Borderlands 4
A new generation of Vault Hunters rebels against the Timekeeper on Kairos.
Dank · Jay ; OpenStreetMap contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Borderlands 4 is a first-person looter shooter with action role-playing elements, released on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K, it serves as the direct follow-up to Borderlands 3 and marks the fifth main game in the series. Critics gave it generally favorable reviews. A version for Nintendo Switch 2 was announced but later indefinitely paused with no further plans.
The story takes place six years after the previous game. A new group of Vault Hunters arrives on the ancient planet Kairos, where they join a local resistance to find the planet's Vault and overthrow the despotic ruler known as the Timekeeper.
Gameplay follows the series' tradition of first-person shooting and loot collection, with action role-playing elements. Gearbox described the world as "seamless," meaning players can explore new areas without encountering loading screens. New vehicles and traversal tools, including a grappling hook, are introduced. The game supports solo play or cooperative play with up to three others.
The plot begins when Pandora's moon Elpis, teleported by Lilith using her Siren powers, crashes through Kairos's protective barrier. Players control one of four Vault Hunters: Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Harlowe the Gravitar, Amon the Forgeknight, or Vex the Siren. They must lead a resistance against the Timekeeper and his army of synthetic followers while searching for "secret alien treasures." Returning non-playable characters include Mad Moxxi and Marcus Kincaid, along with previous playable Vault Hunters Zane Flynt, Claptrap, Lilith, and Amara.
The first story expansion, "Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned," adds a fifth playable Vault Hunter named C4$H the Rogue, plus returning NPCs Ellie, Crazy Earl, Mancubus Bloodtooth, and Davis Pickle. The second expansion, "FL4K and the Last Resort," introduces a sixth playable Vault Hunter, Loveless the Hacker, and features FL4K from Borderlands 3 as a returning NPC.
Six years after the Moonfall incident—when Elpis appeared over Kairos due to Lilith, revealing the planet's location—the new Vault Hunters arrive seeking the planet's Vault. The Timekeeper captures them and forcibly implants bolt control devices. They are rescued by Arjay of the Crimson Resistance, a rebel group.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Borderlands 4
- Developer
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher
- 2K
- Director
- Graeme Timmins
- Artist
- Adam May
- Writer
- Sam Winkler
- Composer
- Finishing Move Inc. · Cris Velasco · Joshua Carro · Christian Pacaud · Casey Diiorio · Des Rocs
- Series
- Borderlands
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5 · Windows · Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S · September 12, 2025
- Genre
- First-person shooter, action role-playing
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Set six years after the events of Borderlands 3, the story follows a new group of Vault Hunters on the ancient planet Kairos. The planet's protective barrier was destroyed when Pandora's moon Elpis was teleported away by Lilith using her Siren powers. Players assume the role of a Vault Hunter who must lead the resistance against a ruthless dictator named the Timekeeper and his army of synthetic followers, while searching for secret alien treasures. The playable Vault Hunters include Rafa the Exo-Soldier, Harlowe the Gravitar, Amon the Forgeknight, and Vex the Siren. Returning NPCs include Miss Mad Moxxi and Marcus Kincaid, as well as previous playable Vault Hunters Zane Flynt, Claptrap, Lilith, and Amara.
Reader's Guide
Borderlands 4 continues the series' signature first-person looter shooter gameplay with elements of action role-playing games. Gearbox described the game's world as 'seamless', with no loading screens as players explore new areas. New vehicles and traversal tools, such as a grappling hook, are introduced. The game can be played solo or cooperatively with up to three other players. The first story expansion, 'Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned', adds a fifth playable Vault Hunter, C4$H the Rogue, along with returning NPCs Ellie, Crazy Earl, Mancubus Bloodtooth, and Davis Pickle. The second story expansion, 'FL4K and the Last Resort', adds a sixth playable Vault Hunter, Loveless the Hacker, and features FL4K as a returning NPC. The game's significance lies in its return to a single-planet setting after the planet-hopping structure of Borderlands 3, with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford claiming it is 'the most open and free' game in the franchise. The humor is derived from emergent gameplay, with the playable Vault Hunters providing comedic interactions.
Did You Know?
- The game is set on the planet Kairos, six years after the events of Borderlands 3.
- The Timekeeper is revealed to be a Vault Guardian.
- A Nintendo Switch 2 release was announced but has been put on an indefinite pause with no future plans.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Borderlands 4 and when did it come out?
Borderlands 4 is the fifth mainline game in the Borderlands franchise, blending first-person looter-shooter combat with action RPG systems. Gearbox Software developed it and 2K published it for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S on September 12, 2025.
Who are the Vault Hunters in Borderlands 4?
The game introduces an entirely new generation of Vault Hunters rather than bringing back characters from earlier titles. These new protagonists arrive on the ancient planet Kairos and throw their lot in with a local resistance movement.
Who is the main villain in Borderlands 4?
The central antagonist is the Timekeeper, a powerful figure the new Vault Hunters must rebel against throughout the campaign. The story's conflict is framed as a direct uprising against this entity on Kairos.
Where and when does the Borderlands 4 story take place?
The narrative is set on Kairos, an ancient planet, approximately six years after the events of Borderlands 3. This time gap allows the story to introduce a fresh cast while still sitting within the established series timeline.
Is Borderlands 4 coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
A Nintendo Switch 2 edition was originally announced alongside the game's launch window, but that version has since been indefinitely paused. As of now there are no confirmed plans or a revised release date for a Switch 2 port.
More in Video Games of the 2020s, Part 1 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced