Borderlands 4 at a glance

Topic Details
Release (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows) September 12, 2025
Release (Switch 2) October 3, 2025 (scheduled)
Setting Kairos, a new planet
Structure Seamless open world (no loading screens between regions)
Playable Vault Hunters Vex (Phase Siren), Harlowe (Gravitar), Rafa (Exo‑Soldier), Amon (Forgeknight)
Main antagonist The Timekeeper, a dictator ruling Kairos

What’s new in Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 moves the series to a large, uninterrupted open world on Kairos, dropping the corridor‑to‑arena feel of past entries in favor of freeform exploration. The shift to a seamless map supports the series’ core loop—shoot, loot, repeat—without the regular breaks for loading screens. Four new Vault Hunters headline the roster, each pitched toward familiar archetypes while adding their own spins, and the campaign centers on resisting the Timekeeper’s rule.

Loot, rarity colors, and Golden Keys in Borderlands 4

The Borderlands formula returns: randomized guns and gear drop from enemies, chests, and mission rewards, with color‑coded rarity signaling power from common up to highly coveted tiers. As you level, drops scale, and tougher encounters bring better rolls. Co‑op still supports up to four players, and higher player counts typically mean stiffer fights and stronger loot.

Golden Keys remain part of the ecosystem through SHiFT. These one‑use items are redeemed for a guaranteed high‑quality drop appropriate to your character level. Rewards from Golden Keys are randomized, so outcomes vary run to run.

Claim launch rewards and SHiFT emails (Hazard Pay Weapon Skin)

You can lock in a free cosmetic to use in Borderlands 4 at launch. Here’s the process:

  • Create or sign in to a SHiFT Account, then opt in to receive newsletters and digital marketing.
  • Link your preferred gaming platform accounts in the SHiFT profile settings.
  • Log into SHiFT from inside Borderlands 4 to have the Hazard Pay Weapon Skin delivered to your account.
  • Watch your inbox—periodic Borderlands emails include SHiFT codes you can redeem for additional rewards, including Golden Keys.

Redemptions are limited to one per SHiFT account, rewards may take up to a week to appear in‑game, and the Hazard Pay offer runs through December 31, 2030. Age and regional eligibility apply.

SHiFT Account sign‑in

Meet the four Vault Hunters (roles and quick profiles)

Vault Hunter Role/class What to expect
Vex Phase Siren Siren‑style abilities with elemental flavor and battlefield control.
Harlowe Gravitar Science‑driven toolkit; reads as support/utility with crowd manipulation.
Rafa Exo‑Soldier Exosuit‑forward play; a straight‑shooting combat specialist.
Amon Forgeknight A heavy, close‑quarters brawler with a signature axe.

As with prior games, each character branches into distinct skill paths, encouraging different weapon synergies and co‑op roles.

Post‑launch signals: new Vault Hunter DLC and community unlocks

Borderlands 4 is already telegraphing its live cadence. C4SH, a robot Vault Hunter, is the first of two new characters planned as paid DLC. Community challenges are rolling out cosmetic rewards—players have already unlocked new skins for Amon and Rafa—and more teasers are tied to major showcases like Tokyo Game Show. Expect the familiar rhythm of seasonal updates, limited‑time drops via SHiFT codes, and periodic in‑game events.

Where Borderlands 4 fits in the series

This entry keeps the series’ comic‑book aesthetic and loot‑shooter DNA intact while modernizing the world layout. SHiFT continues to be the connective tissue for cosmetics and Golden Keys, rewarding regular players with a steady trickle of items. For longtime fans, the appeal is the same: a new planet to tear through, a fresh set of classes to master, and an endgame that feeds on better rolls.

If you’re spinning up a new save, grab the Hazard Pay cosmetic and keep an eye on SHiFT codes; they’re low‑effort boosts that add up over a long playthrough. From there, Borderlands 4’s seamless Kairos is built to be explored—preferably with a few friends and a backpack full of keys.