Gearbox development chief and CEO, Randy Pitchford, has confirmed a significant Day 1 patch for Borderlands 4 that aims to improve the game's performance, particularly on PC. The announcement comes amid concerns raised by users regarding the looter shooter’s pre-release performance. The game is set for an official launch on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch following shortly after.
Pitchford stressed that while the Day 1 patch "does a lot," players with older hardware may still face performance issues. He explicitly stated that playing on a PC that falls below the minimum system requirements should be expected to yield an unplayable experience. "That the game runs at all on your system is a miracle," Pitchford remarked, noting that achieving a stable frame rate during heavy combat on older machines is already impressive given the complexity of the game engine.
He also highlighted factors like storage type, suggesting that users running the game from a traditional HDD instead of an SSD may encounter additional hitching. The patch is intended to optimize gameplay, but it cannot compensate for outdated hardware, a common challenge for AAA titles pushing the boundaries of technology.
The concerns about PC performance were sparked by early impressions and technical previews, including one from Destructoid. A noted preview by Destructoid's Scott Duwe initially raised issues about graphical glitches and instability, which were later attributed in part to hardware failures and clarified to be due to the particular system used rather than the game overall. Following communication with 2K PR and Gearbox, many of the worst issues were reportedly resolved.
This revelation serves as an important reminder to PC gamers that adhering to recommended specifications is essential for enjoying modern AAA releases like Borderlands 4. The title’s ambitious design, including a seamless and expansive game world, demands robust hardware support.
Beyond launch, Gearbox has outlined plans for ongoing support that includes downloadable content (DLC), free updates, and weekly events to keep players engaged. Players eager to dive into the new narrative — which features a more grounded story direction according to an IGN interview with the game's narrative team — will want to prepare their systems ahead of the September release.
Borderlands 4’s launch strategy reflects broader gaming industry trends where ongoing patches and support are integral to delivering optimal play experiences post-release. The announcement also underscores persistent challenges surrounding hardware compatibility and performance expectations, especially on PC where user setups vary widely.
As the global gaming community awaits the release, Gearbox’s transparency about performance limitations and patch plans illustrates a proactive approach to managing user experience amid the technical demands of next-generation gaming.
