In the midst of the heated preparations for the fall gaming season, Gearbox has surprised everyone with a bombshell announcement: Borderlands 4 will not be released later, but earlier. Instead of the previously planned end of September, the loot shooter will now hit stores on September 12, 2025. This information came from none other than Randy Pitchford himself, initially via X – the video was briefly deleted but is now back online.
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Borderlands 4 has a NEW RELEASE DATE Sep. 12, 2025! https://t.co/Xy0JMcz5X1 pic.twitter.com/iewKcAPpKb
— Borderlands (@Borderlands) April 29, 2025
Release brought forward – Borderlands 4 causes nervousness in the industry
For atriple-A title, such a move is highly unusual. Normally, developers tend to push back, whether due to bugs, balance issues, or fine-tuning. But according to official statements, after intensive testing phases, feedback loops, and productive developer meetings, it was clear that Borderlands 4 is ready. And because they want to capitalize on the hype, the battle for the Vault Hunter legacy is now coming faster than expected.
Things are already heating up ahead of the release: On April 30, 2025, there will be a dedicated PlayStation State of Playshowcase entirely dedicated to the Borderlands universe. Fans can look forward to new gameplay footage, background information, and perhaps some initial surprises regarding the co-op mode. The timing seems deliberate – everything points to a well-thought-out marketing offensive.
But while many players are excited about the earlier launch date, other developers may now be nervously recalculating their roadmaps. The new date could cause unexpected waves – and is dangerously close to a potential release monster.
Borderlands 4, GTA 6, and a dangerous game with the calendar
The early release of Borderlands 4 is not only due to internal reasons – it could also be a strategic move in the shadow of GTA 6 Both titles are being released by Take-Two, and no one in the industry believes that the publisher would voluntarily send two of its cash cows into competition with each other. The logical conclusion: GTA 6 is likely to be released in October.
Many studios had previously based their schedules on the original Borderlands release date. Titles such as Ghost of Yotei, previously planned for October 2, seemed well positioned. But if GTA 6 really does come out in the same month, the release date threatens to become a powder keg – especially for smaller and medium-sized titles that could get crushed between the blockbusters.
The next few weeks should show how tight the calendar will actually be. One thing is certain: Borderlands 4 has knocked over the first domino – and now everyone is watching Rockstar Games with bated breath.
