Borderlands 4 – Everything We Know
Gearbox Confirms Borderlands 4 Development Began After Borderlands 3
Gearbox started working on Borderlands 4 immediately after the release of Borderlands 3 in 2019. After five years, two spin-offs, and major studio changes, the next mainline Borderlands entry is officially on the way.
Gearbox's Journey to Borderlands 4
Since Borderlands 3, Gearbox has navigated a turbulent period. The studio merged with Embracer Group in 2021 before being acquired by Take-Two Interactive, Borderlands publisher 2K Games' parent company, in 2024. Meanwhile, the Borderlands movie received lukewarm reviews, but Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford took it in stride.
“So what you're saying is: You like what my friends and I do with our Borderlands videogames even more than what some of the biggest and best cast and crew of filmmakers on the planet have done,” Pitchford tweeted after the film’s poor box office debut. “I'm super flattered! We're working extra hard for you on what's next.”
Gearbox has now confirmed Borderlands 4 will launch in 2025, likely in the fall. Both Borderlands 2 and 3 were released in September, aligning with this window. However, with Grand Theft Auto 6 also set for late 2025, Take-Two may adjust release plans to avoid competition. So far, Gearbox has dropped two trailers: a teaser in August 2024 and a full reveal at the 2024 Game Awards.
New Villains and Setting
The August teaser revealed Pandora’s aftermath following Borderlands 3. Lilith saved the planet by teleporting Elpis, its moon, which turned out to be a massive vault key.
At the 2024 Game Awards, Gearbox introduced the game’s antagonist, The Timekeeper, described as “a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high.” Another intriguing figure appears briefly: a woman with robotic, wing-like arms, seemingly controlling Psychos while challenging The Timekeeper and his automaton army.
The trailer confirmed a new planet: Kairos. Gearbox described it as a “completely hidden” world during a September PAX panel, suggesting it’s outside existing Borderlands lore. Fans also decoded cryptic alien messages:
- August teaser: “He is watching. Break free.”
- Game Awards trailer:
- “Invader cut me open, I died, and that's just the start…”
- “Time kept is brain lost.”
These clues hint at deeper mysteries, possibly tied to the story’s antagonist.
New Vault Hunters and Gameplay Features
The Game Awards trailer unveiled the four new Vault Hunters, though Gearbox has not shared details on their abilities. Creative director Graeme Timmins teased subtle changes to the archetypes, saying:
“We think it's important that we switch it up.”
Narrative director Sam Winkler emphasized a player-first approach:
“With Borderlands 4, we want to ensure the player and the Vault Hunters are the central characters. The world will be reactive and grounded, with humor emerging naturally from the situations.”
While fan reactions to the new Vault Hunters’ designs have been mixed, gameplay reveals offered several standout mechanics:
- Energy Grappling Hook – A new traversal tool.
- Hover Bikes – Spawning outside Catch-a-Ride stations, these could allow vehicle summons anywhere.
- Claptrap – Even on uncharted planets, there’s no escaping him.
What’s Next for Borderlands 4?
While details remain limited, Gearbox seems determined to deliver another chaotic, gun-filled Borderlands adventure. With Borderlands 4 set for 2025, fans will continue piecing together cryptic clues and eagerly await the mayhem ahead.
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