The excitement surrounding the upcoming launch of Borderlands 4 is palpable, marking a significant return for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. Six years after the release of Borderlands 3, a title that solidified Gearbox Software’s reputation within the gaming community, fans are eager for what lies ahead. Although gamers had the chance to explore spin-off titles such as Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and New Tales from the Borderlands in 2021, nothing compares to the anticipation for a mainline installment. With the game officially announced at Gamescom 2024, here’s everything we know so far.
Release Date, Platforms, Pricing, and Editions
Gearbox has confirmed that Borderlands 4 will be released on September 12, 2025. The studio initially set the date for September 23 but advanced it, a move that sparked speculation about competition with other major titles, notably Grand Theft Auto VI, which was later delayed to May 2026. Gearbox president Randy Pitchford clarified that the date change was based on internal considerations rather than external competition, ensuring fans have clarity on the game’s launch timeline.
Borderlands 4 will be available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and the Nintendo Switch 2 (with some delay for Switch users). Unlike many modern titles that feature early access for premium editions, Gearbox is foregoing this approach, offering several editions with unique perks instead. Below is a breakdown of the editions available:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $69.99.
- Deluxe Edition: At $99.99, this edition includes the Firehawk’s Fury Weapon Skin and the Bounty Pack Bundle, which contains:
- 4 unique areas with new missions and bosses
- 4 Vault Cards featuring unique challenges and rewards
- New gear, weapons, and vehicle cosmetics
- Super Deluxe Edition: For $129.99, this comprehensive edition includes everything from the Deluxe Edition plus the Ornate Order Pack (4 Vault Hunter Skins and Heads) and the Vault Hunter Pack, which introduces:
- 2 new playable Vault Hunters
- 2 new Story Packs
- Additional gear, weapons, and new map regions
All pre-orders will unlock access to the Gilded Glory Pack bundle, which includes exclusive skins and enhancements for players.
Genre, Setting, and Story Premise
Borderlands has long been a pioneer in the looter-shooter genre, and the upcoming installment is set to expand this legacy with a fresh narrative. Leaving behind the familiar terrain of Pandora, Borderlands 4 will center on the planet Kairos, where players will engage in a battle against the oppressive regime led by a dictator known as The Timekeeper. The story picks up after Borderlands 3’s climax, highlighting the chaos unleashed by the arrival of the moon Elpis. In this new world, players assume the roles of Vault Hunters striving to liberate the oppressed populace while pursuing coveted alien relics and artifacts.
While the game’s characteristic humor remains intact, the primary storyline will adopt a more serious tone, focusing on themes of tyranny and rebellion, which is a departure from the lighthearted antics often prevalent in the series.
Gameplay Enhancements
Borderlands 4 promises to elevate the franchise’s trademark shoot-and-loot mechanics through various gameplay enhancements. Gearbox has stated that this installment features the largest and most seamless map in the series, emphasizing vertical exploration. Players can utilize climbing mechanics, grappling hooks, and gliding to maneuver through the environment, alongside traditional movement options like dashing and sliding. The game will also implement a Bethesda-style compass to assist navigation, moving away from the mini-map format familiar in earlier titles.
In addition to exploration changes, combat mechanics receive a significant upgrade with the introduction of an ordnance slot, allowing players to manage heavy weaponry and grenades more effectively. Cooldown timers for certain weapons will enhance tactical gameplay, while new repair kits offer players health regeneration alongside boosts to elemental damage and speed.
At launch, players will have the option to choose from four distinct characters, each with unique backstories and abilities:
- Vex the Siren: A survivor with a quick wit and a propensity for sarcasm, Vex is both a protector and a rebel against the oppressive regime.
- Rafa the Exo-Soldier: An ex-soldier adapted for microgravity, Rafa’s quest for freedom from an oppressive military binds him to the main narrative.
- Harlowe the Gravitar: Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Harlowe integrates technology and innovation into her combat style.
- Amon the Forgeknight: A warrior with a tragic past, Amon is committed to vanquishing the Vault monsters that haunt him.
Two additional playable characters are slated to join post-launch, and, as with previous entries, Borderlands 4 will support cooperative gameplay for up to four players, along with cross-play across all platforms.
Technical Specifications
Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Borderlands 4 showcases the potential for enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics. Gearbox has ensured that the Nintendo Switch 2 can effectively run the game, a statement corroborated by industry experts. The official PC system requirements are relatively accommodating for a title powered by such advanced technology:
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)
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)
As the launch date approaches, further partnerships with hardware manufacturers like AMD or NVIDIA may be established, potentially enhancing performance even further.
With the new gameplay features, enhanced narrative depth, and cooperative experiences, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to the franchise. Fans eagerly await the release as Gearbox continues to refine their eagerly anticipated title.