Borderlands 4 Firmware Guide: Best Sets for Your Vault Hunter
With Borderlands 4’s deep endgame progression system, Firmware has emerged as a crucial component for maximizing your Vault Hunter’s potential. These powerful set bonuses can transform your build, but with 21 different options at launch, knowing which ones to target can be daunting. Our guide breaks down the top Firmware sets and how to adapt before the upcoming balance changes.
What is Firmware?
Firmware is a new mechanic in Borderlands 4 that provides set bonuses on your non-weapon equipment: Repkits, Ordnance, Class Mods, Energy Shields, and Enhancements. Each piece of gear with Firmware grants a bonus, and equipping multiple pieces of the same Firmware type unlocks more powerful tiered bonuses, up to a powerful third effect at three pieces.
After completing the main campaign, you unlock the Firmware Transfer Machine, allowing you to move these bonuses between gear of the same type for a cost of Cash and Eridium. This lets you maintain your favorite bonuses while upgrading your gear.
Top-Tier Firmware for Every Playstyle
Based on current endgame performance, several Firmware sets have established themselves as top contenders. The best choice ultimately depends on your Vault Hunter and preferred playstyle.
1. Deadeye: The Crit Build Powerhouse
Deadeye is almost universally recommended for any build focused on precision and high damage output.
| Tier | Bonus Effect |
|---|---|
| 1-Piece | +30% Gun Accuracy |
| 2-Piece | +25% Gun Critical Damage |
| 3-Piece | Each critical hit grants 15% critical damage per stack (max 5 stacks, 10 seconds) |
Deadeye Firmware Bonuses
Verdict: Ideal for Vex’s Bleed build and any other character that relies on consistent critical hits. Stacking three pieces can result in a massive boost to your overall crit damage, up to 100% when maxed out.
2. Risky Boots: High Risk, High Reward
This set requires finesse to use but offers enormous damage potential for advanced players who can maintain low health.
| Tier | Bonus Effect |
|---|---|
| 1-Piece | At <35% health, -30% damage taken |
| 2-Piece | At <35% health, +35% movement speed |
| 3-Piece | At <35% health, +100% damage dealt and +5% lifesteal |
Risky Boots Firmware Bonuses
Verdict: A hidden gem that can double your damage output with the right setup, such as the Gravitar class mod and Atomic Driver.
3. Action Fist & Reel Big Fist: Melee Dominance
For melee-focused builds like the Forgeknight, these two Firmware sets are essential. They are also prime candidates for the upcoming melee build buffs mentioned by the developers.
Action Fist: Boosts both melee and action skill damage. Its 3-piece bonus provides a 25% action skill damage increase for 8 seconds after a melee kill.
Reel Big Fist: Pure melee damage scaling. The 3-piece bonus causes melee kills to trigger a nova explosion for 200% melee damage, perfect for clearing groups of enemies.
4. Gadgets of Hoy: Ordnance Specialist
A must-have for grenade and heavy weapon builds, this Firmware lets you spam grenades and abilities more often while ramping up their damage.
| Tier | Bonus Effect |
|---|---|
| 1-Piece | -15% ordnance cooldown |
| 2-Piece | +20% ordnance damage |
| 3-Piece | Defeating enemies with ordnance grants +20% ordnance damage for 15 seconds |
Gadgets of Hoy Firmware Bonuses
How to Farm Firmware Efficiently
Firmware only starts dropping after you’ve beaten the main story. Once you reach the endgame, these are the most efficient farms for collecting firmware quickly.
1. The Timekeeper (Upper Dominion)
This spot offers two boss kills and four red chests at the end, each red chest having a chance at two firmware pieces. That’s up to eight firmware from chests alone, plus whatever the bosses drop.
2. Ripa Roadirds (Carcadia Burn Drill Site)
While there are no red chests here, you’ll face three bosses and a swarm of badass enemies, leading to a pile of loot and firmware opportunities. It’s also a great source of XP for leveling.
3. Primordial Guardian Inceptus (The Vault)
This farm features two red chests at the end, each with two possible firmware drops. The boss itself can drop additional pieces, making it a solid option for firmware and purple gear.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Firmware
The Firmware meta is not static. With 2K Games explicitly mentioning planned adjustments to Firmware in their October 9 update notes, players should be prepared for shifts in which sets are most effective.
The focus appears to be on boosting melee build viability and addressing deficiencies in specific Vault Hunter builds. This could mean buffs to underperforming sets or adjustments to overperforming ones. Savvy Vault Hunters will keep a diverse collection of Firmware sets to adapt quickly to these changes.
Final Thoughts
Firmware is a game-changing addition to Borderlands 4’s endgame, offering deep customization for your build. While Deadeye stands out for critical hit builds, Risky Boots offers incredible potential for skilled players, and melee-focused sets like Action Fist and Reel Big Fist are poised to become even stronger with upcoming updates. Use the Firmware Transfer Machine to perfect your loadout and farm bosses like The Timekeeper to collect the sets you need. Stay adaptable, and happy hunting!
Leave a Reply