Borderlands 4 is known for its fast-paced combat, chaotic encounters, and the sheer variety of weapons that players can collect. Among the arsenal, Submachine Guns (SMGs) have always been a fan favorite due to their rapid-fire capability, versatility, and adaptability in close to mid-range combat. With the introduction of Legendary SMGs, Borderlands 4 elevates the gameplay by offering weapons with unique effects, high damage output, and abilities that can dramatically change the way players approach combat. This guide will cover all Legendary Submachine Guns, their features, optimal usage, and strategies for maximizing their effectiveness in battle.

 

Understanding Legendary Submachine Guns

Legendary Borderlands 4 Weapons are distinct from standard and rare weapons because they come with unique effects, higher base stats, and often specific roles in combat. Submachine Guns, with their high rate of fire, are particularly effective at overwhelming enemies and providing consistent damage output. Legendary SMGs are usually characterized by the following:

 

Unique Effects: These effects can include elemental damage, bullets that pierce enemies, healing on hit, homing projectiles, or other special mechanics that set them apart from regular weapons.

 

High Base Stats: Legendary SMGs typically feature increased damage, improved magazine size, faster reload times, or better critical hit potential, making them powerful tools in any loadout.

 

Specialization: Some Legendary SMGs are designed for specific combat scenarios, such as crowd control, boss fights, or exploiting elemental weaknesses.

 

Understanding these aspects is crucial to choosing the right SMG for your playstyle. Whether you prefer aggressive front-line combat, tactical positioning, or elemental damage strategies, there's a Legendary SMG that can complement your approach.

 

Legendary Submachine Guns in Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 offers a variety of Legendary SMGs, each with its own identity and purpose. These weapons are not only powerful but also provide unique ways to engage enemies in different combat scenarios.

 

Hellfire SMG

The Hellfire SMG is a weapon designed for sustained elemental damage. It fires incendiary rounds that continue to burn enemies over time. This makes it especially effective against clusters of weaker enemies or groups of enemies in confined areas. Players can use the Hellfire SMG to apply consistent damage while focusing on positioning and crowd control. For maximum efficiency, it's best paired with fire-based perks or grenades and used in situations where enemies cannot easily escape the burn effect.

 

Shredder

Shredder is known for its wide bullet spread, effectively functioning like a rapid-fire shotgun. This makes it ideal for crowd control, especially in narrow corridors or tight spaces where enemies cluster together. The Shredder SMG allows players to suppress multiple foes simultaneously, creating openings for tactical maneuvers or finishing off groups quickly. Combining Shredder with movement-focused abilities enhances survivability while keeping damage output high.

 

Stormbringer

Stormbringer is a Legendary SMG that alternates between firing standard bullets and electrical arcs that chain between enemies. This weapon is particularly effective against groups of enemies, as the chain lightning effect can stun or damage multiple targets at once. Stormbringer works well with builds that focus on status effects, such as stuns or elemental debuffs, allowing you to control the battlefield while maintaining high DPS.

 

Viper

Viper applies corrosive damage over time, gradually wearing down enemy armor and defenses. This makes it highly effective against armored foes and bosses, as it allows you and your team to break through defenses more efficiently. Viper encourages sustained engagements rather than quick bursts, making it a staple for players who like to methodically dismantle tough enemies. Pairing Viper with high critical hit builds maximizes its potential, allowing corrosion effects to amplify damage output consistently.

 

Wraith

The Wraith SMG fires homing projectiles that track enemies automatically. This is ideal for chaotic encounters or when facing highly mobile opponents that are difficult to hit accurately. The Wraith allows players to maintain consistent damage without needing pinpoint aim, making it a versatile choice in both open fields and enclosed spaces. Combining Wraith with mobility-focused skills ensures you can stay on the move while keeping enemies under pressure.

 

Bloodletter

Bloodletter is unique because it heals the player for a percentage of the damage dealt with each shot. This makes it perfect for aggressive, front-line combat, where exposure to enemy fire is inevitable. The more damage you deal, the more health you regain, effectively turning Bloodletter into a self-sustaining weapon. Critical hit-focused builds or high fire-rate setups maximize the healing potential, allowing you to stay in prolonged fights without relying heavily on health packs or other support items.

 

Phantom

Phantom is a Legendary SMG designed for precision and crowd control. Its bullets pierce through multiple enemies, making it excellent for long corridors or lined-up enemy formations. Phantom rewards strategic positioning and timing, as hitting multiple targets in a single shot can greatly amplify damage output. Players can enhance its effectiveness by pairing it with elemental effects or critical hit bonuses.

 

Tempest

Tempest fires electrical rounds that chain between enemies and can occasionally overload shields. This makes it especially useful against shielded or robotic enemies, where continuous chain damage can quickly break defenses. Tempest is ideal for builds that focus on elemental synergy, combining electrical effects with EMP grenades or other electric-based abilities for maximum efficiency. Its chain lightning effect ensures that groups of enemies take continuous damage, providing both offense and crowd control.

 

Obtaining Legendary SMGs

Acquiring Legendary SMGs in Borderlands 4 can be challenging due to their rarity. Here are the primary methods:

 

Boss Drops: Many Legendary SMGs are exclusive drops from high-level or raid bosses. Certain bosses have unique weapons tied to them, requiring repeated encounters for a chance at acquisition.

 

Special Missions and Quests: Some missions reward Legendary SMGs upon completion. These tasks are often difficult and require mastery of combat mechanics, encouraging skillful gameplay.

 

Loot Chests and Exploration: High-tier loot chests scattered throughout the game world occasionally contain Legendary SMGs. Exploring thoroughly increases the chances of finding rare weapons.

 

Crafting System: Borderlands 4 introduces a crafting mechanic where players can combine parts to create Legendary SMGs with randomized stats. This allows players to target specific builds and optimize their loadout. You can also buy Borderlands 4 Weapons to get them.

 

Conclusion

Legendary Submachine Guns in Borderlands 4 are not just weapons-they are strategic tools that define your combat approach. With unique effects, elemental damage options, and high DPS potential, these SMGs reward skillful play, positioning, and thoughtful build design. From incendiary rounds to corrosive damage, chain lightning, piercing bullets, and healing effects, each Legendary SMG provides a distinctive way to dominate the battlefield.

 

Mastering Legendary SMGs requires understanding their mechanics, leveraging synergies with skills and gear, and using movement and positioning to maximize efficiency. Whether you prefer close-quarters aggression, crowd control, or sustained elemental damage, there is a Legendary SMG designed to elevate your combat experience. By experimenting with these weapons and integrating them into your playstyle, you can turn every encounter into a tactical advantage and leave a lasting mark across Pandora.