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Borderlands 4: Latest Updates on the OG Looter Shooter’s Highly Anticipated Comeback

Borderlands 4 Is Now Available For Pre-Order, and It Won’t Cost $80

Gearbox is gearing up to release Borderlands 4, the latest entry in its blockbuster franchise. Following 2019’s Borderlands 3 and interim spin-offs like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (2021) and New Tales from the Borderlands, the studio has shifted focus back to its flagship series. Here’s an overview of confirmed details since the game’s Gamescom 2024 reveal.

Launch Details: Dates, Platforms & Bundles

Originally slated for September 23, Gearbox surprised fans by moving Borderlands 4’s release to September 12 after internal testing wrapped early. While speculation linked this shift to avoiding Grand Theft Auto VI’s now-delayed 2025 launch, studio head Randy Pitchford clarified the decision was unrelated. The game arrives on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 (with a staggered launch for the latter). Early access isn’t offered, but all pre-orders include bonus cosmetics.

Three editions are available:

  • Standard ($69.99): Base game
  • Deluxe ($99.99): Adds the Firehawk’s Fury Weapon Skin and Bounty Pack Bundle (4 DLC zones, vault cards, gear, vehicles, and cosmetics)
  • Super Deluxe ($129.99): Includes Deluxe content plus Ornate Order Pack (character customization items) and Vault Hunter Pack (2 post-launch characters, story expansions, maps, and gear)
Borderlands 4

World & Narrative

Abandoning Pandora, the story pivots to Kairos—a dystopian world ruled by tyrant The Timekeeper. After Borderlands 3’s finale destabilized Kairos’ defenses via Elpis’ arrival, players lead rebellions against the regime while hunting alien tech. The tone balances the series’ humor with darker political themes tied to oppressive rule.

Gameplay Updates

Key features include:

  • The franchise’s largest seamless map, emphasizing vertical exploration via grappling hooks, glides, and parkour mechanics
  • Overhauled UI with a Bethesda-style compass replacing minimaps
  • Dynamic weather/events and vehicular combat
  • Revised weapon mechanics: Ordnance slots (grenades/heavy arms) now have cooldowns post-use
  • Repair kits providing combat boosts (health regen, elemental buffs)

Initial playable characters:

  • Vex (Siren): Cynical rebel adept at dismantling oppressors
  • Rafa (Exo-Soldier): Fugitive exosuit marine racing against his body’s fail-safe killswitch
  • Harlowe (Gravitar): Eccentric Maliwan engineer blending tech and firepower
  • Amon (Forgeknight): Vault monster hunter driven by tragic origins

Cross-platform co-op supports four players, with two additional characters planned post-launch.

Technical Specifications

Built on Unreal Engine 5, Borderlands 4’s PC requirements are moderate for an UE5 title:

  • Minimum: RTX 2070/RX 5700 XT, 16GB RAM, 100GB SSD
  • Recommended: RTX 3080/RX 6800 XT, 32GB RAM, 100GB SSD

Gearbox confirms Switch 2 optimization, though platform-specific partnerships (AMD/NVIDIA) remain unannounced.