Borderlands 4 marks the grand return of the chaotic, humor-soaked looter-shooter series, set on the prison-world planet Kairos. With around 30 billion guns, 80+ passive perks per character, and seamless open-world traversal, this installment blends nostalgic mayhem with fresh systems designed for both veterans and newcomers. Today’s breakdown covers gameplay strengths, weaknesses, pricing tiers, editions, monetization, and future content.
Game Overview
– What it is: Loot-driven first-person shooter with deep RPG mechanics, a massive variety of weapons, customizable skill builds, and open, loading-free world navigation.
– Developer/Publisher: Gearbox Software / 2K Games.
– Launch content: Full base game available across multi-platform editions.
Release Info
– Release Date: September 12, 2025 (moved up from September 23).
– Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Steam & Epic), Nintendo Switch 2 (arriving October 3, 2025).
Platforms
– Windows PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
– PlayStation 5
– Xbox Series X|S
– Nintendo Switch 2
Pros & Cons
The Good
– Insane weapon variety—~30 billion procedural guns for chaotic fun.
– Expansive passive skill systems with unprecedented build customization.
– Seamless open world favors exploration over loading screens.
– Co-op stronghold—supports 4-player online, 2-player couch split-screen, and full cross-play.
– Updated narrative depth exploring themes like autonomy vs. control.
– Welcoming to new players, with familiar yet polished mechanics.
– Thought-out accessibility, without diluting series identity.
– Clear post-launch roadmap with planned free updates and DLC packs.
Drawbacks
– Overwhelming complexity, with deep systems that may cause fatigue.
– Shift in tone, darker storytelling may alienate fun-first fans.
– Performance unknowns—especially on the still-rare Switch 2 hardware.
– Feature depth might intimidate beginners with its scale.
– Edition fragmentation—key content only accessible via Deluxe/Super Deluxe versions.
– Loot-sharing friction—instance-based loot could divide coop play.
– Match balance drift, with cross-play potentially mismatching skill levels.
– Heavier narrative may pressure tone, risking franchise identity.
Pre-Order & Tier Perks (Historical)
– Standard Edition: Base game plus the Gilded Glory Pack pre-order bonus.
– Deluxe Edition: Adds Firehawk’s Fury Weapon Skin and the Bounty Pack Bundle (four post-launch DLC areas, new missions, vehicles, cosmetics).
– Super Deluxe Edition: Includes everything in Deluxe, plus Ornate Order Pack (cosmetics), and Vault Hunter Pack (two new Vault Hunters, story packs, regions, cosmetics).
Cost & Where to Buy
– Standard Edition: $69.99
– Deluxe Edition: $99.99
– Super Deluxe Edition: $129.99
– Where to purchase: Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop.
Subscription & Recurring Packages
– No Battle Pass or subscription model. Monetization centers on one-time edition purchases and cosmetic add-ons.
– No monthly fees or recurring charges.
Future Updates & Roadmap
– Post-launch expansion: Deluxe and Super Deluxe editions include Bounty Packs and Story Packs respectively—adding new locations, missions, characters, and narrative content.
– Free updates planned at launch and beyond (balancing, modes, quality-of-life).
– Fan Fest (June 21): More gameplay, trailers, and content reveals expected.
Should You Play It?
If you love explosive loot, deep character builds, and chaotic co-op, Borderlands 4 delivers all of that with polish and accessibility. The launch ecosystem, cross-play, and a robust roadmap make this one of the franchise’s most approachable yet fully-featured entries.
But if you’re allergic to overwhelming complexity or prefer lighthearted goofy antics, the heavier tone and deeper systems may feel dense. Decide based on your comfort with nuance—or choose the Standard Edition at launch, and upgrade later if the hype sticks.