Borderlands 4: Rumors, Release Date, & What We Know So Far
Last Updated: October 21, 2025

The hunt for the next great vault is on, but it's not happening on Pandora—it's happening across the internet. Fan anticipation for a new mainline Borderlands game has reached a fever pitch, fueling a whirlwind of rumors, leaks, and even elaborate, fictional reports detailing a non-existent "opening weekend." One such piece famously celebrated bizarre player stats, like more loot being found in outhouses than in trash cans. While these hilarious made-up metrics perfectly capture the chaotic spirit of the series, they are, for now, just a testament to the community's passion.
As an authoritative resource, our mission is to cut through the noise. Here is the complete, up-to-date briefing on the real state of Borderlands 4.
Has Borderlands 4 Been Announced?
Let's get the biggest question out of the way first: No, as of today, Gearbox Software has not officially announced "Borderlands 4."
While the game is widely considered an inevitability, there has been no formal reveal, trailer, or release date. The project's existence has been strongly hinted at by key figures. In 2021, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford mentioned the studio was working on "the big one," and parent company Take-Two Interactive has referred to a "new installment in one of 2K's biggest franchises" in financial calls.
Furthermore, several Gearbox developer LinkedIn profiles have referenced work on an unannounced "Borderlands" title using Unreal Engine 5, all but confirming that the next chapter is deep in development. However, until Gearbox makes an official announcement, everything remains speculation.
When Could We Expect a Borderlands 4 Release Date?
Without an official announcement, a release date is purely speculative. However, we can analyze the development cycle. Borderlands 3 was released in September 2019. The spin-off title, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, followed in March 2022.
Given the scale of AAA game development and Gearbox's work on the Borderlands movie and other projects, a release window in late 2025 or 2026 seems plausible, but this is an educated guess. Fans should be wary of any specific dates until they come directly from Gearbox or 2K.
What Can We Expect from the Next Borderlands?
While the outhouse-looting stats may be fictional, they tap into the core DNA of what makes Borderlands so beloved. The next installment is certain to build upon the pillars of the franchise:
- Billions of Guns: The procedural gun generation system is the series' heart. Expect even more absurd combinations, crazier manufacturers, and bizarre firing patterns.
- Irreverent Humor and Style: The signature cel-shaded art style and over-the-top, satirical humor are guaranteed to return. The series thrives on its chaotic, punk-rock attitude.
- New Vault Hunters: A fresh roster of playable Vault Hunters is a staple of every new mainline game. We can anticipate four new characters with unique action skills, deep skill trees, and endless build possibilities to discover.
- An Interplanetary Story: Borderlands 3 expanded the universe beyond Pandora, taking players to diverse planets like Promethea and Eden-6. It's highly likely Borderlands 4 will continue this trend, exploring new worlds in the wake of the search for Lilith.
The Road Ahead: The Movie and Beyond
The release of the live-action Borderlands movie has injected a massive dose of mainstream attention into the franchise. Starring a high-profile cast, the film's success or failure could influence the marketing and timing of the next game's announcement.
For now, the Borderlands universe is very much alive. Borderlands 3 continues to have an active player base, and the entire collection is readily available on modern platforms. The fan community is buzzing, creating its own hype and proving that the appetite for more loot-and-shoot mayhem is stronger than ever. The day we get official stats on how many players die to exploding barrels or find a legendary pistol in a porta-potty is coming—it's just not here today.