Borderlands 4: The Pillars of Co-Op Cannot Stand Alone

With the September 12, 2025 release date for Borderlands 4 fast approaching, Gearbox Software has been on a campaign to highlight the game’s core strengths. Developer deep dives and interviews have repeatedly emphasized a central pillar of the game’s design: its “from the ground up” focus on cooperative play. With features like dynamic level scaling, dedicated crossplay, and drop-in/drop-out sessions, the developers are making it clear that playing with friends is at the very heart of the experience. However, as exciting as this sounds, there is a lingering concern that by tripling down on one aspect of the game, other crucial elements of the Borderlands experience—specifically, its writing and endgame content—may be left in a state of disrepair. A strong co-op foundation is essential, but it cannot compensate for a weak narrative or a shallow endgame loop.

The Borderlands franchise has always had a delicate balance. It’s a looter-shooter, and the shooting and looting are the primary mechanics. But what gives the games their identity is the quirky, over-the-top humor, the memorable characters, and the post-game grind for the perfect “god roll” on a weapon. While Borderlands 3 delivered on the loot and gameplay, it was widely criticized for its narrative, which was seen as a step back from the beloved story of its predecessor. The narrative was often criticized for its reliance on unlikable villains and a plot that failed to recapture the same magic. As Gearbox doubles down on co-op for Borderlands 4, a crucial question remains: will the story, character development, and endgame be given the same level of care and attention?

The Co-op Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword

The focus on co-op in Borderlands 4 is undoubtedly a major plus for the franchise. The new crossplay features, which will be available at launch, are a massive quality-of-life improvement for the community. The ability to seamlessly play with friends on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2, is a game-changer. The developers have also implemented dynamic level scaling, which means players of different levels can play together without a massive power discrepancy, a common pain point in previous titles. This is a crucial feature that makes the game more accessible and fun for all players, regardless of their progression.

However, this intense focus on a single pillar comes with risks. The very features that make the game so good for co-op could potentially undermine the solo experience. If the game is “designed for co-op from the ground up,” what does that mean for players who prefer to go it alone? The game’s story, set on the new planet Kairos, involves a resistance against a tyrant known as the Timekeeper. The narrative could be designed with so many group encounters and challenges that it feels like a slog for a solo player. This was a minor issue in Borderlands 3, where some boss fights felt balanced around a full party, and if that trend continues, it could be a significant problem.

The Looming Specter of a Weak Narrative

The story and characters are the soul of the Borderlands series. While the gameplay is the body, the narrative is what gives it purpose and meaning. The most recent narrative deep dives into Borderlands 4 have been light on specifics, focusing more on the new Vault Hunters and the overall setting on Kairos. While the new planet and antagonist, the Timekeeper, seem intriguing, the true test will be in the execution. Borderlands 3 had a great premise with the Calypso Twins, but many fans felt their on-screen delivery and character arcs fell flat. The dialogue and humor, which were once the series’ strongest suit, felt repetitive and often grating.

To succeed, Borderlands 4 must deliver a compelling story that is not only a worthy successor to the emotional arcs of Borderlands 2 but also one that feels fresh. The new story needs to move beyond the simple “bad guy wants to open a Vault” formula and deliver a more personal and engaging experience for the player. The narrative must be able to stand on its own, regardless of whether a player is solo or in a party. A truly great Borderlands game feels like a complete package, and that includes a story that is worth experiencing from beginning to end, not just a means to get to the next boss fight.

The End is Just the Beginning: Endgame Content

Finally, a looter-shooter is only as good as its endgame. While the developers have mentioned new systems like the “Licensed Parts System” for weapons and an “unprecedented level of expression” in buildcrafting, the long-term viability of the game will depend on the strength of its post-launch content and its repeatable endgame loop. Borderlands 3 initially struggled with its endgame, offering a limited number of repeatable bosses and a repetitive Proving Grounds mode. It was only through numerous updates and new raids that the endgame finally felt complete. For Borderlands 4 to succeed, it must launch with a robust endgame that includes a variety of challenges, bosses, and dedicated loot pools to keep players engaged long after the main story is over.

The promise of “billions of guns” is great, but those guns need a reason to be hunted. This means strong, repeatable activities, challenging raid bosses, and a meaningful progression system beyond the initial leveling process. The community has a high standard for endgame content, and it’s a pillar that cannot be overlooked. The success of Destiny and other live service titles has proven that a well-supported endgame is the key to a game’s longevity and a crucial factor in maintaining a dedicated player base. For Borderlands 4, the development team must ensure that the grind for the perfect loot is a rewarding journey, not a tedious chore.

Conclusion: The Path to a Complete Game

The “tripling down” on co-op in Borderlands 4 is an exciting and necessary step for the franchise. The new features promise to make the game more accessible and fun for groups than ever before. However, the developers at Gearbox must be careful not to let this singular focus come at the expense of the other core pillars that define the series: the story, the characters, and the endgame. A game can have the best multiplayer in the world, but if the world itself is uninteresting, and the rewards for exploring it are meaningless, the experience will ultimately fall flat. The hope is that Gearbox has learned from its past and is building a game that is not just great for friends to play together, but one that is a complete, compelling, and satisfying adventure for every kind of Vault Hunter.