There will be no open world in Borderlands 4. What does Gearbox have in store?

Borderlands fans eagerly await the fourth chapter in the popular looter-shooter series. Early trailers showcased significant advancements, including enhanced scale and exploration options. However, it's important to note that Borderlands 4 isn't a fully open-world game.

Gearbox Software co-founder, Randy Pitchford, clarified that he avoids labeling Borderlands 4 as "open world," citing connotations unsuitable for the game's design. While Pitchford didn't detail the specific differences, he highlighted the game's balance between guided gameplay sequences and free-form exploration.

Nevertheless, Borderlands 4 is poised to be the franchise's largest entry yet, offering seamless traversal across all explorable areas. Developers have focused on structuring the vast game world to prevent aimless wandering, ensuring a consistently engaging and exciting experience.

While a precise release date remains unannounced, a 2025 launch is anticipated. Borderlands 4 will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.