The original Borderlands was free to try on PC during a Steam promotion in July 2019—but that weekend offer has expired. The game in the promotion was Borderlands: Game of the Year Enhanced. Steam Free Weekends provide temporary access, not permanent ownership, so playing after the event ends requires buying the full game.
What the “free this weekend” offer actually was
The headline refers to a historical promotion, not a current way to download and keep Borderlands for free. HotHardware published the matching article on July 19, 2019, about a Steam free-play weekend for Borderlands: Game of the Year Enhanced. The offer is over; the available sources do not establish an active free weekend now. HotHardware’s July 19, 2019 article
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Borderlands Game of the Year Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LLwURh+zL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Borderlands Game of the Year Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Borderlands 2: Game of the Year Edition | $68.08 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Borderlands: Game Of The Year Edition /X360 | $13.91 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510vIObt2KL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (PS5) [video game] | $34.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
BORDERLANDS (Bonus X-Ray Edition) | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Which Borderlands edition was included?
The promotion featured Borderlands: Game of the Year Enhanced, rather than an unspecified or newly active giveaway of the original release. In its April 3, 2019 Steam announcement, 2K said that people who already owned the original Borderlands on Steam would receive the Enhanced edition at no additional cost. 2K’s Steam announcement
What Enhanced adds
The announcement describes visual improvements and quality-of-life changes, including a toggleable minimap styled after Borderlands 2, inventory improvements, automatic pickups for ammo, money, and health, and SHiFT Golden Keys. Those are features listed in the announcement, not a hands-on assessment.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?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 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Requires Steam Client to activate. Steam key only valid in North America.
- Co-op Design - Borderlands is built from the ground up to be an exciting, intuitive cooperative experience for up to four players simultaneously that rewards players who work together and invest in co-op skills. Split screen is also supported.
- FPS Gameplay - In this role-playing shooter, choose one of several distinct characters, each with their own individual skill sets. As your character grows throughout this fast-paced FPS, you choose and customize your abilities to suit your style of play.
- Art Style - The game's distinctive art style combines traditional rendering techniques with hand-drawn textures to paint a bold and eye-catching spin on the FPS genre.
- Vehicular Combat - Jump behind the wheel and engage in high-speed vehicle-to-vehicle combat, complete with spectacular explosions and road-killed Skags.
What happens when a Steam Free Weekend ends?
A Steam Free Weekend is temporary access. Steam’s Free Weekends documentation says the free package is removed when the event ends; to continue playing, you must purchase the full game. A weekend trial should therefore not be confused with a permanent license or a free-to-keep promotion. Steamworks: Free Weekends
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you play it for free on PC now?
The sources tied to this headline establish a July 2019 event, not a current offer. They do not confirm a new promotion, current price, or regional availability. If you want to keep playing, check the current Steam listing for Borderlands: Game of the Year Enhanced and verify the edition and price before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Co-op Design - Borderlands is built from the ground up to be an exciting, intuitive co-operative experience for up to four players simultaneously that rewards players who work together and invest in co-op skills. Split screen is also supported.
- FPS Gameplay - In this role-playing shooter, choose one of four distinct characters, each with their own individual skill sets. As your character grows throughout this fast-paced FPS, you choose and customize your abilities to suit your style of play.
- Art Style - The game's distinctive art style combines traditional rendering techniques with hand-drawn textures to paint a bold and eye-catching spin on the FPS genre.
- Vehicular Combat - Jump behind the wheel and engage in high-speed vehicle-to-vehicle combat, complete with spectacular explosions and road-killed Skags.
- Frontier Planet - Search the wasteland planet of Pandora for the legendary alien vault. Fight your way through bandits, discover nine native (and aggressive) creatures, and help the few settlers on the planet in your search for a Vault rumored to contain a great prize - if it even exists.
Rank #2
- Includes: Borderlands 2 Main Game, Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, Creature Slaughter Dome
- Premiere Club Content: Gaige, the Mechromancer Character Class, Gearbox Gun Pack, Golden Key, Vault Hunter's Relic
- Krieg, the Psycho Character Class, Collector’s Edition Heads and Skins, Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 1
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.
