Borderlands 4, one of 2025's most anticipated games, launched successfully in September but has since fallen short of Take-Two's sales expectations. Player engagement has dropped sharply, with the title losing 95% of its initial audience amid glitches and mixed reception. These issues are fueling worries that the long-running series might be nearing its end.
Launch and Initial Success
Borderlands 4 debuted in September 2025 as the biggest launch in the franchise's history, becoming the third-best-selling game of the year. Building on the series' success since 2009, which includes five mainline titles and over $1 billion in revenue, the game generated significant buzz with its snarky humor, colorful action, and multiplayer elements. Borderlands 3's 2019 success had propelled the series forward, but expectations for the fourth installment were particularly high.
Post-Launch Challenges
Despite strong upfront sales, Take-Two Interactive reported to investors that the game did not meet projections. The PC version on Steam suffered from glitches and bugs, which the publisher cited as a primary factor. On consoles, engagement has waned quickly; the title fell from third to 14th in PlayStation's top downloads. Player numbers plummeted from over 300,000 at launch to just 5% retention, far worse than Borderlands 2's 20% hold.
Player Feedback and Retention Issues
Fans have criticized the repetitive gameplay loop, loot-driven mechanics, and lackluster post-endgame content, including weekly missions and boss battles. While Take-Two planned regular updates and DLC to sustain interest, many players have moved to competitors like ARC Raiders, The Outer Worlds 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The 2024 Borderlands movie's poor reception and the game's absence from Game of the Year contention have further tarnished the brand.
Implications for the Franchise
These struggles suggest shifting industry trends and waning appeal for Borderlands' style. With no announcement for Borderlands 5, Take-Two may pause the series, despite its dedicated fanbase. The publisher's ambitious live-service plans have not stemmed the tide, highlighting broader AAA gaming challenges with player retention.