Borderlands 4: The Review
The wait is finally over. After years of anticipation, Borderlands 4 has landed — louder, bigger, and bolder than ever. Fans of the franchise have been itching to dive back into Pandora’s wild wastelands, and Gearbox Software has once again delivered a game that blends chaotic humour, explosive gunplay, and unforgettable characters. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Borderlands 4.
A New Chapter in the Borderlands Saga
Borderlands has always been about controlled chaos. From its comic-book art style to its wild mix of humour and mayhem, the series built a cult following. Borderlands 4 takes that foundation and ramps it up.
The story continues directly from the events of Borderlands 3, pulling players into an intergalactic struggle with stakes higher than ever before. Without spoiling too much, you’ll face a new villain who feels both fresh and terrifying. The narrative is sharp, witty, and surprisingly emotional, giving long-time fans plenty of callbacks while welcoming new players.
Borderlands 4 Gameplay: Guns, Loot, and Mayhem
No Borderlands review would be complete without talking about gameplay, and Borderlands 4 absolutely shines here.
The gunplay has been reworked with smoother mechanics, tighter aiming, and new weapon classes. Guns feel weighty, powerful, and varied, with unique abilities that make each one worth experimenting with. Explosive shotguns, elemental rifles, and chaotic rocket launchers keep combat unpredictable.
Loot is once again at the heart of the experience. You’re constantly rewarded with new gear, ensuring battles never feel stale. This loop of shoot, loot, and upgrade remains addictive, and the new legendary items bring jaw-dropping effects that feel game-changing.
Transitioning between combat and exploration feels seamless. Whether you’re facing waves of enemies or uncovering hidden vaults, the pacing keeps you hooked.
Classes and Character Builds
Borderlands 4 introduces four brand-new Vault Hunters, each with their own unique skill trees.
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The Enforcer – A powerhouse focused on close-quarters combat, with devastating melee skills.
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The Shade – A stealth-oriented assassin, blending invisibility and high-damage critical attacks.
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The Catalyst – A tech-driven class that deploys gadgets and drones to control the battlefield.
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The Oracle – A mystical figure, wielding elemental powers and crowd-control abilities.
Customisation is deeper than ever. Each Vault Hunter offers multiple branching paths, allowing players to create builds suited to their preferred playstyle. Co-op synergy is also stronger, encouraging players to combine abilities for maximum chaos.
The World of Borderlands 4
Pandora has always been a dangerous playground, but Borderlands 4 expands the universe like never before. Players travel across multiple planets, each with its own ecosystems, enemies, and culture.
From neon-lit cyberpunk cities to sprawling deserts and eerie alien jungles, the variety is breathtaking. The art style remains iconic — bold outlines, exaggerated colours, and gritty textures that make every environment feel alive.
Transitioning between planets adds scale to the narrative, giving a sense of scope that surpasses earlier entries. Exploration is rewarding, with side quests that rival the main storyline in creativity and humour.
Graphics and Performance
One of the biggest talking points has been performance. While Borderlands 4 looks stunning on next-gen consoles, PC players have faced some issues.
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at smooth frame rates, delivering crisp textures and dynamic lighting. Explosions are more spectacular than ever, and enemy designs are packed with detail.
However, PC players have reported optimisation struggles. Frame drops and occasional crashes have been widely discussed online, leading to debates about Gearbox’s handling of the launch. Patches are rolling out, but the rocky performance may frustrate players with lower-end systems.
Despite these hiccups, the overall graphical presentation is the best the series has ever offered.
Multiplayer and Co-Op
Co-op has always been the heart of Borderlands. Borderlands 4 takes that core and evolves it.
Drop-in, drop-out multiplayer remains, allowing you to jump in with friends seamlessly. Enemy scaling ensures that both newcomers and veterans can play together without imbalance.
There’s also a stronger focus on team synergy. Abilities complement each other more than ever, creating moments where coordination feels rewarding. Whether it’s chaining elemental effects or unleashing ultimate abilities in unison, teamwork pays off.
PvP modes are also included, offering chaotic fun outside the main campaign. They may not be the main attraction, but they provide extra replayability.
Writing and Humour
The humour of Borderlands has always been divisive — some love its crass, over-the-top style, while others find it grating.
Borderlands 4 walks the line more carefully. The jokes are sharp, clever, and better timed than in previous instalments. Returning characters like Claptrap bring the expected ridiculousness, but new side characters steal the spotlight with strong writing and comedic delivery.
The balance between humour and seriousness feels more refined. You’ll laugh often, but the dramatic moments hit harder too.
Sound and Music
Sound design plays a massive role in immersion. Guns roar with punchy effects, explosions shake your speakers, and enemies scream with wild energy.
The voice acting is excellent across the board. Veteran actors return with energy, while new voices deliver standout performances.
The soundtrack blends pumping electronic beats with atmospheric scores. During boss battles, the music kicks into overdrive, elevating the intensity of combat.
Endgame and Replayability
After finishing the campaign, Borderlands 4 keeps you hooked.
The endgame features revamped raid bosses, high-level dungeons, and rotating events. A new “Vault Challenge” system offers daily and weekly objectives, rewarding rare loot for consistent play.
Replayability is boosted by the variety of classes and skill trees. Starting over with a different Vault Hunter feels like a fresh experience. Co-op adds to this, making the game endlessly enjoyable with friends.
Borderlands 4 Review: The Verdict
So, is Borderlands 4 worth your time? Absolutely.
The gameplay is addictive, the story engaging, and the humour sharper than ever. While PC performance issues remain a concern, patches should smooth things out in time. For console players, the experience is near flawless.
Fans of the series will feel right at home, while newcomers can jump in without confusion. The blend of chaotic combat, unique art style, and outrageous storytelling makes Borderlands 4 one of the most exciting shooters of the year.
Ready to jump into the chaos? Grab your copy of Borderlands 4 through our affiliates on Xbox or PlayStation and start looting today!
