Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! is a first-person shooter game, the third in its series. It retains the series' signature features like procedural environments, quest-based experience points for character development, and an abundance of diverse guns. The game's storyline is set between two DLCs from previous games, exploring the rise of the series' main antagonist, Handsome Jack.

Players can choose from four characters, each representing a unique class with special abilities. The game introduces low gravity, oxygen kits for movement, laser guns, cryogenic effects, and a Grinder machine for crafting. It can be played solo or cooperatively, with a True Vault Hunter mode for increased difficulty and replayability.