It seems the world of Borderlands has gotten a tech upgrade. While concept art for the upcoming Borderlands 4 indicates a shift to the sci-fi aesthetic, it’s not until the first trailer that fans are treated to a proper look at its visuals, which inherit the same cel-shaded flair from its predecessors.
Unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, it opens with a cinematic sequence depicting a large-scale war between a horde of robot-like entities called Rippers, led by their Queen Callis, and the Vault Hunters – one of whom bears a resemblance to Zane, the playable Operative class character from Borderlands 3.
The first-look footage also offers a glimpse of gamplay, oozing the familiar, charming brand of chaos and violence that the franchise is so beloved for. According to developer Gearbox Interactive, the game will feature “billions of weapons” to be used for wrecking havoc on the new planet, Kairos.
“Break free from the oppressive Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. Now a world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across the planet,” reads the synopsis for the looter-shooter sequel. “Ignite a resistance and blast your way through mechanical monstrosities, bloodthirsty bandits, and vicious beasts. Amass an arsenal of death-dealing firepower to wreak havoc as you tear your way across Kairos.”
A specific release date has yet to be set for Borderlands 4, but Take-Two and 2K Games are sticking to a 2025 window. Like before, it can be played solo or in co-op with up to three others, with availability slated for PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
