Borderlands 4, the latest installment in Gearbox's iconic series, has faced a rocky launch marked by a swarm of technical issues that have become the focal point of player reviews on the popular gaming platform, Steam. The game currently stands with a 'mixed' rating, making it the lowest-rated game in the main series if spin-offs are not considered.
Technical Issues Overshadow Gameplay
Since its release on September 12, 2025, Borderlands 4 has struggled to meet player expectations, primarily due to a host of technical problems including bugs, crashes, and suboptimal performance. These issues persist even on high-end hardware systems, such as those equipped with the robust RTX 5090 graphics card. In comparison to other main games in the series, which enjoy positive feedback ranging from 79% to 89%, Borderlands 4's approximately 60% positive reviews indicate that technical glitches have alienated a significant portion of its audience.
The game's technical flaws have not only affected its Steam reviews but have also sparked conversations about the underlying potential of Borderlands 4 if it were free of these issues. Many players remark that beyond the glitches, the game maintains a level of fun and engagement characteristic of the Borderlands franchise, suggesting that with proper updates, its reception could improve significantly.
Gearbox Interactive's Response and Future Plans
Gearbox Interactive, aware of these pressing concerns, has shared detailed guidance about the game's expected performance under various settings. This includes notes about the potential need for shader optimization time when altering settings. The developer's commitment to addressing these technical issues signifies that future patches and updates are likely in the pipeline to rectify the game's performance and stability problems.
Such efforts could potentially boost the game's rating, enhancing the user experience and aligning it more closely with fans' expectations of the Borderlands series. As Gearbox works on deploying fixes, questions remain as to whether these improvements will sway potential buyers, many of whom remain cautious given the current reviews.
A Closer Look at the Series Ratings
While the phrase "worst-rated" may sound severe, it is crucial to note the context. New Tales from the Borderlands, a spin-off title within the franchise, ranks even lower with a mere 33% positive feedback on Steam. This comparative view illustrates that while Borderlands 4 is battling its own demons, it's not the definitive low point of the entire Borderlands universe.
As gaming enthusiasts weigh their decision to purchase Borderlands 4 amidst its challenges, the focus remains on Gearbox's ability to swiftly and effectively address these initial hurdles. This will likely dictate the game's ultimate standing in the eyes of its fans and within the crowded gaming market.
