Gearbox Software's upcoming title, Borderlands 4, is generating buzz not only for its anticipated action-packed gameplay but also for its heightened difficulty, according to Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. In a recent interview with Insider Gaming, Pitchford expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about the game's challenging sections, which mark a departure from the expectations of some fans of the beloved looter-shooter series.
Pitchford highlighted the diverse preferences of the Borderlands player base, noting, "We have lots of players that actually aren't interested in deep, hard challenges; lots of people that love just exploring the Borderlands or spending time with the characters." He admitted to feeling uneasy about the game's direction, stating, "I'm a little nervous because there are points of Borderlands 4 that are more challenging." This shift toward tougher gameplay could test the skills of players who typically enjoy the series for its vibrant world and character-driven storytelling rather than intense combat challenges.
The increased difficulty in Borderlands 4 is particularly evident in its boss encounters, which Pitchford described as a significant step up from previous entries. "But we definitely have pushed the challenges quite a lot, especially with bosses and boss fight mechanics," he explained. However, he reassured players that the game offers solutions for those finding certain sections tough. "You will find that things that were hard when you were a little chump will become trivial when you become a badass," Pitchford said, suggesting that players can grind to level up their characters and overcome obstacles with persistence and strategic upgrades.
Despite the challenges, Pitchford remains confident in the franchise's trajectory. Speaking to GamesRadar, he reflected on the series' remarkable journey: "We went from an industry that predicted that we would die—that Borderlands would find no audience—to being one of the leading video game franchises in the world. And it's kind of humbling, frankly, to be a part of it." This statement underscores the resilience and success of the Borderlands series, which has grown from a risky venture into a cultural and commercial powerhouse.
Borderlands 4 is poised to continue this legacy with its release on September 12 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will also launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 3, broadening its reach to a new platform. With its blend of challenging gameplay, expansive world-building, and the signature Borderlands humor, the title aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers.
You can watch the official story trailer for the game below:
