The wait for Borderlands 4 is almost over, and Gearbox has finally given us everything we need to prepare for launch day. Not only do we know when the game is dropping, but we also have the exact unlock times, preload info, and even a peek at what’s coming after release. If you’re ready to round up your crew for another loot-filled adventure, here’s what you need to know.
Oh, and if you haven’t already, check out the new launch trailer below:
When Does Borderlands 4 Drop?
The big day is September 12, 2025, when Borderlands 4 lands on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Nintendo Switch 2 players will need to wait until October 3, 2025, which isn’t that much longer from the initial release date for the other platforms.
Interestingly, the game was originally set for September 23, but Gearbox decided to bump it up by over a week. According to them, it’s not about dodging GTA 6 or any other heavy hitter. It’s that Gearbox simply feels that the game is ready. That’s a good sign. Still, you have to wonder how many players will be able to juggle Borderlands 4 alongside other major releases this month, including Hollow Knight: Silksong.
For the early birds (or night owls), here’s when you can dive in across the U.S.:
- Pacific Time (PT): September 11, 2025 at 9:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): September 11, 2025 at 11:00 PM
- Eastern Time (ET): September 12, 2025 at 12:00 AM
And a few other regions:
- British Summer Time (BST): September 12, 2025 at 12:00 AM
- Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): September 12, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Gearbox has confirmed this is a rolling midnight launch, no matter where you are, you’ll be able to jump in right as the clock strikes 12.
So, with that out the way, there’s only a few things left that you’ll need to do
- Call your boss and tell them you won’t be at work (optional).
- Preload: Available across PS5, Xbox, and PC so you can skip the day-one download chaos.
- Make space: Borderlands games are known for hefty installs, so free up storage now.
- Switch 2 players: You’ll be waiting until October 3, but the same preload advice applies.
Gearbox’s Post-Launch Roadmap
Gearbox has already confirmed that Borderlands 4 won’t just drop and disappear. We’ve broken down the first year of content:
- Fall 2025: Weekly events, seasonal challenges, and the return of Invincible Bosses — farmable this time.
- Halloween 2025: A spooky seasonal event called Horrors of Kairos.
- Early 2026: The return of Pearlescent-tier loot and expansions like Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Demand.
In short, you’re not just signing up for one campaign. Gearbox is planning months of content — new gear, bosses, and events to keep the grind alive well into next year. The endgame only truly begins once the story is wrapped up.
Time to Get the Team Together
At its core, Borderlands is all about co-op chaos. Well, that and all those sweet ass weapons that you’ll find all over the place. Whether you’re playing couch co-op or linking up online, the real fun comes from tearing through waves of enemies and arguing over loot with friends. With shared progression and a steady pipeline of updates, Borderlands 4 looks like the kind of game you’ll be coming back to week after week.
Honestly, I’m excited. I loved the first two games, felt Borderlands 2 was the franchise’s peak, and wasn’t as thrilled with Borderlands 3 (and we won’t even mention Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands). But the build-up for Borderlands 4 feels like a return to what made the series special in the first place — and I can’t wait.
Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be one of the biggest launches of the year. Let’s just hope it sticks the landing and keeps the momentum going for years to come.
