Borderlands 4 Review: A Bold Return to Looting and Shooting
Borderlands 4 Review: A Bold Return to Looting and Shooting
Introduction
Borderlands 4, developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, marks a significant return to the franchise’s roots. Released on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release scheduled for October 3, 2025, the game aims to recapture the essence of its predecessors while introducing new elements to enhance the player experience.
Gameplay and Features
The game continues the series’ signature blend of first-person shooting and role-playing elements. Players embark on an interplanetary adventure, battling foes across various environments. The introduction of new movement mechanics, such as wall-running and enhanced traversal abilities, adds depth to the gameplay. The loot system remains a central focus, offering a vast array of weapons and gear to collect and customize.
Story and Setting
Set on the newly discovered planet Kairos, players confront a new antagonist threatening the galaxy’s peace. While the narrative provides a backdrop for the action, it has received mixed reviews. Some players find the storyline engaging, while others feel it lacks the depth and humor that characterized earlier entries in the series.
Technical Performance
Upon launch, Borderlands 4 faced technical challenges, particularly on PC. Players reported issues such as low frame rates, stuttering, and crashes, even on high-end hardware. A day-one patch addressed some of these concerns, but performance remains a point of contention among the community. Despite these issues, the game has garnered a significant player base, indicating strong interest and potential for future updates.
Reception
Critics have offered varied assessments of the game. On Metacritic, Borderlands 4 holds a score of 84, tying it with the original Borderlands as the second-highest rated mainline game in the franchise, behind Borderlands 2‘s 89. While the core gameplay and gunplay have been praised, the story and technical performance have drawn criticism.
Final Thoughts
Borderlands 4 delivers an action-packed experience with its refined gameplay mechanics and expansive loot system. However, technical issues and a less compelling narrative may detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. For fans of the series, the game offers a familiar yet fresh adventure, though potential buyers should be aware of the current performance concerns.
