Borderlands 4 is the highly anticipated fifth main installment in the franchise. Between pre-sequels and spin-offs, it’s the seventh game in a series that created the looter shooter genre, inspiring major titles like Ubisoft’s The Division and Bungie’s Destiny.

Gearbox has opened pre-orders for the game, ahead of its release on September 12. Meanwhile, over a month after their panel at PAX East 2025, the developers have returned to discuss the game in a new dev diary series, Beyond the Borderlands, which was launched on the official YouTube channel.

What to know about the game

Borderlands is a looter shooter known for its distinct cel-shaded art style and over-the-top humor filled with pop culture references. This unique identity helped it become a hit by blending RPG and FPS mechanics, refining character roles, co-op gameplay, and storytelling through its diverse quests and side missions.

In the first episode of the new dev diary series Beyond the Borderlands, the developers shared insights into the creation of the new Vault Ryders. Each character has been designed to fit a specific role, particularly in co-op mode, with a focus on both gameplay balance and personality. The goal is to ensure that every Ryder brings a unique experience when teaming up with others.

This marks the beginning of a deeper dive into the game’s development, and Gearbox appears committed to showing more behind-the-scenes content as the release approaches.

Gearbox opens pre-orders

Gearbox has officially opened pre-orders for Borderlands 4, confirming the available editions and pricing. The game offers three purchase options: Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S, as well as for pre-purchase on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. A Nintendo Switch 2 version has also been announced, with a release scheduled for later in 2025.

Starting at $69.99, Borderlands 4 currently offers only digital editions — Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe — with no Collector’s Edition announced yet.

Borderlands 4 will follow the content strategy introduced with Borderlands 3. Post-launch content will include Bounty Packs with new maps, quests, gear, and skins, as well as Vault Hunter Packs introducing new playable characters and additional story content.

Gameplay changes

Gearbox has significantly upgraded Borderlands 4’s gameplay. The game introduces two new Vault Hunters, Vex and Rafa, each with deep skill trees and customizable abilities. Players can enjoy enhanced mobility, including double jumps, dashes, gliding, climbing, and a grappling hook for more vertical exploration.

The weapon system gets a refresh with a modular design, allowing you to mix and match parts from familiar manufacturers like Maliwan and Hyperion, as well as newcomers like Order, Ripper, and Daedalus. Heavy weapons and grenades now use cooldown-based slots instead of limited ammo, encouraging a more tactical and dynamic approach to combat, somewhat reminiscent of ability systems in games like Destiny.

Co-op mode returns, supporting four-player online multiplayer, two-player split-screen, and full cross-play across all platforms.

Borderlands 4 story so far

Borderlands 4 shifts the action away from Pandora to a new planet called Kairos. The story takes place six years after Lilith used her Siren powers to teleport Pandora’s moon, Elpis, into the orbit of a new planet, Kairos — a move that destabilized the region and triggered a growing rebellion. The oppressive ruler, known as The Timekeeper, once controlled Kairos with a synthetic army called The Order, using implanted mind-control bolts. Now, the people are rising against his rule.

The game introduces four new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren, Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Harlowe the Gravitar, and Amon the Forgeknight. Returning characters like Claptrap, Zane, and Moxxi also make an appearance, connecting the new chapter with the franchise’s legacy.

Kairos appears to be divided into four large, interconnected zones, ranging from futuristic cities to dry wastelands. Immersion is enhanced by dynamic weather and seamless exploration. However, more will likely be revealed in the coming weeks before the release, with new developer content set to be showcased.