Take-Two Interactive has confirmed that Borderlands 4 will launch sometime after Grand Theft Auto 6, suggesting a potential late 2025 or early 2026 release. Fans have been eagerly anticipating details about the next installment in the looter-shooter franchise, especially after its official announcement during Gamescom Opening Night Live in August 2024. Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, Borderlands 4 promises to expand on its signature gameplay with the largest weapon selection in the series, boasting "billions" of weapons and items. While many hoped for the return of Handsome Jack, the game will introduce a new antagonist known as The Timekeeper.
Take-Two previously confirmed that Borderlands 4 would release during the 2026 fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. However, the company has now clarified that the game will arrive after GTA 6, which is set for a Fall 2025 release. Given this timeline, the earliest possible release for Borderlands 4 would be in October 2025, though a November or early 2026 launch is also plausible. Major triple-A games rarely launch in December, making a holiday season release less likely.
While Borderlands 4's exact release date remains unknown, Gearbox has been teasing various gameplay improvements, including more in-depth skill trees and new traversal mechanics. The game will also feature a shift in tone, stepping away from the franchise’s signature toilet humor. With Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to generate billions in revenue upon release, Take-Two is likely timing Borderlands 4's launch strategically to maximize its success. Fans can look forward to more details as Gearbox continues to unveil new features leading up to the game's release.