Gearbox has recently released a major update for Borderlands 4. We now have information on cost, availability, and the critical minimum and recommended PC specifications. If you've been following online gaming debates, you've probably observed that not everyone is delighted with this news. Many long-time fans of the game appear to be concerned about a variety of issues, most notably the suggested PC gear required to play.
Reddit, as usual, has become a hotbed for these conversations. One particularly lively debate asks whether we really need such high-end hardware. Players are questioning why an octa-core CPU is required, as well as at least an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT graphics card, to fully play the game. It also specifies that we require 32GB of RAM, which is a lot. And get this: when the game launches, it will take up the entire 100GB of SSD capacity. I have to agree, the figures seem a little high for a game known for its cartoonish appearance. Many of us who recall the previous games find it surprising.
There is also an intriguing tidbit about the suggested RTX 3080 card. This card was originally released with 10GB of VRAM. Later, it was upgraded to 12GB. However, the tiny print under the recommended specs states "12GB+" is required. This makes me worry if VRAM is a serious issue for some graphics cards, including recent ones. Borderlands 4 appears to be more challenging than its stylish visuals suggest, which defies our expectations.
Unpacking The Surprisingly High System Requirements For The Borderlands 4 LaunchWhy the game's unique art style does not imply that it will be easy on your computer
Borderlands' distinct visual style set it apart from the competition right away. It adopts a "cel-shading" appearance. This means it has rich edges and textures that appear to be hand-drawn. People frequently believe that this simplified style would make the game less demanding on their PC. However, it turns out that adding plenty of fancy graphics upgrades and particle effects made things harder. The original three Borderlands games employed Nvidia PhysX to improve the appearance of cloth movement, explosions, and particle effects.
When Borderlands 3 was released, the creators shifted away from employing a specialized GPU PhysX. They handled the visual effects in a way that was more compatible with a wide range of graphics cards. Borderlands 4 is now only a few months away. It runs on the most recent version of Unreal Engine 5. This engine is known for being quite demanding on PCs. So, while the game appears to be a cartoon, it actually uses some serious technology behind the scenes. This is definitely a major factor for the higher specifications. It's not just a simple doodle; there's a lot of intricate rendering going on.
If you're a long-time PC gamer, you won't be surprised to learn that Borderlands 4 will have performance-affecting digital rights management, or DRM. The game's product website states that it will include Denuvo and Symbiote. These mechanisms are designed to prevent anyone from illegally copying the game. However, they occasionally use computer resources. This may cause the game to operate slowly. So, even if your computer satisfies the requirements, these extra safeguards may affect how smoothly the game works. It is something that many PC gamers are constantly on the search for.
We analyze at all of the Borderlands 4 editions, from ordinary to deluxe to super deluxe, and what bonuses each one provides gamers wishing to immerse themselves in Kairos.
Breaking Down Borderlands 4 Editions' Pricing Structure and Content Locks
Why Are Some Fans Calling Out Gearbox For Hiding Important Gameplay Behind Higher Price Tags?
The basic edition of Borderlands 4 costs $69.99. This pricing hasn't sparked much outrage on social media. It is similar to what we witnessed with Borderlands 3 when it first came out. However, the Deluxe Edition for $99.99 and the Super Deluxe Edition for $129.99 have received a lot of criticism. People claim that these versions are "paywalling" day-one material. This implies you'll have to pay more for content that feels like it belongs in the main game.
It is evident that the more expensive editions include more than just cosmetic items. The Deluxe Edition includes "four unique areas, missions, and bosses." It also provides new equipment, weaponry, and four new vehicles. There is already a substantial amount of stuff. But things get worse. Gamers are especially irritated that the Super Deluxe Edition only features "2 new playable Vault Hunters". In this series, you will play as Vault Hunters. Each has its own distinct personality, special talents, and skill trees. These characters make the game more enjoyable and make you want to play it again and again. Hiding them behind the most costly price tier feels like a slap in the face for fans.
Many gamers are disappointed with this approach to price and content delivery. It is one thing to offer extra skins or small goods for a higher price. It's quite another to make essential gameplay components, like as new characters, exclusive to those who pay the most. This option may influence how many people choose to buy the most expensive editions of the game. It may also make some players wait for sales. Nobody like feeling as if they are missing out on vital aspects of a game because they did not pay enough.
Borderlands 4's Super Deluxe Edition has arrived after much speculation regarding its price. We're looking into what it delivers to players and whether it's worth the extra fee.
Hopes for Optimization and the Release Schedule for Borderlands 4
When The Game Hits Stores And What Players Can Expect From Gearbox Prior to Launch
We're all hopeful that Gearbox, the developer behind Borderlands 4, can do some optimization between now and September 12. It would be fantastic if they could improve the game's performance on computers with less powerful hardware. We will simply have to wait and see if that occurs. Waiting is frequently the best option for individuals who are particularly concerned with price. After a while, games tend to become less expensive and more reliable. For some players, waiting could be really beneficial.
Borderlands 4 will be released simultaneously on Steam and the Epic Games Store for PC players. It will also be released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. If you own a Nintendo Switch 2, you will have to wait a little longer for the game to be released on that device. There is no set date for the Switch 2 version yet. This staggered release is usual for large titles, but it might be inconvenient for people who want to play on Nintendo's platform immediately.
Gearbox has also announced some positive news about playing with buddies. Borderlands 4, like previous games, will feature drop-in, drop-out cooperative gaming. This means you can simply enter or exit a game with your pals whenever you choose. The game will also enable cross-play. This allows you to form teams with gamers from various platforms. To use cross-play, you must first open a SHiFT account. This account connects players from several systems. It's always good to see creators making it easy for pals to play together, regardless of the system they're using.
Borderlands 4 arrives earlier than expected on September 12, 2025. Gearbox and 2K Games may be making a strategic play to avoid GTA 6 and Bungie's Marathon.
Overall Thoughts About Borderlands 4's Upcoming Release And Player Reactions
Consider the game's challenges and why fans remain passionate about the series.
Borderlands 4 is clearly generating a lot of buzz, both positive and negative. Many people are surprised by the game's high system requirements, especially considering its well-known art style. The introduction of Unreal Engine 5 definitely increases the workload. And the decision to reserve playable characters for the most expensive editions is difficult for some fans to digest. It seems like a hazardous approach that could irritate some of the most devoted players. However, the promise of additional Borderlands action, including new regions, quests, and the original co-op experience, remains appealing to many.
Despite the complaints, there is a lot of excitement about this game. Borderlands has a rich history of entertaining, chaotic gaming. Many players simply want more. The reintroduction of that distinct graphic style, along with the promise of a large, seamless map, will undoubtedly entice many enthusiasts. We can only hope that Gearbox responds to player comments on pricing and optimization. A smoother experience for more players will undoubtedly help Borderlands 4 realize its full potential. It will be interesting to see how the community reacts once the game is released and everyone can join in.