The October 2 update “stealth-nerfed” Vex’s popular Infinite Bleed build, as it was not included in the BL4 patch notes, but it seems the nerf was unintentional, according to a Gearbox developer. Gearbox has stated that it intends to fix these unintentional builds in Borderlands 4 eventually, but the focus for balance is currently on buffs. For example, Amon received numerous buffs as part of the October 2 update.
As fans know, Vex’s Infinite Bleed build relies on her using the Bloodletter Skill in conjunction with a Throwing Knife with a Penetrator Augment. The combination in Borderlands 4, while somewhat dependent on chance, enables Vex to kill bosses quickly—sometimes, even, with one hit. This exact combination of damage markers isn’t intentional and will be fixed eventually.
Borderlands 4's Infinite Bleed Build Will Be Fixed
- The nerf was an “accident.”
- It will eventually be nerfed.
- Gearbox is establishing a timeline to bring it back.
- That timeline is unknown.
After players reported that the build was nerfed, Borderlands 4 creative director Graeme Timmins revealed that the team had discovered that her bleed was no longer behaving as a status effect. This accident weakens and effectively nerfs the overall build, meaning Vex players cannot currently melt bosses with this build. Timmins also confirmed that the team is looking at a timeline for restoring this behavior, although he stops short of naming that timeline.
It’s uncertain when Borderlands 4 will revert this nerf, but hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later. While nerfing the build because it is unintentional makes some sense, the fact remains it is incredibly popular and not necessarily easily obtained. The Throwing Knife with a Penetrator Augment is world loot in Borderlands 4, meaning it can drop anywhere, from any boss or enemy. However, finding it from all the available loot still reportedly takes hours, even if some players have better luck by farming Driller Hole. Some fans don’t think the build should be nerfed, given the sheer luck or dedication needed to get the Throwing Knife.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen when the unintended nerf is reverted and when the actual nerf hits. When that comes, it’ll be interesting to see how effective the bleed build for Vex is, but players may want to consider other builds too. The good news is that Gearbox’s buffing philosophy should ensure all characters feel quite strong, although current and future Borderlands 4 content may not feel trivial at that time.