Borderlands 4 arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Switch 2 as the biggest entry in the series so far. It earns an 8.4 out of 10 on review aggregators, and after time with the game, that number holds up.
Trailer, via thegameawards.
The Vault Hunters Return
The core loop is familiar: pick a Vault Hunter, shoot enemies, collect guns, repeat. Borderlands 4 does not reinvent that formula. It refines it.
A New Planet
The game moves the action to a new setting outside the Borderlands’ usual haunts. The world feels bigger and more varied than past entries, with distinct biomes that break up the familiar wasteland aesthetic. Traversal gets a boost too, thanks to new movement options that make exploration less of a chore.
The Gunplay
Shooting remains the heart of Borderlands 4, and it is sharper than ever. Weapon variety is high, and the loot chase still delivers that pull of “one more chest, one more boss.” The game’s procedural gun generation system continues to produce absurd, sometimes hilarious results.
Several design choices stand out as clear improvements over past entries:
- Faster traversal options that cut down on empty travel time
- A more legible skill tree for each Vault Hunter
- Smarter enemy AI that pushes players to use cover and mobility
- A loot system that feels more targeted, less like noise
The Story
The narrative follows the familiar Borderlands template of over-the-top villains and irreverent humor. It does not push the story in a bold new direction. Fans expecting a major narrative departure may be disappointed.
That said, the writing lands more jokes than it misses.
Performance Across Platforms
Borderlands 4 runs across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Switch 2, and performance varies by platform. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions run smoothly in most situations, with occasional frame dips during heavy combat with multiple enemies on screen. The PC version offers the expected flexibility of adjustable settings, benefiting players with stronger hardware. The Switch 2 version is the most technically compromised, with lower resolution and softer detail, though it remains playable and holds up as a portable option for the series.
Co-op and Replayability
The four-player co-op experience remains a highlight, and it is where Borderlands 4 shines brightest. Playing with friends smooths over some of the repetition that can creep in during solo play. The loot-chase structure, paired with multiple Vault Hunters and build paths, gives the game strong replay value for those who want to dive back in after finishing the main campaign.
Where It Falls Short
Borderlands 4 does not attempt a dramatic reinvention of the series. Players hoping for a radical departure from past entries won’t find one here. Some enemy encounters can feel repetitive over long sessions, and the humor, while frequently funny, occasionally leans on familiar series tropes rather than fresh material.
Borderlands 4 is a confident, polished entry that builds on what the series does best rather than chasing a new identity. The new setting, sharper gunplay and strong co-op experience make it a worthwhile pick for longtime fans and newcomers alike, even if the Switch 2 version shows its limits and the story plays it safe. Score: 8.4 of 10.
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