Hey there, Vault Hunters! Strap on your backpacks and grab your favorite guns because we’re diving into the wild world of Borderlands. With Borderlands 4 set to blast onto PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 23, 2025, fans are buzzing about whether this sequel will fix what went wrong with Borderlands 3. Let’s break it down like true treasure hunters—comparing what we know about Borderlands 4 with what didn’t work in its predecessor while keeping an eye on what fans hope for next.
What Went Wrong with Borderlands 3?
First things first—let’s talk Borderlands 3. It wasn’t a total bust (that gunplay still slaps!), but it dropped the ball in some big ways. The story felt flatter than a skag’s chew toy, missing the punch of earlier games. Characters didn’t stick in players’ minds, and the voice acting grated like a bandit’s bad karaoke night. Technical hiccups piled on the pain—crashes, bugs, and a choppy split-screen made co-op a chore. Oh, and that exclusivity mess at launch? Steam fans felt like they’d been ditched at the altar.
Here’s what the community didn’t love about Borderlands 3:
- Story and Characters: Bland plot, forgettable faces, and no narrative oomph.
- Voice Acting: Weak delivery, especially in side quests, lacking charm.
- Performance Issues: Crashes, bugs, and split-screen woes galore.
- Exclusivity Drama: Launch platform choice left some fans fuming.
- World Design: The Planets felt disjointed, not as alive as past settings.
What’s New in Borderlands 4?
Now, shift gears to Borderlands 4. This bad boy takes us to Kairos—a shiny new planet with a seamless world, no loading screens to slow you down. That beats Borderlands 3’s clunky planet-hopping setup. New tricks like swimming—yep, diving into alien waters!—plus fresh vehicles and grappling hooks spice up the action. Four new Vault Hunters join the fray, too; their looks have sparked some chatter, but their skills could still win us over.
Here’s what’s fresh in Borderlands 4 compared to Borderlands 3:
- World Design: Seamless Kairos vs. compartmentalized planets.
- New Mechanics: Swimming, new rides, and grappling hooks were added.
- Vault Hunters: Four newbies vs. the last crew’s mixed bag.
- Story Setting: Single planet focus vs. a scattered multi-world tale.
Can Borderlands 4 Fix the Story?
Here’s the biggie: Can Borderlands 4 save the story? After Borderlands 3’s narrative snooze-fest, fans want a tale that grabs them by the goggles. The word is, Gearbox knows the score and might lean into what worked before—think villains with swagger and plots with heart. Kairos sets the stage with chaos unleashed by a moon’s arrival, ruled by a time-obsessed dictator. It’s a chance for a tighter, punchier saga that doesn’t just coast on loot drops.
Community Hopes and Dreams
So, what’s the community dreaming of for Borderlands 4? A story that sticks, for starters—characters you’d fight a rakk hive for, not forget by breakfast. They’re begging for tech that doesn’t tank mid-fight—no more crashes or co-op glitches. New moves like swimming and slicker rides have them hyped, too. If Gearbox nails these while keeping that Borderlands chaos alive, this could be the redemption arc fans crave.
Here’s what fans hope Borderlands 4 delivers:
- Improved Story: Gripping plot, memorable crew, better flow.
- Technical Fixes: Smooth play, solid split-screen, no hiccups.
- Gameplay Innovation: Swimming and vehicles that shine.
- Narrative Depth: A tale with soul and surprises.
Is Borderlands 4 gearing up to be the series’ big comeback? Early signs point to yes—with Kairos promising a slicker world and hints of a juicier story. Fans stay cautiously stoked; if it delivers, this could outshine Borderlands 3’s stumbles. Keep your scopes trained for more reveals soon—until then, stay frosty, vault hunters!