Borderlands 4 Confirmed: Pre-Orders Live, September 12 Release, and New Details Revealed
June 16, 2025 – The Vault is officially opening again! After years of anticipation and speculation, Borderlands 4 has been officially announced by 2K and Gearbox Software, with pre-orders now live and a worldwide launch date set for September 12, 2025. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for later in 2025.
This is not a drill – the next mainline installment in the beloved looter-shooter franchise is on its way, promising to evolve the series’ gameplay and storytelling while delivering the chaotic, loot-filled experience fans know and love.
Key Announcements and Details:
- Official Release Date: Borderlands 4 will launch globally on September 12, 2025. This date was recently moved up from a previously speculated September 23rd release.
- New Vault Hunters and Planet Kairos: Players will step into the shoes of four brand-new Vault Hunters, each boasting unique abilities that promise to introduce even more diverse ways to engage in combat. The adventure will take players to the sprawling, never-before-seen planet of Kairos, where they will confront the tyrannical Timekeeper and his Order.
- Overhauled Loot System and Co-op Changes: Gearbox has confirmed that the game will feature an overhauled loot system and significant co-op changes designed to enhance the multiplayer experience. Details on these specific changes are still emerging, but the focus is on refining the core gameplay loop.
- Post-Launch Content Strategy: 2K and Gearbox have detailed a “robust roadmap” of both free and paid post-launch content. This includes:
- Bounty Pack Bundle: Included in the Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions, this bundle features four separate post-launch DLC packs. Each pack will introduce distinct areas, new missions, unique bosses, Vault Cards with challenges and rewards, new gear, weapons, and four new vehicles, plus Vault Hunter cosmetics.
- Vault Hunter Pack: Exclusive to the Super Deluxe Edition, this pack comprises two additional Story Packs, each bringing a new playable Vault Hunter, new story and side missions, new map regions, and more gear, weapons, and cosmetics. This confirms that new Vault Hunters will be added post-launch, following a similar model to previous Borderlands titles (excluding Borderlands 3).
- Pricing and Editions: Borderlands 4 will be available in three editions:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $69.99 USD.
- Deluxe Edition: Priced at $99.99 USD.
- Super Deluxe Edition: Priced at $129.99 USD. Pre-ordering any edition grants the “Gilded Glory Pack,” which includes a Vault Hunter Skin, a Weapon Skin, and an ECHO-4 Drone Skin.
- Narrative and Humor Adjustments: While the quintessential Borderlands humor will remain, reports suggest that Gearbox is aiming to dial down some of the “toilet humor” found in previous installments, indicating a potential refinement of the series’ comedic tone. The narrative director stated this change is aimed at a broader appeal while still retaining the beloved Borderlands charm.
- Next-Gen Focus: The game is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, indicating a clear focus on leveraging the power of current-generation hardware for enhanced visuals and performance. There will be no PS4 or Xbox One versions.
- Randy Pitchford’s Comments and Price Controversy: Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford recently caused a stir with comments implying “real fans” would find a way to afford an $80 game. However, 2K has officially confirmed the standard edition price at $70, putting that particular controversy to rest.
The announcement comes after years of subtle hints and job listings from Gearbox, which consistently pointed to a new Borderlands project being in active development. With a confirmed release date, new characters, and a fresh planet to explore, the hype for Borderlands 4 is now at an all-time high. Vault Hunters can prepare to dive into the biggest Borderlands world yet this September.