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Game Information

Game Title: Borderlands 4

Platforms:

• PC (Sep 12, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Sep 12, 2025)
• Xbox Series X/S (Sep 12, 2025)

Trailer:

Developer: Gearbox Software

Publisher: 2K Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 85 average - 100% recommended
Meacritic - 84 average - Based on 62 Reviews (PC Version)

Critic Reviews


CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 10 / 10

Borderlands 4 was such a surprise. The gameplay, story, and mechanics all felt so in sync. It's got its hooks in me like no Borderlands game has before. I can't wait to dive in and keep playing.

COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 89 / 100

Quote not yet available

Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 8.7 / 10

Gearbox has found an excellent balance between the typical Borderlands-style humor and a more serious narrative approach. Apart from that, Borderlands 4 doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does improve on the now 16-year-old formula with more movement options and a largely open-world experience. Unfortunately, when it comes to performance, it still sticks to familiar shortcomings and has yet to fully tap into the potential of Unreal Engine 5. Nevertheless, we once again had a lot of fun looting and are still motivated to keep playing even after finishing our review.

DualShockers - Jay Ku - 9 / 10

The sheer diversity of characters, gear, and ways to have fun is never-ending, and the open-world format is a surprisingly welcome addition to this amazing co-op FPS. Borderlands 4 is a leap in the right direction, and I can only hope that this trend continues upwards for the rest of the franchise.

GAMES.CH - Olaf Bleich - German - 85%

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Game Rant - Matt Karoglou - 8 / 10

Gearbox Software takes a 'back to basics' approach with Borderlands 4 that ends up being exactly what the series needed.

Game Sandwich - Aden Carter - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 was the "make-it or break-it" moment for Gearbox that would determine the fate of the franchise going forward. Despite not having the greatest faith going in, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had playing it. The colorful cast of characters, combined with the great writing, made me laugh, sigh with relief, and gasp at the choices that I made. While the collectibles are overbearing, the combat and build-crafting in this game went well above my expectations, giving players more than they could ever want when it comes to the fast-paced looter shooter grind.

GamePro - Eleen Reinke - German - 85 / 100

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GameSpot - Jordan Ramée - 7 / 10

To its detriment, Borderlands 4 feels like a direct response to Borderlands 3.

Gameblog - French - 7 / 10

Borderlands 4 takes a turn that won't please everyone. In an attempt to satisfy some fans' requests, the developers have lost sight of the game's identity. It is less funny and striking than previous episodes, and it is only in its secondary content that we find some small, funny, offbeat stories. It's only after a few hours, or when playing in co-op with friends, that the game really comes into its own. Borderlands 4 is extremely generous and will keep you hooked for hours before you even reach the endgame. While it's undoubtedly a good shooter-looter, it's clearly not the best game in the Borderlands series.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.6 / 10

The Borderlands series has long refined the looter-shooter formula, and Borderlands 4 feels like it has finally reached its theoretical peak. From seamless maps and freer movement to expanded skill trees, every change serves the same purpose: letting players and their friends dive into the endless loop of shooting, looting, and powering up in more satisfying and varied ways.

GamesRadar+ - Andrew Brown - 4 / 5

Every time Gearbox made me laugh or grin, I would catch myself wishing for more of that authenticity

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 8 / 10

While most of its appeal ties into your enjoyment of the usual looting and shooting, Borderlands 4 is a major step forward for Gearbox's franchise in world design, mobility and build-crafting.

Hardcore Gamer - Cory Wells - 4 / 5

Bloober Team's latest horror game transports players to a post-socialist utopian world, blending classic survival horror elements with unique sci-fi.

IGN Italy - Alessandro Alosi - Italian - 8 / 10

Borderlands 4 isn't content to simply replicate the formula of its predecessors, but attempts to expand it, enrich it, and make it more modern, dynamic, and playful, presenting itself to fans as the most ambitious and complete* chapter in the saga.

INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.7 / 10

Borderlands 4 preserves the series' most essential DNA while delivering meaningful innovation. Although its open-world structure is not yet fully refined and shows some rough edges, the game remains immensely enjoyable and unmistakably Borderlands

LevelUp - Spanish - 8 / 10

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Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 is designed thoroughly with fun in mind. It doesn't play like a greatest hits compilation of what has come before, but rather as an evolution of the series.

MKAU Gaming - Yasmin Noble - 8.5 / 10

Borderlands 4 is an amped-up version of the tried-and-true formula with hefty upgrades to the gameplay. With an action-packed story and a whole new planet packed with possibilities, Borderlands 4 is a wild and wicked time worth experiencing.

