In Borderlands 4, obtaining a legendary weapon is only the first step. It still needs to be truly effective on the ground. Fans of the license know: a good shotgun can wreak havoc… as long as you compensate for its slowness. And this is precisely what the community has just discovered, with a formidably effective technique for improving the rate of fire of these super-powerful weapons.
Revealed on Reddit by user TrashCannibal_, this method involves “simultaneously firing and reloading to get an increased rate of fire with Jakobs Shotguns.” And the result is spectacular: the damage per second explodes, transforming the formidable Hellwalker or Hot Slugger into real short-range crushers.
A simple method to master for increased damage
The most powerful Jakobs rifles in Borderlands 4 typically only have one bullet per magazine. Their raw strength is therefore counterbalanced by a frustrating rate of fire… until now. “This method applies to all single-shot shotguns in the game,” says TrashCannibal_, and you just have to manually restart the reload just after each shot to drastically shorten the interval between two shots.
In testing, the difference is immediately visible. Compared to a classic rate of fire – where you simply press the trigger twice – the method almost doubles the rate of fire. Ideal against groups of enemies or during intensive farming phases.
More complex variants, but handle with caution
In the Reddit post’s comments, other players suggested additional adjustments. One recommends assigning the “fire” and “reload” keys to a single button to simplify the sequence. Another technique is to hold the trigger while “spamming” the reload. More difficult to execute, it complicates movement, but can prove formidable against a static boss: “This technique could work against a boss whose attack animation is long.”
These tips are aimed at the most picky players, those looking to optimize their build down to the smallest detail. But even a casual player can quickly benefit from it. “If the slow rate of fire of a powerful Jakobs shotgun is holding you back, this technique will allow you to use it more effectively.”
A game-changing tip for loot hunters
Borderlands 4, available since September 12, 2025 on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5, places more emphasis than ever on equipment customization. Calder, Amon, and other playable characters all benefit from weapons with random stats, making each drop unique. Knowing how to best use these weapons can make the difference between an easy victory and a crushing defeat.
And in this game where we spend as much time shooting as looting, mastering a trick that is as simple as it is effective can make all the difference. Especially since some players report significant gains on bosses and in high-level challenges.