Gearbox’s 2026 plan for Borderlands 4 combines paid story and Bounty content with free quality-of-life features and free endgame additions. Some of those items have official release notes behind them. Others were only scheduled in Gearbox’s April 30, 2026 notes, and a few are named without any date. The sections below separate the announced plan from what Gearbox’s later notes say shipped.
What Gearbox said the 2026 roadmap includes
Gearbox’s major update notes dated January 29, 2026 describe the roadmap as a mix of three kinds of content. The official wording reads:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510vIObt2KL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game] | $33.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
PRAGMATA - PlayStation 5 | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Thaumaturge PS5 | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Borderlands 4 - PlayStation 5 | $27.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
“including paid content like Bounty Pack 2 and Story Pack 1, free feature additions like a level cap increase and cross-platform saves, and free endgame content including a second raid boss and a Takedown.”
The same January update also added Photo Mode, reworked Harlowe’s Zero-Point Action Skill, and changed Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (UVH) so that its levels increase dedicated loot drop levels. Those changes shipped in that update. They are listed here as update details, not as part of the roadmap itself.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
Paid content
- Bounty Pack 2: named in the January roadmap summary. Gearbox’s later notes covered here do not give a release date for it.
- Story Pack 1: released as Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned on March 26, 2026.
Free features
- Level cap increase: the March 26, 2026 notes say the maximum character level was raised to 60.
- Cross-platform saves: named in the January roadmap summary. The later notes covered here do not say when it arrived.
Free endgame content
- Second raid boss: named in Gearbox’s April 30, 2026 notes as Raid Boss 2, “Subjugator and Thol the Invincible,” planned for the May 28 update.
- Takedown: named in the January roadmap summary. The notes covered here do not give a date or details.
Status of each roadmap item
The table separates what Gearbox’s notes state as released, what they state as planned, and what they do not address. Dates come from the official notes named in each row.
| Item | Category | Status in Gearbox’s notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bounty Pack 2 | Paid | Named in the January 29, 2026 roadmap summary; no release date stated in the notes covered here |
| Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned | Paid | Released March 26, 2026 (March 26 update notes) |
| Level cap increase | Free feature | Maximum character level raised to 60 (March 26, 2026 update notes) |
| Cross-platform saves | Free feature | Named in the January 29, 2026 roadmap summary; release not stated in the notes covered here |
| Raid Boss 2: Subjugator and Thol the Invincible | Free endgame | Slated for the May 28, 2026 update (April 30, 2026 notes); completion not confirmed in the notes covered here |
| Takedown | Free endgame | Named in the January 29, 2026 roadmap summary; no date or details stated |
| Photo Mode | Update feature | Added in the January 29, 2026 update |
| Harlowe’s Zero-Point Action Skill rework | Update feature | Reworked in the January 29, 2026 update |
| UVH levels increase dedicated loot drop levels | Update feature | Changed in the January 29, 2026 update |
| Vault Hunter C4SH | Update feature | Added in the March 26, 2026 update |
| UVH level 7 and balance changes | Update content | Slated for the May 28, 2026 update (April 30, 2026 notes); completion not confirmed in the notes covered here |
Timeline of official updates
- January 29, 2026: Gearbox publishes its major update notes, naming the paid and free roadmap categories and linking a roadmap article.
- March 26, 2026: Story Pack 1 goes live as Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. The update adds Vault Hunter C4SH and raises the maximum character level to 60. The notes describe Mad Ellie as the first of two post-launch Story Packs.
- April 30, 2026: Version 1.6 notes repeat the two-Story-Pack framing and announce a large update for May 28 with Raid Boss 2, new rewards, UVH level 7, and balance changes, available to all players.
The April 30 notes describe a plan. They do not confirm that the May 28 update shipped. Gearbox’s notes covered here stop at April 30, 2026, so any later release is outside this article.
Rank #2
- Out-of-This-World Adventure – Stranded on a lunar space station, Hugh encounters Diana, a mysterious android resembling a young girl. While searching for a way back to Earth, they fight to survive against Bots directed to “neutralize” intruders.
- Hack & Shoot – Use each character’s distinct abilities to take down enemies. In combat, Diana can hack foes to expose weaknesses so Hugh can blast them with weapons. This unique fusion of gameplay offers an action-packed experience like no other.
- Space Exploration – Teamwork also extends to traversing the station. Utilize the thrusters in Hugh’s futuristic suit to dash and hover around while Diana hacks security systems to solve puzzles. Only together can they overcome all obstacles.
