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If it weren’t for the original Borderlands, the looter-shooter genre as we know it wouldn’t have come to be. This unique blend of role-playing and first-person shooting from Gearbox Studios introduced players to the chaotic and colorful universe of Pandora and the Vault Hunters. It also popularized the addictive cycle of grinding to collect endless weapons. The sequel elevated the experience, earning praise as one of the most remarkable games in recent memory, though the third entry received mixed reviews. Still, it kept players engaged through numerous downloadable content packs and proved to be a great multiplayer experience across various platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and even Switch 2.
Looking ahead, Borderlands 4 seems like the next natural chapter, and all signs and rumors point in that direction. Whether you’re excited to reunite with Claptrap or feeling trepidation about what’s to come, here’s everything known so far about this highly anticipated game.
The official launch date was initially announced during a PlayStation State of Play event for September 23, 2025. However, an update from the official Xbox account suggests the game will arrive even earlier — on September 12, 2025, with the Switch 2 version following shortly after on October 3.
Currently, Borderlands 4 is confirmed for current-generation consoles: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. An exciting addition is its upcoming release on the new Switch 2 hardware.
The first teaser trailer, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, revealed a mysterious symbol known from Borderlands 3—the Firehawk emblem—before zooming out to show the moon of Elpis. Suddenly, a rift appears, revealing a strange new world where meteors rain down, and a robotic hand emerges from a crater, clutching an iconic Psycho mask.
According to the official website, Borderlands 4 will pick up immediately after the events of its predecessor. Lilith manages to teleport Pandora’s moon away before it could collide with the planet, and it appears the story will explore the aftermath of that event. At The Game Awards 2024, series founder Randy Pitchford shared a new trailer, giving fans a glimpse of the gameplay on a brand-new planet called Kairos. The storyline centers around a crew of Vault Hunters confronting a dictator known as the Timekeeper, emphasizing themes of resistance and escaping tyranny—though, true to franchise form, the main focus remains on the ridiculous chaos and fun.
The game’s four new Vault Hunters are Vex, the Siren; Rafa, the Exo-Soldier; Harlow, the Gravitar; and Amon, the Forgeknight. Their backgrounds and motivations can be explored in more detail on the official game info page, but initial glimpses suggest they bring fresh personalities to the series without redefining its core.
Kairos’ history is also explored: the villainous Timekeeper has ruled this world for thousands of years until a moon interfered and abruptly exposed his concealment. A resistance has arisen to challenge his reign, and familiar faces—like Claptrap, Moxxi, and Zane—are expected to return alongside many new characters.
Gameplay trailers and demos showcased a lot: shooting, explosions, and bizarre enemies, all familiar elements of the franchise. One confirmed feature is multiplayer support, whether you’re playing solo or with up to three friends. A new grappling mechanic was teased, though it’s unclear if it’s versatile enough for wide environmental use or limited to specific areas. A detailed deep dive during a recent showcase revealed that weapon customization is expanded—guns can now spawn with parts from multiple manufacturers, including Daedalus, Tediore, Maliwan, Jakobs, Vladof, Rogue, and the new Order and Ripper brands.
Vehicles also make their return, with players able to customize and upgrade the new Digirunner hovercraft. Even if you prefer solo play, you’ll be accompanied by Echo-4, your trusty robot sidekick, who assists with objectives, upgrades, and cosmetic changes on the fly.
Dynamic world events are designed to keep the game fresh; completing these will yield better rewards such as Vault Key Fragments, which can unlock challenging high-level dungeons. The game also features replayable missions and boss fights, along with a co-op mode supporting two players locally on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, or up to four players online. Multiple systems will help scale difficulty and loot to ensure a balanced experience.
Preorders are already available on all platforms via the official website, with three editions to choose from:
- Standard Edition ($70): Includes the game and the Gilded Glory pack featuring a Vault Hunter skin, weapon skin, and drone skin.
- Deluxe Edition ($100): Adds a Firehawk’s Fury weapon skin and a Bounty Pack Bundle, which contains new areas, challenges, gear, and cosmetics.
- Super Deluxe Edition ($130): Offers everything in the Deluxe, plus the Ornate Order Pack, Vault Hunter Pack with two new characters and story expansions, and additional cosmetic options.
As the launch approaches, excitement builds around what Borderlands 4 will bring to a franchise known for its humor, chaos, and engaging gameplay. Fans are eager to dive into the new world, meet the fresh cast, and see how Gearbox Studios continues to evolve this beloved universe.