There will be no open world in Borderlands 4. What does Gearbox have in store?

Borderlands fans eagerly await the fourth chapter in the popular looter-shooter series. Early trailers showcased impressive advancements in scale and exploration, but it's crucial to understand that Borderlands 4 isn't a fully open-world game.

Gearbox Software co-founder, Randy Pitchford, clarified that he avoids labeling Borderlands 4 as "open world," citing inappropriate connotations for the game's design. While Pitchford didn't detail the specifics, the game clearly differentiates between guided gameplay sequences and free-roaming exploration.

Despite this distinction, Borderlands 4 is poised to be the series' largest entry yet, offering seamless traversal across all explorable areas. To avoid aimless wandering in this expansive world, developers have prioritized structured and engaging gameplay experiences.

While a precise release date remains unannounced, a 2025 launch is anticipated. Borderlands 4 will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.