The wait is almost over — Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games. Interestingly, the release date was pushed up slightly from its original September 23 target, meaning fans will get their hands on it even sooner. Console players will be able to dive in at midnight local time on September 12, while some PC users will see early unlocks on September 11 depending on their time zone. Nintendo fans won’t be left out either, as the Switch 2 version arrives on October 3, 2025, just a few weeks later.
As is standard with major launches these days, Borderlands 4 will arrive with a day-one patch. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has already said the update “does a lot,” improving stability and ironing out performance, but he’s also managed expectations: older hardware will still struggle, and players shouldn’t expect the patch to turn underpowered PCs into smooth-running machines. The game’s seamless open-world design and ambitious systems are demanding, so anyone looking for “buttery smooth” performance will want to make sure their setup is up to modern standards.
In terms of gameplay, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be the most expansive entry yet. Set on the new planet Kairos, the story takes place six years after Lilith’s dramatic moon-crash event, with players thrust into a rebellion against a time-controlling dictator known as The Timekeeper. Four brand-new Vault Hunters will be at the center of the chaos: Rafa, a heavily armored Exo-Soldier; Amon, a melee-oriented Forgeknight; Harlowe, a Gravitar who manipulates gravity; and Vex, the latest Siren in the series. Each comes with deep skill trees and unique abilities, offering a wide range of playstyles.
Traversal is also getting a huge upgrade. For the first time, players will have access to double-jumps, grappling hooks, gliding, and hover bikes, making exploration of Kairos feel fast and fluid. The world is fully seamless, with no loading screens interrupting the action. On the loot side, Gearbox has introduced new crafting mechanics, ordinance slots for grenades and heavy weapons, and a rebalanced rarity system that changes how gear progression works. Dynamic events will be another standout feature, with multiple tiers of activities designed to make the world feel alive. Whether you’re stumbling into ambient fights, diving into activity-driven missions, or taking on massive world events, loot will now be instanced to each player, ensuring everyone gets a fair share.
The game won’t stop at the campaign either. Endgame has been a major focus for Gearbox, with the return of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode, rotating weekly challenges, and farmable bosses — even the so-called “Invincibles.” The developers have promised plenty of post-launch support. Free content will include seasonal events like October’s “Horrors of Kairos” and ongoing weekly updates with new loot opportunities. Paid expansions will also expand the story in 2026, with the first major DLC pack titled “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Demand,” adding a new Vault Hunter, missions, gear, and cosmetics. A second major story pack will follow later in the year.
Co-op play remains central to the Borderlands formula. Borderlands 4 supports four-player online co-op and two-player splitscreen on consoles, with full cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Although not officially confirmed yet, cross-play with the Switch 2 version is highly likely given the franchise’s push toward unifying its community.
For those deciding which version to buy, there will be three editions available. The Standard Edition (around $70) includes the base game. The Deluxe Edition (about $100) adds the Bounty Pack bundle of side missions and the Firehawk’s Fury skin bundle. The Super Deluxe Edition (roughly $130) includes everything from the Deluxe plus early access to two future Vault Hunters, additional expansions, and more cosmetics. Players who pre-order any edition will also receive the Gilded Glory Pack, which comes with Legendary gear, cosmetic skins, and bonuses for their Vault Hunter.
In short, Borderlands 4 is positioning itself as the most ambitious game in the series to date. With a vast seamless world, modernized traversal, deep loot systems, rich endgame, and a strong post-launch roadmap, Gearbox seems intent on delivering a looter-shooter experience that will keep players hooked well into 2026. Just be ready to patch on day one and check that your system can handle the demands of this chaotic new adventure — because when Kairos opens up, you’ll want to be there from the very start.
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