- Collect and Customize – Gather materials while exploring the station to unlock upgrades, build out a diverse arsenal of weapons, obtain new outfits, and more. Once you’re ready, use the new gear in battle and take on even greater challenges!
Naming to check before you buy
The March 26 notes also describe Mad Ellie as the second of five post-launch Bounty Packs, while the same notes call it Story Pack 1. Pack names in Gearbox’s official notes and storefront listings may differ, so confirm the exact product name on the platform store before purchasing. Use the release date and content, not just the label.
What you need to buy
Gearbox’s edition guide describes the Standard Edition as the base game. It is sold physically for consoles and digitally on all platforms. Owning the base game does not include the paid add-ons. Gearbox’s guide also warns that exact DLC release timing may change, so treat any date in a roadmap as provisional.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Shape your story – as a full-fledged RPG, it allows you to alternate your choices and make you deal with the aftermath
- Develop your character – creating your own version of the Thaumaturge will allow you to approach situations in different ways
- Experience unique turn-based combat and defeat your foes using human attacks and skills as well as psychic strikes delivered by Salutors
- Influence and manipulate the temperaments of other characters to bend their will to your liking
- Tame the power of Salutors – use the unique set of their skills to gain an advantage while exploring the world
- Base game: Standard Edition, physical on consoles, digital on all platforms.
- Paid add-ons: Story Pack 1 and Bounty Pack 2 are separate paid content, not part of the base game.
- Free updates: the level cap, Raid Boss 2, and other free items are delivered through official updates, not sold separately.
Limits of this roadmap summary
The full quarter-by-quarter schedule Gearbox linked from its January 29 update was not accessible when this article was written, so no dates beyond those listed above are given. Only the items named in Gearbox’s official notes appear here, and the status of each is limited to what those notes say.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the 2026 roadmap matters for buyers
The roadmap splits Borderlands 4’s post-launch support into paid story and Bounty content and free features and endgame updates. Players who care about the level cap, raid content, and loot levels can expect those through official updates. Players who want the story content or additional Bounty packs need to buy them separately.
Rank #4
- BE A BADASS: Become an unstoppable force of battle, blasting through enemies with an all-new arsenal of outrageous weaponry. Move across the Borderlands like never before—double jumping, gliding, dodging, grappling, and more—dealing death from every direction. Explode each encounter with devastating Action Skills that unleash your Vault Hunter's unique abilities. Craft your perfect build with branching skill trees and a deep, rewarding loot chase full of wild weapons and powerful gear.
- FIGHT SOLO OR CO-OP: Wreaking havoc across Kairos is awesome alone and even better with friends in 2-player splitscreen or up to 4-player online co-op.* Borderlands 4 is designed for co-op from the ground up; whether you're hunting for loot, tackling missions, or wandering freely, level scaling and individual difficulty keeps the party together and having fun.
- LESS BORDERS, MORE LANDS: Freely explore a vast and dangerous world rife with warring factions. Hop on your hover bike and ride through lush fields, towering peaks, and deadly deserts full of fearsome enemies, dynamic events, and engaging quests with unforgettable characters. Unite the people of Kairos and ignite a revolution, tackling this adventure however you see fit in a seamless Borderlands experience.
Gearbox’s own wording, from its January 29, 2026 update notes, is the most reliable description of the roadmap’s categories. Its later notes are the most reliable record of what shipped.
Check Gearbox’s official update notes for anything dated after April 30, 2026. The May 28 update, Bounty Pack 2, cross-platform saves, and the Takedown are the items with the most open questions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Marvel’s Wolverine is a new action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games
- Play as Wolverine and Ravage enemies with explosive brutality and unleash razor-sharp adamantium claws to deploy fast, fluid attacks and overcome impossible odds
- An Original, Emotionally Charged Story. Beneath Wolverine’s gruff exterior and violent temperament is a man fighting for a cause greater than himself
- A Global, Adrenaline-Fueled Journey where you slice into enemies across detailed locales such as the frosted Canadian Wilderness, the narrow streets of Tokyo, and the high and low districts of the island nation of Madripoor
The Bottom Line
Treat the 2026 roadmap as a category-level plan. Confirmed releases so far are Story Pack 1 (March 26, 2026) and the level cap increase to 60. The May 28 update, Bounty Pack 2, cross-platform saves, and the Takedown need a current official status check before you rely on them.
Quick Recap
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.
