Borderlands 4

In the biggest Borderlands world yet, new movement mechanics and the digirunner vehicle help players to explore the planet of Kairos and confront the tyrannical Timekeeper and his Order. However, the cooperative multiplayer options are also being expanded.

One of the most successful and stylistically memorable franchises from Take-Two's 2K Games label is the Borderlands shooter-looter series. To date, the franchise has sold over 94 million units. Borderlands 2 is 2K's top-selling title, having sold over 30 million units, while Borderlands 3 is 2K's fastest-selling title, having sold over 23 million units to date. Borderlands 4, developed by Gearbox Software and owned by Take-Two since mid-2024 (previously by Embracer), is also expected to achieve similar success.

This time, the Vault Hunters face the oppressive Timekeeper, who controls the inhabitants of the new planet Kairos through cybernetic implants and an army of synthetic soldiers. Kairos offers a larger, seamlessly connected game world which is significantly darker and more dystopian than Borderlands 3. While the world is not completely open, the areas transition smoothly into one another, with dynamic weather and events providing variety. There are four new Vault Hunters, each with the largest and most versatile skill tree in the series, allowing players to customise their playstyle. All traversal options have also been significantly expanded.

New to the game is the Digirunner, an upgradeable, armed hoverbike that can be summoned. And, of course, there is an enormous variety of weapons, complemented by new manufacturers and licensed components that can be combined and improved with mods.

At gamescom 2025, we also had the opportunity to speak with Anthony Nicholson, Senior Project Producer, and Jason Reiss, World Building Director. When asked why Borderlands 4 has a darker tone than its immediate predecessor, they said that Borderlands and its antagonists are, of course, also a product of the zeitgeist. Borderlands 3 (2019) addressed the rise of content creators, influencers and streamers, and was therefore slightly more over-the-top in places. Due to the current world situation and developments in recent years, the main antagonist in Borderlands 4 is different. He is a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. The game is about breaking free and breaking this order through controlled chaos. Despite this seriousness, however, the game will once again feature many light-hearted and humorous elements that are more down-to-earth and less outrageous than in Borderlands 3.

They also said that Tiny Tina's Wonderlands has influenced Borderlands, particularly in terms of its gameplay systems. One new feature is the ordnance slot, which can be used for both grenades and heavy weapons. Rather than carrying ammunition, weapons of this type have a recharge time. This gives players more flexibility depending on the situation. Both developers emphasised that flexibility is important, as the new traversal options allow players to use the environment in many different ways and enable creative combat, which of course also poses challenges for AI opponent design. Regarding the amount and design of loot, the developers say they want to provide lots of options, and that blue (rare) and purple (epic) items have their place in the game and are useful - it's not just a hunt for legendaries. Lastly, both developers emphasised that Borderlands 4 was designed from the ground up for co-op mode, but can of course also be played solo. In the game, it's easier than ever to jump into co-op multiplayer with friends, thanks to a new system that lets players create online parties and stay together even when switching game modes. The game features individual loot for each player, dynamic level scaling, teleportation to other players and custom difficulty settings, enabling the party to play together throughout the entire campaign. It even offers split-screen couch co-op.

"I've been blown away by how high the team at Gearbox have raised the bar for Borderlands 4. The development team crafted a premium AAA adventure that evolves the series' gameplay and storytelling in new ways, while delivering on the quintessential Borderlands looter-shooter experience fans know and love." - David Ismailer, President of 2K

Borderlands 4 launches worldwide on 12 September 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game will also be released on 3 October 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2.

The digital PC version has been available since 11 September. Yesterday's launch of Borderlands 4 on Steam was the strongest ever for 2K Games, with 207,479 concurrent users. By comparison, Borderlands 2 had a peak of 124,678 concurrent users, while Borderlands 3 had 93,820 – despite the fact that Borderlands 3 was sold exclusively on the Epic Games Store for almost six months after its launch.

Borderlands 4 offers three editions of the game: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition. Players who pre-order one of these editions will receive the Gilded Glory Pack, which includes one Vault Hunter Skin, one Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.

The Standard Edition includes the base game and will be available for €69.99 on PC and €79.99 on consoles. The Deluxe Edition will feature a variety of bonus items and will be available for $99.99. This edition includes the Bounty Pack Bundle, featuring four separate post-launch DLC packs, each with distinct areas, new missions, and unique bosses; four Vault Cards with unique challenges and rewards; new gear and weapons; four new vehicles, and Vault Hunter cosmetics; and the Firehawk's Fury Weapon Skin.

The Super Deluxe Edition will include all bonus digital content from the Deluxe Edition and will be available for €129.99. This edition also includes the Vault Hunter Pack, featuring two new Story Packs, each featuring a new Vault Hunter, story, and side missions; two new map regions; new gear and weapons; more Vault Hunter cosmetics; and new ECHO-4 cosmetics. Additionally, it offers the Ornate Order Pack with four Vault Hunter Skins, four Vault Hunter Heads, and four Vault Hunter Bodies.

"Borderlands 4 is the most excited the team and I have ever been to launch a Borderlands game. Borderlands 4 is the best entry point for new players while also being a heartfelt love letter to fans of the original games." - Gearbox founder and President Randy Pitchford

Conclusion

It's classic Borderlands, but on a larger scale, more weapons and with a slightly more serious tone. It is also more similar to Borderlands 2 than it is to Borderlands 3.