"Better Than Expected": Borderlands 4 Moves Up Its Release Date and Takes on the Competition
When a highly anticipated game drops ahead of schedule, it’s usually a surprise—but when it’s Borderlands 4, it’s an explosion of excitement for fans. Originally set for release at the end of September, Gearbox’s next looter-shooter is arriving earlier than expected.
Since it was announced, Borderlands 4 has stirred palpable excitement within the gaming community. With the franchise’s explosive legacy, its addictive loot mechanics, and its uniquely wild and stylized world, every new detail sparks buzz. But no one saw this twist coming—Gearbox has upended expectations, and in the best possible way.
Image credit: Gearbox
A surprise reveal—packed with impact
No flashy stage presentation or meticulously crafted press release. Instead, it was a spontaneous video on social media where Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford lit the fuse. In the clip, posted on April 29, he initially plays it coy, hinting at a possible delay. But just seconds later, the tone shifts: development is ahead of schedule, and the game is ready to launch early. The result? The release date has been moved up by nearly two weeks—an incredibly rare occurrence in an industry more often plagued by delays.
Announcement about the Borderlands 4 launch date – Please watch until the end: pic.twitter.com/cF85jG1p09
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 29, 2025
A crucial State of Play to win back fans
Impatient fans won’t have to wait long to see more: a dedicated State of Play is scheduled for April 30. Over the course of 20 minutes, Gearbox will dive deep into its chaotic universe, showcasing:
- Exclusive gameplay footage
- New missions and environments
- A look at new abilities and weapons
- The return of fan-favorite characters
This could be a defining moment to win back a community divided by Borderlands 3, which, despite solid mechanics, faced heavy criticism for its writing.
Why the early launch?
Officially, development is ahead of schedule and running smoothly. But some analysts suggest a strategic move: to avoid being overshadowed by the juggernaut GTA 6, whose release window announcement seems imminent. Others point to the upcoming release of Ghost of Yotei, set for October 2, which could also factor into the timing.
Whatever the reason, in an industry where delays are the norm, seeing a release date pushed forward feels almost miraculous. It reflects Gearbox’s strong confidence in the product. According to Pitchford, the team has hit its stride, and the game is “right on track for its ideal narrative”.
What’s more, several anticipated features are confirmed:
- Players will finally be able to swim in certain environments
- Vehicles and gear will be more diverse
- The narrative tone—often controversial in the past—might be taking a new direction
As anticipation builds, Borderlands 4 may just pull off the rare feat of satisfying both longtime fans and newcomers alike. We’ll know more very soon during the State of Play… and even more so when the game drops on September 12.
