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Randy Pitchford introduced the first look at Borderlands 4 during The Game Awards on December 12, 2024. The reveal trailer introduced Kairos, a new planet ruled by the dictator known as the Timekeeper, and framed the game as a fight for freedom. The game has since launched: 2K said it became available worldwide for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 12, 2025.
What did Randy Pitchford show in the first look?
The trailer was an announcement-era introduction to the setting and premise, rather than a detailed gameplay demonstration. In its December 12, 2024 reveal announcement, 2K described Kairos as a dangerous new planet and the Timekeeper as a dictator whose grip is threatened by a world-altering catastrophe. The story was pitched as a struggle for freedom against the Timekeeper’s Order.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition - PlayStation 5 | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford summed up the tone as: “Borderlands 4 is about freedom and being badass.” His announcement statement also promised an outrageous arsenal and story, in keeping with the series’ irreverent, over-the-top style. Those are the publisher and studio’s descriptions of the game, not independent assessments of the finished experience.
What did the reveal say about the game?
2K’s first-look announcement previewed new Vault Hunters, extensive skill trees and loot, travel between zones, new traversal options, and a summonable vehicle. It also said players could play solo or in co-op with up to four players. The trailer established the broad promise of an open-ended action looter-shooter on Kairos; it did not explain the later-revealed mechanics in detail.
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- YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE: Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options.
- LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT: With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
- A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE: Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more!
- QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION: Play with a friend in online co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone—no one misses out on loot.
- Includes: Borderlands 3 base game, Moxxi's Heist of the Handsome Jackpot, Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock, Bounty of Blood, Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck, Designer's Cut, Director's Cut, and 30+ cosmetic items.
What was revealed after the first look?
A fuller picture emerged in the April 30, 2025 gameplay deep dive. It introduced Vex the Siren and Rafa the Exo-Soldier, two of the game’s four Vault Hunters, and described Kairos as having four regions.
The later preview also outlined an arsenal built from eight weapon manufacturers, with licensed weapon parts and an enhancements slot. Grenades and heavy weapons share an ordnance slot, while Rep Kits provide healing or temporary buffs. For multiplayer, 2K described online parties, instanced loot, dynamic level scaling and individual difficulty settings. These are details from the subsequent preview, not material established by the December first look.
When did Borderlands 4 come out?
The date changed during the lead-up to launch. On February 12, 2025, 2K announced a September 23 release date and highlighted movement abilities including gliding, dodging, double jumping and grappling. On April 30, the publisher moved the date forward to September 12. Its September 12, 2025 launch announcement confirmed worldwide availability that day on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The same launch notice said the Nintendo Switch 2 version would be available October 3, 2025. These dates describe the announced release schedule and launch status; check the relevant platform store for present availability.
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How does co-op work, and what does online play require?
The launch announcement describes solo play and co-op for up to four players. Online multiplayer requires an internet connection and a SHiFT Account. On consoles, online play also requires a separate paid platform subscription. The account and subscription conditions apply to online play, not to the announcement’s solo-play option.
Which editions were offered at launch?
At launch, Take-Two/2K listed Standard, Deluxe and Super Deluxe editions. The prices below are the publisher’s launch prices for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in September 2025, not a claim about current prices.
| Edition | Launch price | Announced contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $69.99 | Base game |
| Deluxe | $99.99 | Base game, four Bounty Pack DLC packs, and cosmetic and gear items |
| Super Deluxe | $129.99 | Deluxe contents plus the Vault Hunter Pack, including two story packs and two regions |
Those package descriptions are from the September 2025 launch announcement. Edition contents, availability and prices can change, so confirm the current listing on the store for your platform before choosing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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