Gearbox Software is set to release Borderlands 4 on September 12 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version scheduled for October 3. The developer aims to address criticisms of Borderlands 3 by delivering a more grounded and emotionally resonant story, moving away from the previous installment's heavy reliance on memes and toilet humor. The new game features a darker tone and introduces an interesting villain, as well as an emotional moment involving the character Claptrap. Writers have emphasized that Borderlands 4 seeks to avoid the parody-like feel of its predecessor, with a stronger narrative focus. Early impressions from Gamescom 2025 suggest improvements over the last mainline entry.