The wait is finally over for fans craving that signature Borderlands chaos, and the Borderlands 4 review scores suggest Gearbox has successfully revitalized the franchise after the divisive reception of Borderlands 3. With a Borderlands 4 metacritic score of 84 and early access already live on PC as of September 11, 2025, this latest entry proves that sometimes going back to basics while embracing bold new changes can create something truly special.
Borderlands 4 Release Date and Launch Details
When does Borderlands 4 come out depends on your platform of choice. PC players got the earliest access with the global release launching at 9 AM PT on September 11, 2025, while console players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S can dive in at midnight local time on September 12, 2025. The Nintendo Switch 2 version follows on October 3, 2025.
The Borderlands 4 preload steam situation initially caused confusion among fans, with many reporting difficulties accessing pre-download options. While PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S users successfully began preloading on September 10 with manageable file sizes of 28.1 GB and 29.5 GB respectively, PC preloads faced technical hurdles, with the final download weighing in at 65 GB.
Release Time Breakdown by Platform
| Platform | Release Date | File Size | Preload Availability |
| PC (Steam/Epic) | September 11, 9 AM PT | 65 GB | Limited availability |
| PlayStation 5 | September 12, Midnight Local | 28.1 GB | Available September 10 |
| Xbox Series X/S | September 12, Midnight Local | 29.5 GB | Available September 10 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | October 3, 2025 | TBA | TBA |
What Critics Are Saying: Borderlands 4 Reviews Roundup
The Borderlands 4 reviews paint a picture of a franchise that has learned from past mistakes while doubling down on what made the series special. IGN awarded the game an 8/10, praising it as “a badass open-world evolution of a wonderfully unhinged looter-shooter series that needed to try something new”. The publication specifically highlighted the improved movement mechanics and refreshingly grounded story approach.
Windows Central delivered one of the most enthusiastic Borderlands 4 review scores, calling it “the new pinnacle of the entire series” and struggling to find faults beyond some performance hiccups. Their reviewer admitted that writing the review was difficult because it meant stepping away from the addictive gameplay loop.
GameSpot offered a more measured 7/10 review, acknowledging that while the game delivers mechanically sound gameplay, the story and characters struggle to maintain engagement between combat encounters. Nevertheless, they acknowledged the game as “the most mechanically refined Borderlands game up to this point.”
Review Score Comparison Chart
| Publication | Score | Key Praise | Main Criticism |
| IGN | 8/10 | Open-world evolution, improved movement | Technical performance, invisible walls |
| Windows Central | 9/10 | Best combat in series, engaging endgame | Performance hiccups |
| GameSpot | 7/10 | Mechanically sound, diverse Vault Hunters | Weak story, repetitive combat |
| Game Rant | 8/10 | Return to basics approach | Some conventional elements |
| Forbes | 8/10 | Perfect center space for franchise | Not revolutionary |
How Borderlands 4 Stacks Up: Metacritic Scores Across the Series
The Borderlands 4 metacritic score of 84 positions it as the second-highest rated mainline entry in the franchise, tying with the original Borderlands. This represents a significant improvement over Borderlands 3’s score of 81, though it still falls short of Borderlands 2’s legendary rating of 89.
Interestingly, the current score places Borderlands 4 just below Tales from the Borderlands’ score of 85, though that comparison involves different genres entirely. The score reflects a consensus that Gearbox has successfully course-corrected after the mixed reception of the previous entry.
The Borderlands 4 Game Experience: What’s New and Improved
This latest Borderlands 4 game represents the most ambitious entry in the series, introducing a fully open world for the first time instead of the segmented zones that characterized previous installments. Set on the planet Kairos, players must overthrow the immortal Timekeeper while exploring a seamless world filled with activities and collectibles.
The game features four new Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities: Vex the Siren uses space magic for clones and ally summoning, Hare utilizes anti-gravity technology, the Beastmaster handles additional weapons through action skills, and Amara the Forge knight brings raw power to combat encounters.