One More Game - Chris Garcia - 8.5 / 10

Borderlands 4 is back in great form thanks to its exceptional customization, dynamic open world, and reinvented boss battles. Gearbox Software clearly listened to its community, addressing past critiques with a sprawling, interactive map, expansive skill trees, and guns that feel genuinely unique.

Shacknews - Sam Chandler - 9 / 10

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WellPlayed - Ash Wayling - 9 / 10

Borderlands 4 realises the full potential the series has always had, delivering that unmistakable Borderlands experience but with a ton of modern sensibilities to establish itself not simply as a fun co-op shooter, but as the definitive example of what a fun co-op shooter should be.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 10 / 10

Borderlands 4 is a masterpiece

 

[analog_future]

85 average, nice! Those are great scores, and an improvement over 3.

 

[Gonzito]

My wallet

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Sounds great, I've seen enough to jump in on day 1. Can't wait!

 

[Lokaum D+]

IGN " story doesnt hit the highs of Borderlands 2, specially in terms of it iconic villain"

at least it look better than 3

 

[Hawkeye2890]

Sounds like a more "serious" or adult version of Borderlands, which I am A-Ok with. Going to buy it tonight at launch.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

IGN " story doesnt hit the highs of Borderlands 2, specially in terms of it iconic villain"

at least it look better than 3

Handsome Jack was one of the best villains ever to grace a video game.

 

[TrebleShot]

Does the game have an offline mode? Could imagine this being great fun to pass some time on a plane ride.

 

[Stafford]

IGN " story doesnt hit the highs of Borderlands 2, specially in terms of it iconic villain"

at least it look better than 3

That is one thing I see as a given. We're never going to get a villain as awesome as Handsome Jack again. But anything better than those God awful twins of 3 is good.

 

[Lokaum D+]

Does the game have an offline mode? Could imagine this being great fun to pass some time on a plane ride.

Is a single player / co-op game, you dont need to play with ppl if you dont want and i dont think it ll require a internet connection to be played.

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

My man randy redeemed

 

[CuteFaceJay]

No Switch 2?

 

[Lokaum D+]

No Switch 2?

there is no console ( PS5/Xbox ) review/impressions at the moment, its looking a lot like Cyberpunk reviews all over again... i wonder why

 

[Rush2112]

Pretty much the same score as borderlands 3. The worst game in the series.

 

[Kadve]

TLDR: A distillation of 1, 2 and 3 + open world.

 

[Kacho]

there is no console review at the moment... i wonder why

Releases next month

Edit: talking about the Switch 2 version

 

[PSFore]

Pretty much the same score as borderlands 3. The worst game in the series.

It's currently 84 on metacritic. The same score as Borderlands 1. Borderlands 3 is 81.

 

[Lokaum D+]

Pretty much the same score as borderlands 3. The worst game in the series.

wait for user scores, BL3 has 56, while BL1 has 77 and BL2 81

 

[Arachnid]

I want to try it, but this company and it's CEO just rub me wrong. This isn't a full price game for me either.

Complete edition in a year or two for 20 dollars it is.

 

[adamsapple]

IGN " story doesnt hit the highs of Borderlands 2, specially in terms of it iconic villain"

at least it look better than 3

There was a story in BL2? I just remember Handsome Jack, the character. I couldn't tell you what the plot was for a million dollars.

 

[ThatOneGrunt]

No Switch 2?

Comes out October 3rd. I'm curious about this one too. It would be nuts to be able to play a game like this in handheld mode. Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 has me hoping it could be an amazing port. But I still want to see some impressions before I jump in.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Lookin gooood. Can't wait. HYPED!!

 

[cash_longfellow]

There was a story in BL2? I just remember Handsome Jack, the character. I couldn't tell you what the plot was for a million dollars.

Right…I still get confused on how people play Borderlands for the story.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

I'm going for it. I sure as hell don't play these games for their amazing story and characters. I just want writing that doesn't make me actively hate half the cast every time they open their mouths like BL3 did.

Sounds like they've managed that. Now I just hope Ava has little to no role in this game. Maybe they can do what they did with Rose Tico in Rise of Skywalker, have her briefly show up like "I have to uh… go do something very important somewhere else" then fuck off for the rest of the story.

 

[geary]

What genre is Borderlands? Is a attempted GAAS like Outriders or straight out GAAS like Destiny? Does it have a story? Is linear? Quest based? Companions?

 

[Lokaum D+]

There was a story in BL2? I just remember Handsome Jack, the character. I couldn't tell you what the plot was for a million dollars.

Right…I still get confused on how people play Borderlands for the story.

no one plays Borderlands for the story ? Yeah, you may be right, but that doesn't mean the game doesn't have one, 90% of Borderlands 4 reviews clearly think that the "story" or the "lack of it" for some of you, dont reach BL2 and its characters.

