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Borderlands 4 Roadmap: New DLC, Vault Hunter, and Endgame Content

Last Updated: November 10, 2025

Borderlands 4 logo with Mad Ellie DLC and new Vault Hunter announcement.

Gearbox Software has officially fired the starting pistol on the post-launch content plan for Borderlands 4, revealing the first major updates during a packed panel at PAX Australia. The roadmap promises a chaotic blend of substantial paid story expansions and crucial free updates aimed at keeping the endgame fresh for dedicated Vault Hunters. The initial wave of content includes the return of a fan-favorite character in a major story DLC and the exciting confirmation of a brand-new playable Vault Hunter arriving in early 2026.

Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned

The first major paid expansion confirmed for Borderlands 4 is "Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned." This story-driven DLC will see the return of the indomitable mechanic, Ellie, in a starring role. Following the beloved formula of past expansions like "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep" and "Bounty of Blood," this pack is set to deliver a completely new narrative adventure.

Players can expect a self-contained story that expands the rich Borderlands lore, taking them to new planets and introducing a fresh cast of allies and adversaries. As with previous major story DLCs, "Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned" is expected to feature:

  • New Story and Missions: A full-fledged campaign centered around Ellie's quest for the legendary Vault of the Damned.
  • Unique Environments: Explore entirely new zones with distinct art styles, environmental challenges, and hidden secrets.
  • Exclusive Loot: A massive arsenal of new legendary weapons, class mods, shields, and artifacts to hunt, providing powerful new options for every character build.
  • New Enemies and Bosses: Face off against a host of new enemy types and formidable bosses that will require new strategies to conquer.

This first Story Pack reaffirms Gearbox's commitment to delivering high-quality, narrative-focused content that significantly expands the core game.

A New Playable Vault Hunter is Coming

One of the biggest reveals from the panel was the confirmation that a new playable Vault Hunter will be joining the roster. While specific details about their identity, skills, and backstory are being kept under wraps for now, a full reveal is scheduled for late September, with a planned release in early 2026.

The addition of a new character is a cornerstone of the Borderlands post-launch experience, offering players an entirely new way to engage with the game. This new Vault Hunter will come with a unique set of Action Skills and multiple skill trees, creating countless new build possibilities and adding immense replay value for the entire Borderlands 4 saga, including all previously released content.

Free Endgame Updates: Invincible Bosses and Higher Levels

For the players who live for the endgame grind, Gearbox also confirmed its commitment to robust, free updates. While specific dates are still to be announced, the long-term plan includes the steady introduction of new endgame challenges.

  • Invincible Bosses: The ultimate test for any Vault Hunter, new Invincible "raid" bosses will be added to the game over time. These incredibly difficult encounters are designed for fully optimized four-player squads and will drop some of the most powerful and exclusive loot in the game.
  • Level Cap Increases: The level cap will be periodically raised, allowing players to earn more skill points to further flesh out their builds or experiment with hybrid specializations. Each level cap increase breathes new life into the loot hunt, as players seek out max-level versions of their favorite gear.

The Long-Term Vision and Season Pass

The content revealed at PAX Australia is just the first taste of what's to come. The Borderlands 4 Super Deluxe Edition and the standalone Season Pass will grant players access to both announced Story Packs, as well as the upcoming new Vault Hunter. This structure ensures a steady stream of significant content for dedicated fans, reinforcing the long-term vision for the game as an evolving platform for mayhem. Gearbox's proven model of mixing paid story expansions, new characters, and free seasonal events and endgame updates is set to continue, promising that the world of Borderlands 4 will grow for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Borderlands 4 Post-Launch Content

What is the first major story DLC for Borderlands 4?
The first announced paid expansion is "Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned," featuring the return of fan-favorite character Ellie in a new adventure.

Will there be a new playable character in Borderlands 4?
Yes, Gearbox has confirmed a new playable Vault Hunter is in development. A full reveal is expected in late September, with a release targeted for early 2026. This character will be included in the Season Pass.

What kind of free content is planned?
Gearbox has confirmed ongoing free updates focused on the endgame, including new Invincible raid-style bosses and periodic level cap increases to expand character progression.

Is the new Vault Hunter included in the base game?
No, the new playable Vault Hunter will be a separate purchase or included as part of the Borderlands 4 Season Pass or Super Deluxe Edition.

How many Story Packs are confirmed?
The initial roadmap has confirmed two major Story Packs will be released. "Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned" is the first of these.