Borderlands 4 Developer Clarifies Skill and Action Skill Damage Differences

Developer Insights on Borderlands 4’s Damage Mechanics

In a recent communication, one of the developers clarified the concepts of Skill Damage and Action Skill Damage in Borderlands 4, highlighting an essential distinction that players have sought to understand. The explanation, which surfaced during a discussion on the game’s subreddit, emphasized that while all skills fall under the umbrella of Skill Damage, not all skills are categorized as Action Skills.

Understanding the Differences

Skill Damage influences a wide range of abilities, including passive traits and general skills.
Action Skill Damage, on the other hand, is directly relevant only to actions classified as Action Skills.

Furthermore, it was explained that Skill Damage will affect any ability labeled under Skills, while only a subset of these can be identified as Action Skills.

In the developer’s words:

“Skill Damage and Action Skill Damage is like Gun Damage and Shotgun Damage. All Skills are skills, but only some are Action Skills. Same as all Guns are Guns, but only some are Shotguns.”

This comment reflects the ongoing need for clarity within the Borderlands community regarding game mechanics, suggesting that more transparency could enhance player experience.