 

[Lokaum D+]

What genre is Borderlands? Is a attempted GAAS like Outriders or straight out GAAS like Destiny? Does it have a story? Is linear? Quest based? Companions?

its a loot and shoot single player/co-op rpg game with old DLC monetization strategy, its nothing like Destiny, it does have a story, its Quest based, it can be linear if you want to just rush the main story.

 

[R3TRO]

Not bad

 

[j0hnnix]

 

[Neolombax]

Still waiting on base PS5 console performance impressions.

 

[splattered]

Scores good enough for me now... locked in and don't regret the pre-order.

 

[The Thick Tyne]

Eh?

 

[DanEON]

does it have lvl scale?

 

[Toots]

IGN " story doesnt hit the highs of Borderlands 2, specially in terms of it iconic villain"

at least it look better than 3

I think Conan made the best review of the story and tone of the game on Clueless gamer, after seeing claptrap for about 2 sec :





What a legend, and Aaron blurting "no problem" in loop as a sort of weird damage control is the cherry on top.

 

[Stafford]

There was a story in BL2? I just remember Handsome Jack, the character. I couldn't tell you what the plot was for a million dollars.

Now that you mention it, yeah. I do remember at the time liking the story and thinking what a sick fuck Jack was, at the same time he was just awesome and hilarious. I remember being very fond of his dialogue throughout the game, but also just the characters in general.

In that regard it's better than 3 in 4 and that's all I need to hear, I didn't have doubts about the rest. Now let's get the deets on how it performs and looks on the base consoles.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Got it in my wishlist on PC.
Seems like decent scores. I'll be reading/watching these reviews today. Need to see how it performs on my RTX4070 before hitting the buy button.

 

[jmiller180]

I'll probably hate the story regardless of them "cleaning up the tone" primary because I find the series' zany humor cringey. Will likely get it as I really liked BL3 gameplay - hopefully it is more like an improved version of that and less like WL (guns in that game were just not fun to use).

 

[Lokaum D+]

Now that you mention it, yeah. I do remember at the time liking the story and thinking what a sick fuck Jack was, at the same time he was just awesome and hilarious. I remember being very fond of his dialogue throughout the game, but also just the characters in general.

In that regard it's better than 3 in 4 and that's all I need to hear, I didn't have doubts about the rest. Now let's get the deets on how it performs and looks on the base consoles.

Jack was something else, one of the best written villain in the story of video game.

 

[Stafford]

Checked out the Borderlands 4 Reddit and some folks playing on XSX and are saying it's smooth as can be in performance mode. Obviously they are just in the beginning, but it's starting to sound good.

 

[Bert Big Balls]

This is going to be so much better than 3. Can't wait.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

wait for user scores, BL3 has 56, while BL1 has 77 and BL2 81

Gameplay and content was great on borderlands 3, too bad the entire script for the game was cringe.

 

[kikkis]

I was expecting 75 oc, so this is a happy surprise

 

[Stafford]

Fidelity mode drops it to 30fps with dips, but obviously looks better than performance mode. FOV is too narrow and no option to change it.

As per Reddit, Xbox Series x users.

Personally I never changed that setting from default in previous games. I do wish they had provided a 40fps mode, that would have been great.

 

[Lokaum D+]

Gameplay and content was great on borderlands 3, too bad the entire script for the game was cringe.

Gameplay ? 100% yes

Content ? not so much, it didnt had any invencibles to fight on the base game and the slaughter/shaft arena got old pretty fast, Malliwan takedown was funny, but most content for the game was locked behind directors and designer DLC, content that imo was taken from the base game to be sold as DLC.

 

[TheMan]

really glad the game is good despite the review embargo shenanigans

 

[cash_longfellow]

no one plays Borderlands for the story ? Yeah, you may be right, but that doesn't mean the game doesn't have one, 90% of Borderlands 4 reviews clearly think that the "story" or the "lack of it" for some of you, dont reach BL2 and its characters.

I don't disagree…I personally really enjoyed BL2 story, but after BL3 I'm not expecting
Much from 4. And that's okay, because the most important thing to me is the gameplay.

 

[Roman Empire]

I heard the performance is horrid. Can anyone confirm it?

 

[acm2000]

all i want to know is that its better than that boring dross that was BL3?

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

Gameplay ? 100% yes

Content ? not so much, it didnt had any invencibles to fight on the base game and the slaughter/shaft arena got old pretty fast, Malliwan takedown was funny, but most content for the game was locked behind directors and designer DLC, content that imo was taken from the base game to be sold as DLC.

Fair enough, I'm talking from the perspective of the complete DLC.

 

[Sgt.Asher]

The gameblog makes it sound better than the score they give it. Less of the memey yapping in my ear is a.good thing.