With fewer than three months remaining until the release of Borderlands 4, Gearbox is ramping up its promotional efforts, providing fans with essential details about the game. Pre-orders have begun, alongside the announcement of the pricing and the PC system requirements. In a recent interview with Gamereactor, Executive Producer Chris Brock emphasized that Borderlands 4 represents a significant evolution for the franchise, especially when compared to its immediate predecessor released in 2019.
Brock highlighted the gap between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, which spanned approximately seven years, noting that the developers wanted to ensure that the game felt familiar upon its return. He remarked, “When people say it feels like more Borderlands, yeah, that was the goal. We wanted to make more Borderlands.” For Borderlands 4, however, there has been a greater emphasis on enhancing traversal abilities and exploration. According to Brock, this evolution between Borderlands 3 and 4 is more substantial than that between the second and third games.
Senior Writer Taylor Clark discussed how Borderlands 4 will introduce a different style of humor compared to earlier versions. He explained that the tone of humor must align with the world being created in the game. Whereas the chaotic nature of Pandora allowed for a raucous type of humor, the new game is set on a totalitarian planet, making such humor less fitting. Clark stated, “It wouldn’t feel appropriate when we are under a horribly oppressed world.”
Borderlands 4 is set to be released on September 12 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, with a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 expected to follow later.
This evolution in gameplay mechanics and narrative tone reflects the developers’ commitment to adapting the beloved franchise while maintaining its core identity. Fans can be hopeful about the innovative changes that await them in Borderlands 4, promising both familiar joy and fresh experiences in a shifting gameplay environment.