Gearbox and 2K officially unveil Borderlands 4, launching September 12, 2025
At Sony’s latest State of Play showcase, Gearbox Software and 2K Games officially pulled back the curtain on Borderlands 4, confirming a September 12, 2025 release date for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game will also arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025.
Currently rated RP (Rating Pending) by the ESRB, Borderlands 4 is poised to evolve the franchise’s signature looter-shooter formula with a new world, new characters, and major gameplay overhauls.
New Vault Hunters: Vex and Rafa Lead the Fight
Borderlands 4 introduces a fresh cast of Vault Hunters, starting with:
- Vex the Siren – A mystical warrior who summons spectral “shades” and manipulates battlefield energy for self-empowerment.
- Rafa the Exo-Soldier – A former Tediore operative outfitted with a fully customizable exo-suit and digistruct-based weaponry.
Two additional Vault Hunters are yet to be revealed.
A New World: The Planet Kairos
The action takes place on Kairos, a new planet featuring four massive, interconnected regions. The world is ruled by the enigmatic Timekeeper, who enforces control using cybernetic Bolts and an oppressive force known as The Order.
Players must unite allies and spark a revolution to liberate Kairos from tyranny.
Combat & Gear System Overhaul
Borderlands 4 delivers its most customizable combat system yet:
- Eight Weapon Manufacturers, each with unique traits.
- Licensed Parts System blends attributes from multiple manufacturers into a single weapon.
- Enhancements Slot boosts weapon performance based on brand synergy.
- Ordnance Slot replaces grenades with a new system that includes cooldown-based grenades or heavy weapons.
- Rep Kit Gear introduces survival tools and team buffs for high-intensity encounters.
Co-Op Focus and Gameplay Features
Borderlands 4 is built from the ground up for co-op gameplay:
- Advanced Skill Trees allow deeper customization and playstyle differentiation.
- Drop-in/drop-out co-op, instanced loot, dynamic level scaling, and personal difficulty settings ensure seamless multiplayer balance.
- Unified Party System keeps friends connected across modes and sessions.
First Gameplay Footage: Mission in Terminus Range
The debut gameplay trailer showcased a mission in Terminus Range, a frosty mountainous zone. Viewers got a first look at the revamped arsenal, gear systems, and cooperative features in action.
Online Play Requirements
Players will need an internet connection, a SHiFT Account, and online subscription services specific to their console for online play.
Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be a major evolution of the franchise. Stay tuned for more reveals, including the final two Vault Hunters, Switch 2 release date, and expanded gameplay deep dives in the coming months.
