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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Launch-window reviews of Borderlands 4 agree most on its strongest point: the shooting-and-looting loop remains compelling, and its more open world gives the series room to breathe. Reviewers were less united on the story, humor, mission pacing, and usefulness of traversal—and several reported serious PC performance or interface issues in September 2025. Those technical judgments describe review-period builds, not the game’s verified state after later patches.
What is Borderlands 4, and when did it launch?
2K and Gearbox released Borderlands 4 worldwide on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. The publisher announced a Nintendo Switch 2 release for October 3, 2025. Set on Kairos, the game follows four new Vault Hunters on a planet controlled by the Timekeeper. Its official feature list includes deep skill trees, a large loot chase, new traversal mechanics, seamless movement between zones, exploration events, side missions, and a summonable Digirunner vehicle. 2K’s Borderlands 4 overview describes the game and its features; the launch timing and platform details appeared in 2K’s launch announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510vIObt2KL._SL160_.jpg)
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Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game] | $33.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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PRAGMATA - PlayStation 5 | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Thaumaturge PS5 | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Borderlands 4 - PlayStation 5 | $27.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Marvel's Wolverine PS5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What did reviewers agree on?
The gunplay and loot loop are the main draw
The clearest shared praise is for the familiar cycle of fighting, collecting weapons, refining a build, and heading into the next encounter. PC Gamer’s September 18, 2025 review scored the game 82/100 and praised both that loop and the open-world structure, while noting substantial design complaints. Tom’s Guide also singled out the shooting and looting, along with added loot slots and movement options. PC Gamer’s review and Tom’s Guide’s review offer fuller accounts.
The open-world structure is a notable change
Several reviewers found that the larger, more connected world suits the series. It changes the rhythm from moving through a sequence of separate areas to exploring a broader space, with activities and side missions alongside the campaign. For some reviewers this supported a fresher sense of discovery; others found that the activity structure could feel like a list of tasks. The format itself is a meaningful shift, but whether it improves the experience depends on how much a player enjoys open-world errands between fights.
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Where did reviews disagree?
Story, characters, and humor
Reviewers did not converge on the narrative or tone. The September 2025 review coverage included complaints that the story was weak or forgettable, including criticism of the antagonist, while the round-up also records different emphases across outlets. If characters, jokes, and plot are central to your enjoyment, treat those as a separate consideration rather than assuming strong combat means the story will land for you.
Mission pacing and repetition
Long encounters, chained objectives, and recurring enemy types were recurring cautions. Game Informer praised mobility skills but flagged some prolonged fights, chained objectives, and boss health. GameSpot’s 7/10 review says repetition wore on both combat and enemy variety. These are concerns about how the campaign can feel over time, not just whether individual firefights are enjoyable. GameSpot’s review gives its specific assessment.
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!
Traversal and the outdoor world
New movement options were a positive for some critics, especially where they enabled more mobile combat. VGC, however, liked the gunplay more than some traversal mechanics and outdoor locations. The practical question is not simply whether movement has expanded, but whether it makes exploration and fights more enjoyable for you.
What were the launch-window review scores?
Scores below are individual outlet verdicts, not a single consensus rating. PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up reproduced the scores for the outlets listed; PC Gamer’s own 82/100 score came from its separate September 18 review. GameSpot’s 7/10 is shown on its review page.
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Rank #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
| Outlet | Score | Context |
|---|---|---|
| GamesRadar+ | 4/5 | Reported in PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up. |
| IGN | 8/10 | Reported in PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up. |
| Game Informer | 8.5/10 | Reported in PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up. |
| VGC | 4/5 | Reported in PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up. |
| Windows Central | 4/5 | Reported in PC Gamer’s September 11, 2025 round-up. |
| GameSpot | 7/10 | Listed on GameSpot’s review page. |
| PC Gamer | 82/100 | PC Gamer’s review published September 18, 2025. |
PC Gamer’s review round-up includes the first five outlet scores and its launch-window synthesis. These ratings should not be averaged into a supposed universal verdict: the outlets use different scales and reviewers weigh story, pacing, performance, and combat differently.
How did Borderlands 4 perform on PC?
PC performance was one of the sharpest launch-period reservations. IGN reported PC bugs and technical issues, while Windows Central and PC Gamer described serious performance problems during their September 2025 review periods. The sources establish those reviewers’ experiences at that time; they do not establish a specific hardware upgrade as a fix or verify how the game runs on current patches. Nor should PC reports be assumed to describe performance on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or Switch 2. Before buying for PC, check current platform-specific reporting and recent player feedback for the build you would actually play.
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.
Interface friction also featured among the reservations, but the cited reviews do not support treating every platform or later version as having the same issue. The publisher says a PC copy bought through Steam or Epic can also be played through NVIDIA GeForce NOW; that availability does not establish support on other cloud services. 2K’s launch announcement contains the publisher’s platform information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Borderlands 4 worth buying?
For players who mainly want responsive shooting, a steady stream of loot, build experimentation, and a broader world to explore, launch-window critics provide a strong case for considering it. The case is less straightforward if story and humor are your priority, if long fights and repeated objectives wear you down, or if you need dependable PC performance. Those trade-offs matter more than any one review score.
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- 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
Release information is not the same as a current purchase recommendation. 2K listed US launch prices of $69.99 for Standard, $99.99 for Deluxe, and $129.99 for Super Deluxe on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC; these are historical launch prices, not verified current offers. At launch, the publisher described Deluxe as including a Bounty Pack Bundle and Super Deluxe as also including the Vault Hunter Pack. Confirm the live price, edition contents, and platform listing before purchasing. 2K’s launch announcement is the source for those launch details.
Gearbox founder and president Randy Pitchford called the game “the biggest and best game we have ever created” in the publisher’s September 12, 2025 launch announcement. That is the publisher’s own characterization, not an independent review judgment.
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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.
