Gearbox Software has officially opened pre-orders for the highly anticipated Borderlands 4, and fans of the beloved looter shooter franchise can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Concerns over a potential $80 price tag have been quelled, as the game will not be priced at that amount, as confirmed by Randy Pitchford, the president of Gearbox. This announcement has generated excitement within the gaming community, eager to dive back into the chaotic world of Borderlands.
Pre-Order Details and Release Date
Borderlands 4, set to launch on September 12, promises to deliver a fresh and expansive gameplay experience. Players across various platforms—including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2—can secure their copies through pre-orders available on platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. The different editions available may also offer a range of bonuses, such as exclusive in-game items and early access to certain features.
System Requirements for PC Players
Alongside the pre-order announcement, Gearbox revealed the minimum and recommended system requirements for players looking to enjoy Borderlands 4 on PC. Below are the specifications, which reflect the game’s utilization of the powerful Unreal Engine 5:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
- Storage: 100 GB available space, SSD required
- Additional Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, 8 CPU cores, and 8 GB VRAM for graphics.
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- Storage: 100 GB available space, SSD required
- Additional Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, 8+ CPU cores, and 12+ GB VRAM for graphics.
These requirements indicate a relatively optimized game, especially considering the robust graphics capabilities afforded by Unreal Engine 5. In a comparison made by TechRadar, the specs are quite favorable compared to other recent AAA titles utilizing similar technology, suggesting that even players with mid-range systems can enjoy the game without sacrificing performance.
Gameplay Enhancements and Features
Borderlands 4 is poised to revolutionize the franchise with its enhanced gameplay mechanics and expansive environments. The game boasts the largest and most seamless map in the series, enabling players to explore vast landscapes where everything visible is reachable. This design philosophy encourages exploration and engagement with the world in a manner that has not been present in previous titles.
In addition to improved traversal mechanics such as double jumping, gliding, dodging, and grappling, Gearbox is focusing on maintaining the cooperative gameplay that has brought players together in past installments. The drop-in/drop-out cooperative mode will remain a key feature, allowing friends to join games effortlessly, irrespective of when they log in. Furthermore, players can expect cross-play functionality, although a SHiFT Account will be necessary for joining teams across different platforms.
In a statement given during a recent Twitch stream, Randy Pitchford highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping gameplay features, stating, “We’ve listened to what players love about the franchise and have worked hard to enhance those elements while introducing new mechanics that will reinvigorate the series.” This community-driven approach emphasizes Gearbox’s commitment to delivering a game that resonates with both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Market Reaction and Community Anticipation
The response from the gaming community following the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement on social media platforms. Discussions surrounding gameplay mechanics, pre-order bonuses, and the potential for future content expansions are already heating up, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Borderlands franchise. According to an analysis by Statista, the gaming industry is expected to reach a market size of over $200 billion by 2023, indicating a growing interest in high-quality titles like Borderlands 4.
As more details about Borderlands 4 are revealed leading up to its release date, including potential DLCs and seasonal events, fans are ready for another great chapter in a franchise known for combining humor, action, and loot-driven gameplay.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 12 |
| Minimum OS | Windows 10 / Windows 11 |
| Minimum RAM | 16 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 32 GB |
| Cross-Play Support | Yes (with SHiFT Account) |
| Map Size | Largest in franchise history |