Borderlands 4: Everything We Know (2024)

Borderlands 4 was officially announced at Gamescom, sparking excitement among fans of the franchise. The news comes as a much-needed boost for the community, especially following the underwhelming reception of the Borderlands movie.

Gearbox is shifting the focus back to what it does best: making games. This time around, the developers are focusing on the power of the newer consoles. That means the game will not be available on PS4 and Xbox One. That’s a significant shift, but it allows the team to deliver a truly next-gen experience. So, what can we expect from Borderlands 4? Let’s dive in.

What is Borderlands 4?

Borderlands 4 is the next highly anticipated instalment in the popular Borderlands franchise. The game is set to continue the series’ signature blend of fast-paced first-person shooting and RPG elements, offering players an exciting mix of chaotic action and character-driven storytelling.

Story

The story in Borderlands 4 picks up right where Borderlands 3 left off. If you’ve played the previous game, you might remember that Lilith, the badass Siren, sacrificed herself to save the planet Pandora. But here’s the twist: she’s not dead. Yes, you heard that right. Lilith is alive and protecting the planet Elpis, which she mysteriously moved to an unknown location. 

Now, this revelation sets the stage for a brand-new quest where players will search for Lilith. As they do so, they will uncover the secrets behind her disappearance. But that’s not all. The story will also dive deeper into the myth of the Eridians. Eridians are an ancient and mysterious race that has been a part of the series for a long time but never fully explored. 

Borderlands 4-Gameplay

Although not much has been revealed about the gameplay in Borderlands 4, there are plenty of speculations and hopes among fans. Given the series’ history, it’s likely to build on the classic looter-shooter formula with even more chaos. Therefore, you can expect a vast arsenal of procedurally generated weapons, each with unique stats and effects. Whether it’s shotguns that explode or rifles that shoot lasers, Borderlands 4 will surely surprise players with new weaponry.

Previous games allowed players to choose from various Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities and skill trees. Borderlands 4 promises more in-depth customization options, with new ways to modify skills or equipment. The possibility of switching between different Action Skills, as seen in Borderlands 3, could return, offering more strategic depth in combat.

The Borderlands series is known for its expansive, open-world environments. Consequently, Borderlands 4 promises to take us to new planets with diverse challenges. While the exact locations are still a mystery, fans can look forward to discovering hidden secrets, completing missions, and facing off against various enemies across these new landscapes.

Development

Development on Borderlands 4 has been in the works for several years now. Gearbox has been pretty tight-lipped about the specifics, but there are a few things we know for sure. First, the decision to drop support for last-gen consoles shows the team’s commitment to making Borderlands 4 an actual next-gen experience. The game aims to fully utilise the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S hardware capabilities.

Randy Pitchford, the head of Gearbox, has teased that Borderlands 4 will feature more than anything we’ve seen in the series. This has led to a lot of speculation among fans. Furthermore, Gearbox isn’t the only one excited about this project. Catharina Lavers Mallet, Senior Vice President and General Manager of 2K Core Games emphasized how 2025 is set to be a massive year for both 2K and Gearbox Entertainment. 

According to Borderlands enthusiasts, some think we might finally see the Eridians fully appear as enemies. Others believe the game will introduce entirely new antagonists, bringing a fresh and possibly darker tone to the story. One certain thing is that Handsome Jack, the iconic villain from Borderlands 2, will not be making a return. This means fans should brace themselves for a new cast of characters and villains. 

Borderlands4Trailer

The reveal trailer for Borderlands 4 has already set the internet abuzz. While it doesn’t give away too much, it offers just enough to hype fans. The trailer teases the return of familiar faces and introduces new characters. 

One of the most intriguing moments in the Borderlands 4 trailer is when a mysterious figure, likely an Eridian, picks up a psycho mask. This scene strongly hints at the Eridians’ involvement in the upcoming conflict, potentially introducing a game-changing twist to the series’ lore.

The visuals in the trailer are nothing short of stunning. The cel-shaded art style that Borderlands is known for looks sharper and more vibrant than ever, thanks to the power of next-gen consoles. It’s clear that Gearbox is pulling out all the stops to make Borderlands 4 a visual feast, and fans can’t wait to see more. Stay tuned on our socials here for more updates on the game’s official trailer.

Release Date, Platforms and Editions

Borderlands 4 is the next highly anticipated instalment in the iconic Borderlands franchise, which has captivated gamers with its unique blend of humour, vibrant art style, and over-the-top action. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, Borderlands 4 is set to continue the series’ signature formula of fast-paced first-person shooting combined with deep RPG elements. Players can look forward to exploring a vast, open-world environment filled with diverse enemies, explosive combat, and an endless array of unique weapons.

As for platforms, Borderlands 4 will be available on the latest consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as on PC. There’s also a good chance the game will come to cloud-based platforms. That includes NVIDIA GeForce NOW or even making its way to the Nintendo Switch, given Gearbox’s recent push to bring their games to the handheld console.

Additionally, The Borderlands Collection: Pandora’s Box is available on multiple platforms, ensuring players on various consoles and PCs can join the fun. You can grab this collection on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With the October release, Borderlands 3 will be available on the Nintendo Switch, allowing fans to experience the chaos of Pandora no matter where they are. 

So, what’s your take? Will you pick up a copy of Borderlands 4 when it drops in 2025? Let us know over on our socials here.