Borderlands 4 is almost here, launching September 12, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version arriving October 3. As excitement builds around its massive open world of Kairos, Gearbox Software’s Randy Pitchford is setting expectations for PC players: if you’re running below the minimum specs, don’t expect a smooth ride.
Pitchford addressed chatter about performance after a preview build sparked concern, which was later tied to a faulty power supply on the test system rather than the game itself. He emphasized that the Day 1 patch will deliver meaningful improvements, but warned that older or below-minimum hardware may still struggle, especially in a seamless world powered by Unreal Engine 5. He also noted that installing the game on an SSD can help reduce hitching compared to an HDD.
Here’s what PC players need to know.
Key dates
– September 12, 2025: Launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
– October 3, 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 release
Borderlands 4 system requirements (PC)
Minimum
– CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
– RAM: 16 GB
– GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
– Storage: 100 GB on SSD
Recommended
– CPU: Intel Core i7-12700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
– RAM: 32 GB
– GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
Why the high bar?
– Unreal Engine 5 and a seamless, large-scale world: Kairos is designed with expansive exploration, a stack of Vaults and side quests, and substantial endgame content.
– CPU-heavy encounters: Expect big combat moments and systems working under the hood that can push older processors hard. Recent hardware surveys suggest many PCs may need a CPU upgrade just to reach the minimum.
What Gearbox is saying
– Day 1 patch: A significant update is planned to improve performance and stability.
– Below-minimum hardware: If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum specs, treat the game as effectively unplayable. Getting acceptable frame rates on unsupported rigs would be the exception, not the rule.
– SSD strongly recommended: Installing on solid-state storage can reduce stutter and load-related hitching.
How to prepare your PC
– Verify your CPU and GPU meet at least the minimum specs; consider upgrading if you’re below the threshold.
– Install the game on an SSD and ensure you have 100 GB free.
– Update graphics drivers and your OS, and enable upscaling or performance modes where available.
– Be ready to download the Day 1 patch before diving in.
With a bold new setting, a bigger sandbox, and next-gen tech, Borderlands 4 aims high—and so do its PC requirements. If you’re geared up for it, Kairos looks set to deliver the series’ trademark loot-chasing chaos at a new scale. If not, now’s the time to tune up your rig so you can hit launch day running.
