At The Game Awards 2024, Gearbox Software thrilled fans with the announcement of Borderlands 4, set to launch in 2025. This marks the first mainline entry in the iconic looter-shooter series since Borderlands 3 in 2019, promising to reignite excitement for the franchise after this year’s divisive film adaptation.

The announcement featured an action-packed trailer, offering the first glimpse of gameplay and unveiling a new antagonist, The Timekeeper. Described as a ruthless dictator ruling over the chaotic planet of Kairos, The Timekeeper’s iron grip is challenged by an impending catastrophe, setting the stage for mayhem and rebellion.

Gearbox describes Borderlands 4 as the most ambitious entry in the series yet, with gameplay innovations and expanded storytelling. The game introduces the most profound Vault Hunter skill trees, allowing players unparalleled playstyle customization. The loot chase has also been redefined, boasting billions of weapon combinations to satisfy players’ hunger for destruction.

Set on Kairos, the most dangerous planet in the Borderlands universe, the game offers seamless travel between zones, dynamic events, and discoverable side missions that encourage exploration. New traversal mechanics and a summonable vehicle add layers to combat and exploration, enabling players to race across diverse landscapes in style.

“Borderlands 4 is about freedom and being badass,” said Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford. “This is by far the biggest and most insane world we’ve ever made. It’s overloaded with jerkface ratnozzle scrote monsters that need to be put down with the most over-the-top, hardcore, nuts op guns and loot in any game ever. Oh, and the story also seriously kicks ass!”

The trailer also teased a “never-before-seen original cinematic sequence” set between the events of Borderlands 3 and the new installment, bridging the narrative gap while hinting at what’s to come.

With its signature humor, chaotic action, and an eclectic cast of characters, Borderlands 4 aims to redefine the looter-shooter genre while staying true to the elements fans love. Anticipation is already building as Gearbox sets out to recapture the magic of Pandora in a bold new adventure.

As the next chapter in a franchise that has captivated players since 2009, Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be a must-play for fans old and new.