In an update that many anticipated, Gearbox has officially confirmed that the much-awaited Borderlands 4 will include a day one patch aimed at enhancing the game's performance. However, CEO Randy Pitchford has cautioned players with older PCs not to expect any "miracles" from this update. According to Pitchford, the patch is designed to optimize gameplay, but it cannot accommodate aged hardware efficiently.
Performance Expectations and Requirements
For avid gamers intending to delve into the latest adventure in the Borderlands series, it's crucial to take note of the minimum and recommended system requirements. Players will need either Windows 10 or Windows 11 and a modern processor such as the Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, paired with at least 16 GB of RAM and a compatible graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. The game also demands 100 GB of available storage space, preferably on an SSD to avoid potential "hitching" issues associated with traditional HDDs.
To achieve the recommended performance level, though, a more powerful setup featuring an Intel Core i7-12700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, 32 GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics is advised. These requirements underscore the sophisticated demands of this new AAA title.
Industry Insights
This announcement follows long-standing trends within the gaming industry where new game releases push the envelope on graphical and computational power. Pitchford also acknowledged the fact that, "older hardware may not provide buttery smooth performance for the latest gen AAA games," a reality that has shaped PC gaming since its inception. His remarks reflect the industry's ongoing transition toward catering to the newest hardware advancements, leaving some older systems struggling to keep pace.
While the day one patch aims to fine-tune the experience, those with systems that fall below the specified requirements might find the game challenging, if not impossible, to run. Players who cannot meet these requirements might need to consider upgrading their systems or exploring console options come the release date on September 12, with another version launching on October 3.
Gearbox's commitment to delivering a "big, bold, new, seamless world" in Borderlands 4 is evident, but it also highlights a growing disparity between the capabilities of older technology and the visionary aspirations of game developers today.
