A seamless journey through the high-tech, lo-fi world of Kairos

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released in September 2025, Borderlands 4 moves away from the compartmentalized planet-hopping of its predecessor. Set six years after the Moonfall incident, this action role-playing looter shooter introduces a seamless world on the planet Kairos, where players lead a resistance against the despotic Timekeeper to uncover ancient alien treasures.

Set six years after the events of Borderlands 3, the narrative unfolds on the ancient planet Kairos. This setting, described by art director Adam May as "high-tech but lo-fi," was designed to be a seamless playable space. Unlike the compartmentalized structure of previous entries, Gearbox Software aimed for a world without loading screens, allowing for uninterrupted exploration of new areas via tools like a grappling hook. Players can also engage in cooperative play with up to three other companions. New traversal mechanics, such as a grappling hook, enhance the movement through this environment.

Joining the Crimson Resistance, a fresh group of Vault Hunters emerges, comprising Vex the Siren, Amon the Forgeknight, Harlowe the Gravitar, and Rafa the Exo-Soldier. Led by the survivor Claptrap, the group must navigate the political and physical dangers of Kairos, battling the Timekeeper and his Order forces to secure command bolts from lieutenants like Idolator Sol and Callis the Ripper Queen. To access the Vault, the team must obtain command bolts from three top lieutenants. This includes defeating figures like Vile Lictor and Idolator Sol.

The game's development saw several shifts. Originally scheduled for a September 23, 2025 release, Gearbox moved the date forward to September 12, 2025. While the Windows and PlayStation 5 versions received generally favorable reviews, the Xbox Series X/S version earned universal acclaim on Metacritic. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 version, originally slated for October 3, 2025, has been indefinitely paused. Post-launch content includes various bounty packs and story expansions. These updates offer new missions, boss encounters, and additional playable characters.

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