Borderlands 4 Review Round-Up: The Best Entry Yet, But Held Back by Performance Issues

Borderlands is back, and critics agree: Borderlands 4 might be the best game in the series to date. From slicker gunplay to deeper loot systems, Gearbox’s latest delivers all the chaotic charm that defines the franchise. But early reviews also note a persistent issue—technical performance that doesn’t always keep up with the action.

Story Synopsis

Launched in September 2025, Borderlands 4 has been widely praised for building on the franchise’s legacy while fixing many of its long-standing frustrations. Players are reporting sharper combat, funnier writing, and rewarding endgame loops, making it feel like a true evolution.

However, reviewers flagged one recurring “hitch”: frame rate drops, loading stutters, and inconsistent optimization, even on rigs that meet or surpass recommended specs. The game excels in gameplay depth but struggles with technical smoothness.

Deep-Dive Sections

PC Gamer called it “the best Borderlands I’ve ever played”—a sentiment echoed across outlets. Gunplay feels tighter, enemies more dynamic, and loot more varied. The humor, co-op chaos, and signature cel-shaded art style all remain, making it a love letter to long-time fans while welcoming newcomers.

How It Works: Loot, Combat, and Storytelling

Gunplay & Weapons: Firearms pack more punch than ever, with reworked recoil and elemental systems that encourage experimentation.
Loot Systems: Vastly improved, offering meaningful progression rather than clutter. Players feel rewarded without drowning in junk drops.
Narrative & Tone: The offbeat humor is back, blending absurdity with strong story beats that enhance character depth.

Why It Matters: Fan Faith Restored

Borderlands 3 was criticized for uneven pacing and weaker writing. By contrast, Borderlands 4 feels like Gearbox listened. With more polished mechanics and a better endgame grind, it sets a new benchmark for looter-shooters. For fans of Destiny, Diablo, or The Division, Borderlands 4 shows how the genre can evolve.

What’s Next: Performance Fixes Incoming

The big question now is whether Gearbox can patch performance hiccups. Reviews consistently highlight frame dips below 60 FPS, long zone loading times, and occasional stutters. Gearbox has already acknowledged these issues, hinting at upcoming optimization updates. For now, those on older or mid-range PCs may need to temper expectations.