Anticipation has been building for the first story expansion of Borderlands 4, especially after the enjoyable experience many players had with the base game. While the two post-launch bounty packs received mixed reactions, the allure of a new adventure featuring beloved characters like Ellie and the introduction of the fifth playable character, the robotic gambler C4SH, has piqued interest. However, the expansion’s pricing has left a significant number of players feeling discontented, reflected in its ‘mostly negative’ average on Steam reviews.
Exploring New Horizons
The latest DLC invites players to join forces with Moxxi’s daughter and the skilled mechanic Ellie as they confront a cosmic threat endangering the fate of Kairos. This adventure leads them to seek out an alien monolith and venture into the ominous Vault of the Damned. Set in the newly introduced region known as the Whispering Glacier, the expansion promises a wealth of fresh loot alongside a variety of main and side quests.
C4SH, the new Vault Hunter, adds an intriguing dynamic to gameplay. His unique ability to build ‘Fortune’ stacks upon scoring kills allows players to activate ‘Windfall,’ enhancing his damage and abilities temporarily. With three action skills at his disposal, he can wield stylish twin revolvers, throw cards that inflict random effects on enemies, or summon a bone totem that fights alongside him, occasionally transforming into a more powerful version with a lucky roll.
Despite the excitement surrounding these new features, many Steam reviews highlight a common concern: the price point. One player noted, “Don’t get me wrong, this DLC is a blast, I love it, but for a DLC you could finish in an afternoon? This is a small story pack, not an expansion, and it should be priced accordingly.” Currently, only 33% of reviewers have given it a positive rating, indicating that the reception may not be as enthusiastic as anticipated.
The pricing dilemma becomes even more pronounced when considering the value of other gaming options available. For the same , players can acquire the entirety of the first Borderlands game along with all its expansions. A investment secures the full Borderlands 2 collection, which includes the base game, four story expansions, and additional characters, all of which offer substantial content for the price. Other titles like Silksong, Slay the Spire 2, and Mewgenics, priced between and , promise hundreds of hours of gameplay, making the price tag for the Borderlands 4 DLC seem steep in comparison.
Another factor contributing to the dissatisfaction may be the bundling of the new character C4SH with the story content. Not every player may be interested in the new character, while others might be more eager to explore the story-driven elements. Presenting both as a single package amplifies the perception of cost, leading to speculation that a separate pricing model—perhaps each—might have been more palatable for players. As 2026 unfolds with an array of new gaming options, players are increasingly discerning about where they allocate their funds.
Borderlands 4 Story Pack 1, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, is now available on Steam for .99 / £26.99. It is also included in the game’s premium Super Deluxe Edition bundle. With a busy gaming schedule ahead, many, including myself, may opt to wait for a sale before diving into this expansion.
