Borderlands 4 Shatters Sales Records, Surpassing 2.5 Million Units Sold

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Gearbox Software’s highly anticipated looter-shooter, Borderlands 4, has achieved remarkable commercial success since its September 12th launch, selling over 2.5 million copies. This figure, bolstered by strong performance on Steam where it sold over 1.3 million units, indicates a significant player base eager to dive back into the chaotic Borderlands universe.

Key Takeaways

Borderlands 4 has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide since its release.
Steam sales alone account for over 1.3 million units, generating approximately $80 million in revenue.
The game has seen improvements in writing and character development compared to its predecessor.
Despite initial PC performance issues, Gearbox has released patches to address stability.

Sales Success Amidst PC Performance Woes

Despite initial player concerns regarding PC performance, which even prompted Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford to suggest refunds for dissatisfied players, Borderlands 4 has defied expectations with its sales figures. Alinea Analytics reports that over 2.5 million players have experienced the game since its launch. The Steam platform has been a major contributor, with over 1.3 million copies sold, translating to roughly $80 million in revenue. Gearbox has since released patches aimed at improving the game’s stability and performance on PC.

A More Mature, Yet Still Humorous, Borderlands Experience

Critics and players alike have noted a shift in Borderlands 4’s narrative approach. Moving away from the perceived writing missteps of Borderlands 3, the new installment introduces a more serious antagonist, the "Timekeeper," a powerful cult leader. While the game retains its signature humor, it’s now more strategically placed in side content and character dialogue, allowing the main story to feel more impactful. The introduction of four new Vault Hunters – Amon the Forgeknight, Vex the Witch, Rafi the Exo-Soldier, and Harlowe the Gravitar – has been met with praise for their unique abilities and engaging banter.

Gameplay Evolution and Criticisms

The gameplay loop remains familiar to fans, with build variety similar to Borderlands 3. However, the guns, while fun, are noted to have less of the charm and randomization found in earlier titles, with manufacturers having more distinct gimmicks. A significant change is the transition to a fully open world, which, while expansive, is criticized by some for lacking the unique environmental identity of previous, more segmented areas. Loot drops have also been adjusted, with legendary weapons feeling more special and a return to the farming methodologies of Borderlands 2.

Performance and Overall Reception

Despite the overall positive reception of its gameplay and narrative improvements, the PC version’s performance has been a persistent issue for some players, even those with high-end hardware. While patches have been released, the game can still require frame generation for smooth gameplay. Nevertheless, the core experience is described as fun and engaging, with excellent characters and satisfying gunplay. While the performance issues and open-world design have drawn criticism, Borderlands 4 is largely considered a strong entry in the series, offering a compelling looter-shooter experience for those who can overlook its technical shortcomings.