The Borderlands series has long been celebrated for its unique blend of humor, chaotic combat, and loot-driven gameplay. With the announcement of Borderlands 4, fans are eager to dive into the next chapter of this beloved franchise.
Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store) . This release marks the first mainline entry since Borderlands 3 in 2019.
The game transports players to Kairos, a new planet previously hidden from the galaxy. The narrative picks up six years after the events of Borderlands 3, following Lilith's sacrifice to prevent Pandora's moon from destroying the planet. This act inadvertently exposes Kairos to the universe, leading to its conquest by the Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who controls the planet through mind-manipulating technology .
As a new Vault Hunter, players will join the resistance against the Timekeeper's regime, exploring the planet's diverse environments and uncovering its secrets.
Gameplay Innovations
Borderlands 4 introduces several new gameplay mechanics to enhance the player experience:
Seamless World: The game features a "seamless" world design, eliminating loading screens as players traverse Kairos, aiming for a more immersive experience .
Enhanced Movement: New traversal abilities include double jumping, gliding, and a grappling hook, allowing for more dynamic exploration .
Swimming: For the first time in the series, players can swim, adding depth to environmental interactions .
Combat Mechanics: The game introduces weapon cooldowns for grenades and heavy arms, revised loot drop rates to make rarer gear more meaningful, and enhancements replacing traditional artifacts .
Borderlands 4 features four new Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities and personalities:
Vex: A Siren with powerful elemental abilities.
Rafa: An exo-soldier with advanced combat skills.
Details about the other two characters are yet to be revealed, but they are expected to offer diverse playstyles to cater to different player preferences.
The game supports cross-platform multiplayer, allowing players on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 to team up for co-op gameplay . While cross-save functionality has not been confirmed, the inclusion of cross-play ensures a broader and more inclusive multiplayer experience.
Borderlands 4 is powered by the Unreal Engine 5, enabling enhanced graphics and more detailed environments. The game's art style maintains the series' signature cel-shaded look, with vibrant colors and exaggerated designs that contribute to its unique aesthetic .
With the release of Borderlands 4 just around the corner, anticipation is building among fans and newcomers alike. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics, expansive world, and engaging narrative promise to deliver an experience that honors the franchise's legacy while pushing the boundaries of what players can expect from a looter-shooter.
As the release date approaches, more information about the game's features and content is expected to be revealed, keeping the excitement high and ensuring that Borderlands 4 lives up to its predecessors.