Borderlands 4 is now live, vault hunters

Summary

Borderlands 4 launches worldwide today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam and Epic). The Nintendo Switch 2 edition arrives on 3 October 2025. Gearbox and 2K return to the franchise with a sprawling new world — Kairos — where players battle the Timekeeper and his synthetic Order as Vault Hunters, recruit allies, pursue loot and explore four distinct regions. Early reviews are glowing, calling the game a high point for the series.

Key Points

Launch platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam/Epic) on 12 Sept 2025; Nintendo Switch 2 on 3 Oct 2025.
Setting: planet Kairos, ruled by the Timekeeper; enemies include synthetic soldiers (The Order) and Bolt‑controlled inhabitants.
Gameplay: deeper Vault Hunter skill trees than previous entries, expanded loot chase, new traversal mechanics and a summonable Digirunner vehicle.
Co‑op and systems: built for co‑op with instanced loot, dynamic level scaling and individual difficulty so friends can play together seamlessly.
Editions & pricing: Standard $69.99; Deluxe $99.99 (includes Bounty Pack Bundle); Super Deluxe $129.99 (adds Vault Hunter Pack, Ornate Order Pack and more).
Post‑launch: a roadmap of free and paid content is planned; GeForce NOW support is available after purchase on Steam/Epic.
Critical reception: early press praise includes lines like “This is Borderlands perfected” and “best shooter I’ve played in 2025.”

Content Summary

Borderlands 4 aims to evolve the franchise while keeping the core looter‑shooter identity. The game promises intense action, billions of weapon variants, and the most diverse skill trees in series history to enable highly customisable builds. Zones are seamless and encourage exploration with dynamic events and side missions. New traversal options and a near‑everywhere summonable vehicle speed up movement and expand combat options. Campaign supports solo or four‑player co‑op, with pulse‑pounding boss fights and varied loot drops. Multiple editions offer tiers of bonus content, from extra cosmetic packs to additional story and Vault Hunter packs.

Context and Relevance

This is a major franchise launch from a studio that helped create the looter‑shooter template. For players and the industry, Borderlands 4 represents both a technical and design statement: seamless zones, deeper progression systems and co‑op quality‑of‑life features reflect broader trends in multiplayer design and live‑service planning. Its favourable early reviews may shape year‑end conversations about the best shooters of 2025 and influence post‑launch support expectations across AAA titles.

Why should I read this

Want the short version? Borderlands 4 is out now, it’s getting rave reviews, and it’s stuffed with loot, new traversal, and deeper builds. If you care about whether to buy, play co‑op, or just want to know what’s new in a big franchise drop, this saves you scrolling through the PR — quick, punchy and useful.