Gearbox and 2K took the stage at the Gearbox Main Theater Show during PAX West to pull back the curtain on what awaits Vault Hunters after the credits roll in Borderlands 4. The next entry in the looter-shooter franchise launches September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store). Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to get into the action, but will need to wait a few weeks later on October 3, 2025.
What to Expect in Borderlands 4 Endgame
Once players make it through the story of Borderlands 4, that’s just the start of where the real fun begins, as 2K has a lot planned in terms of the endgame experience on Kairos. Once the end game starters, players will be able to grind for the best loot and run face first into some really intense challenges.
The biggest highlight is the return of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode. It has been reworked to avoid the repetitive campaign replays that slowed things down in past games. Instead, progression now comes through curated mission challenges across five increasingly difficult ranks. Each rank hands out exclusive Firmware, which functions as powerful set bonuses for gear. Firmware can even be transferred to another item once, though doing so destroys the original.
Weekly activities will keep players busy, including rotating Wildcard missions with guaranteed Legendary rewards, Moxxi’s Big Encore boss encounters with boosted drop rates, and Maurice’s Black Market Machine, which sends treasure hunters across Kairos in search of hidden loot. All of these activities support matchmaking so players can either party up with friends or find new allies.
Post-Launch Roadmap
Gearbox confirmed that Borderlands 4 will feature a mix of free updates, seasonal events, and premium content drops.
The headliner is the first Story Pack, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. Fan-favorite Ellie makes her dramatic return in a new region drenched in cosmic horror, blood, and plenty of mystery. The Story Pack adds a new playable Vault Hunter, fresh main and side missions, new Legendary gear, plus cosmetic extras like skins for Vault Hunters, vehicles, and ECHO-4 drones.
Players will also see the arrival of Bounty Packs. These narrative-driven missions expand on the lore of Kairos and introduce new characters. The first Bounty Pack focuses on Rush, the leader of the Outbounders, and includes a new boss, new Legendary gear, a Vault Card with unlockable cosmetics, and a brand-new vehicle.
On top of all this, free seasonal mini-events kick off in October with Horrors of Kairos, bringing new Legendary weapons, cosmetics, and even weather variants. Invincible Bosses are also making a comeback, complete with unique arenas that showcase the new traversal mechanics. Beating them will unlock powerful new loot and push Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode even further.
Borderlands 4 launches September 12, 2025, on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving October 3, 2025.
Source: 2K at PAX West 2025