New Features and Improvements
The transition to an open world brings significant gameplay changes, eliminating the tedious loading screens that plagued previous entries. Enhanced movement options including gliding, dodging, and grappling provide more dynamic traversal and combat possibilities. The build crafting system has expanded to include healing items, throwing knives, and weapon enhancements.
Combat feels more refined than ever, with reviewers consistently praising the gunplay improvements and weapon variety. The game maintains the series’ signature “bazillions of guns” philosophy while ensuring each weapon type feels distinct and valuable in different situations.
Technical Performance and Launch Issues
While the gameplay receives widespread praise, Borderlands 4 reviews consistently mention technical challenges, particularly on PC. Multiple reviewers reported performance issues, bugs, and invisible walls that occasionally disrupted the exploration experience. IGN specifically noted “fairly rocky technical performance on the PC version provided for review and numerous bugs”.
The Borderlands 4 preload steam complications exemplified these technical hurdles, with many PC players unable to access pre-download options despite the feature being available on consoles. However, reviewers expect post-launch patches to address many of these issues.
Story and Tone: A More Grounded Approach
One area where Borderlands 4 attempts to differentiate itself is through a more grounded narrative approach. After Borderlands 3’s divisive humor and tone, Gearbox aimed for better balance between comedy and serious storytelling. Early reviews suggest mixed success in this endeavor, with some praising the improved writing while others note that the dialogue still struggles at times.
The story focuses on resistance against the Timekeeper’s regime on Kairos, providing a framework for the classic Borderlands loop of shooting, looting, and leveling up. While not revolutionary in terms of narrative structure, the more measured approach appears to resonate better with longtime fans.
Looking Ahead: Post-Launch Content and Updates
Gearbox has ambitious plans for Borderlands 4 game content beyond launch, with promises of additional Vault Hunters, expansions, and ongoing support. The Super Deluxe Edition includes upcoming DLC content featuring new playable characters, suggesting substantial post-launch development.
The developer’s commitment to addressing technical issues through patches and the planned release of additional platforms indicates strong long-term support for the title.
The Verdict: Is Borderlands 4 Worth Playing?
Based on current Borderlands 4 reviews, the game successfully recaptures what made the series special while introducing meaningful improvements. The transition to an open world, enhanced combat mechanics, and refined loot systems create a more engaging experience than its immediate predecessor.
However, technical issues and some persistent franchise weaknesses prevent it from reaching the heights of Borderlands 2. For fans disappointed by Borderlands 3, this entry represents a significant step in the right direction, though newcomers might want to wait for post-launch patches to address performance concerns.
FAQ
What is the Borderlands 4 release date?
Borderlands 4 release date is September 11, 2025 for PC (global launch at 9 AM PT) and September 12, 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (midnight local time). Nintendo Switch 2 version launches October 3, 2025.
What is the Borderlands 4 Metacritic score?
Borderlands 4 metacritic score currently stands at 84, making it the second-highest rated mainline entry in the franchise, tying with the original Borderlands and surpassing Borderlands 3’s score of 81.
Can I preload Borderlands 4 on Steam?
Borderlands 4 preload steam functionality faced initial issues, with many PC players unable to access pre-download options despite console preloads being available from September 10. The PC version requires a 65 GB download.
When does Borderlands 4 come out on different platforms?
When does Borderlands 4 come out varies by platform: PC launches September 11 at 9 AM PT globally, consoles launch September 12 at midnight local time (except LA timezone which gets 9 PM September 11), and Nintendo Switch 2 gets the game October 3, 2025.
Are Borderlands 4 reviews positive?
Borderlands 4 reviews are generally positive, with most outlets giving scores between 7-9/10. Critics praise the improved combat, open world design, and return to series fundamentals, though technical issues and story elements receive criticism.
How big is the Borderlands 4 download?
The Borderlands 4 game download size varies by platform: 65 GB on PC, 28.1 GB on PlayStation 5, and 29.5 GB on Xbox Series X/S. The smaller console sizes may not include day-one patches.
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