Borderlands 4 has officially launched, and the excitement surrounding this new installment is palpable. Having first discovered Gearbox’s looter-shooter series in my university dorm room back in 2009, my fondness for it has only deepened over the years. The latest release carries significant expectations, especially after the mixed reception of its predecessor, Borderlands 3, which, while enjoyable at its core, suffered from pacing issues and humor that didn’t resonate as strongly as in earlier titles. The question now is whether Borderlands 4 can reignite that spark and reclaim its place in gamers’ hearts.
Early Impressions
Initial reviews are promising. Although we did not receive review codes prior to launch—an experience shared by many—early feedback appears largely favorable. Currently, Metacritic shows an average critic score of 84, while Opencritic boasts an 85. Jamie’s recent preview highlighted the engaging combat, suggesting that we might be looking at one of the standout first-person shooters of the year. Yet, concerns linger. Will the game’s shift towards a more serious tone dilute its signature identity? Additionally, there are whispers of performance issues, with reports of frame rate drops and hitches from early players.
Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford expressed his excitement about the launch, stating he’s “freaking out” but also noted a positive atmosphere in the ‘war room.’ He shared on X, “There’s a lot of energy in the room, but so much focus. I’m blown away by the telemetry we’re seeing. Very exciting!”
Character Lineup and Gameplay
The introduction of four playable characters—Vex, Rafa, Harlowe, and Amon—has captured my interest. This lineup may well be the most compelling group of Vault Hunters to date, making the decision of whom to start with a delightful challenge. Furthermore, the game’s roadmap promises additional classes and the much-anticipated return of Pearlescent weapon rarity from Borderlands 2. Based on previews, combat mechanics seem poised to deliver an exhilarating experience.
Concerns About Tone and Performance
However, the tone and pacing of the narrative raise some eyebrows. Several reviews suggest that Borderlands 4 may be overcorrecting from the extremes of its predecessor. The franchise’s loud and brash humor has become a hallmark of Gearbox’s storytelling. If the missions are well-structured and loot drops are balanced, the writing may fade into the background as I immerse myself in the chaotic thrill of the game.
Performance issues, particularly on PC, are another area of concern. High-profile titles like Monster Hunter Wilds have faced backlash for similar problems, and early reports indicate frame drops during intense battles, even on top-tier graphics cards. YouTuber Dennis ‘Force Gaming’ Duhamel mentioned that he was able to mitigate some issues using DLSS and frame generation, though this feels more like a temporary fix than a comprehensive solution.
Borderlands 4 is now available. I look forward to spending countless hours exploring its world, and only time will reveal my ultimate impressions once the initial excitement settles. For those diving into the game, don’t forget to check for the latest active Borderlands 4 Shift codes to snag some freebies.
Additionally, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how crossplay functions in Borderlands 4, along with the system requirements to ensure an optimal gaming experience right from the start. If you’re playing, consider joining the PCGamesN community Discord server to share your thoughts on Gearbox’s latest offering.
