Summary
- Borderlands 4 is nearly upon us, and while the game is bound to have billions of weapons, it was unclear what direction the tone would take.
- Now, via a new interview, it’s been revealed that Borderlands 4 will “evolve” in its humor, offering players a game that is tonally closer to Borderlands 2 than it is to Borderlands 3.
- That won’t preclude some over-the-top writing, but just don’t expect Skibidi Toilet-themed weapons or streamers as villains.
The Borderlands series has always reflected the cultural trends of its time. The original game embraced crude humor, Borderlands 2 was packed with era-specific memes, and Borderlands 3 parodied internet culture with its streamer villains.
However, last year’s film adaptation failed to capture that same appeal, flopping at the box office with a disappointing $30 million return on a $150 million budget.
With Borderlands 4 set for a 2025 release, fans have been eager to learn about its tone. According to a recent interview, the upcoming game aims to strike a balance—suggesting it won’t be as cringeworthy as some feared.
The Franchise Will Seemingly Evolve In Borderlands 4
In an interview with GamesRadar+, senior project producer Anthony Nicholson emphasized that Gearbox takes pride in the worlds and stories it has built throughout the Borderlands series. However, he acknowledged that game development evolves over time, as do player expectations for storytelling.
As a result, Borderlands 4 will see a shift in tone. While specific details remain under wraps, Nicholson explained that the game will strike a balance between the original Borderlands‘ atmosphere and the humor-driven approach of Borderlands 2. This aligns with previous comments from narrative director Sam Winkler, who suggested that the next installment would dial back some of the more over-the-top toilet humor.
Gearbox remains committed to the core elements that define Borderlands, even as the series evolves. “We’ll continue delivering the fun, over-the-top writing that sets us apart,” the developer noted. Fans can still expect the franchise’s signature humor, chaotic action, and an arsenal of millions of weapons. However, don’t count on seeing a Hawk Tuah reference anytime soon.