health.
Customizing & Upgrading Vehicles
Customization is where Borderlands 4 really shines. Your vehicles aren’t static—they evolve with your playstyle.
1. Hover Drives
- Affect speed, handling, acceleration, and boost efficiency.
- Unlock them by completing challenges tied to weapon manufacturers or defeating enemies with specific gear.
2. Vehicle Skins & Paint Jobs
- Purely cosmetic but let you personalize your rides.
- Unlock through side quests, main missions, and special world challenges.
3. Vehicle Selection Menu
- As you unlock more vehicles, access them under the Customization Tab in your menu.
- Swap between rides depending on your mission or mood.
Other Vehicles You Can Unlock
Borderlands 4 doesn’t stop at the Digirunner. Several other rides become available as you progress through story and side quests:
- Driftblade: Earned during the Rush the Gate mission.
- Carapacer: Unlocked in the Hise Vile Sanctum quest.
- Punchy Whoopster: Obtained through the Her Flaming Vision mission.
- Sprintcraft & Fang Glider: Available through advanced side quests.
Each vehicle has different strengths. For example, the Driftblade is better for speed and handling, while the Carapacer offers heavy armor and durability.
Tips to Use Vehicles Effectively
Vehicles in Borderlands 4 aren’t just for show—they can give you a tactical edge. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Summon Strategically:
- Always call your Digirunner before entering wide-open zones to cut travel time.
- Combat Advantage:
- Use mounted weapons to weaken groups of enemies before dismounting to finish the fight.
- Resummon Without Fear:
- Vehicles are expendable. If destroyed, summon another without worrying about major penalties.
- Leverage Boost & Jump:
- These functions aren’t just for traversal—they’re lifesavers in combat when you need to dodge or reposition.
- Complete Challenges for Upgrades:
- Many challenges reward Hover Drives, skins, and vehicle modules. These are worth prioritizing since they enhance performance.
Why Vehicles Matter in Borderlands 4
Borderlands has always been about over-the-top action, loot, and mayhem. Vehicles in Borderlands 4 add a new layer of gameplay by merging mobility with combat.
- They speed up exploration, making grinding and loot runs more efficient.
- They act as combat platforms, giving you a mobile firing station.
- They encourage player creativity, since upgrades allow you to customize performance and aesthetics.
In a game where every second counts toward farming loot and staying alive, vehicles are indispensable tools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can make errors with vehicles. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Ignoring Vehicle Health: If you don’t monitor the meter, you might get stranded mid-combat.
- Forgetting Boost Timing: Boost has a cooldown. Overusing it wastes mobility options.
- Not Upgrading: Sticking with base Digirunner parts limits your effectiveness later in the game.
- Skipping Side Missions: Many of the best upgrades are tied to side content, so don’t rush only the main quest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I spawn a vehicle anywhere in Borderlands 4?
Yes, thanks to the Digistruct system, you can summon vehicles almost anywhere outside of tight indoor zones.
Q2: What happens if my vehicle gets destroyed?
There’s no major penalty. You can resummon it immediately.
Q3: Are vehicles required for all missions?
No, but they make exploration and some combat sequences far easier.
Q4: Can I customize weapons on vehicles?
Yes, certain upgrades allow weapon swaps or enhancements tied to vehicle modules.
Q5: Do vehicles consume resources like ammo or fuel?
No, vehicles in Borderlands 4 don’t require fuel. Weapon systems recharge automatically.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to spawn and manage vehicles in Borderlands 4 is crucial for surviving and thriving in its chaotic world. Starting with the Digirunner, you’ll gradually expand your garage with powerful and unique rides. Mastering boost, jumps, and upgrades will turn your vehicle from a simple transport tool into a deadly ally in combat.
So the next time you find yourself in the middle of Pandora’s wastelands or storming through alien battlefields, don’t forget—you’re only one button away from calling in your ultimate ride.
With this guide, you’re ready to spawn, customize, and dominate with vehicles in Borderlands 4.
Read Also: