Gearbox Software is shifting gears for Borderlands 4, steering away from the over-the-top humor seen in Borderlands 3 to embrace a more grounded narrative. The development team, led by narrative director Sam Winkler, is focusing on a profound storytelling approach set on the totalitarian planet of Kairos. This decision comes after critical feedback regarding the comedic tone that some players found off-putting in Borderlands 3. Gearbox aims to maintain the franchise's humorous essence while ensuring that jokes resonate logically within the game's darker context. Characters and humor will evolve organically, aligning with the serious themes of oppression and resistance the game will explore. As the release date of September 12, 2025 approaches, fans are eager for revelations, including the role of returning characters and the nature of the new main antagonist, the Timekeeper, who aims to instill fear and control.

What changes can fans expect in Borderlands 4 compared to the previous games?

Fans can expect a more serious tone in Borderlands 4, straying from the meme-heavy humor found in Borderlands 3. The narrative will unfold in an oppressive world, requiring humor to fit into the context of the story, with character development taking precedence over punchlines. This shift aims to provide depth without losing the core essence of what makes Borderlands uniquely entertaining.

Borderlands, a popular loot-shooter franchise launched in 2009, has become synonymous with its distinctive art style, outrageous characters, and humor. The series has seen significant success, but the storytelling in Borderlands 3 faced critiques for its reliance on crude humor. With the release of Borderlands 4, Gearbox is actively responding to feedback by delivering a narrative that balances levity with significant character-driven moments, which is set to preserve the series' legacy while appealing to both new players and long-time fans.