Gearbox Reveals Borderlands 4 Roadmap Through 2026

Gearbox Studios has laid out a full plan for Borderlands 4 content through 2026. The roadmap covers new story packs, extra characters, tough endgame challenges, and free updates. It comes as the game gets its first big patch this week with photo mode.

Background

Borderlands 4 came out in September 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. Players explore the planet Kairos, fighting enemies and hunting for loot as Vault Hunters. Since launch, Gearbox has listened to players asking for more endgame options, better performance, and ways to share progress across platforms.

The company started 2026 with a major update on January 29. This patch added photo mode, which lets players capture screenshots in different poses and settings. It also fixed some balance issues and improved loot drops in high-level areas like UVHM ranks. Gearbox says these changes address direct feedback from the community.

The roadmap builds on promises made before launch. Back then, Gearbox talked about post-launch story packs and new Vault Hunters. Now, they have set dates for much of that content. The plan runs through the third quarter of 2026, with hints of more to come later in the year.

"As we kick off 2026, we're excited to share more about what we'll deliver to you over the next several months in Borderlands 4." – Gearbox Studios

This quote from the official announcement shows Gearbox's focus on keeping players engaged. They aim to mix paid DLC with free additions to grow the game over time.

Key Details

The roadmap breaks down content by quarter, starting right away in Q1 2026.

Q1 2026 Updates

First up is Bounty Pack 2: Legend of the Stone Demon. This paid DLC adds new missions and gear. It launches alongside free content, including the Pearlescent rarity. Pearlescent items are ultra-rare weapons and armor with special powers.

The big release in Q1 is Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. It arrives in March and brings a new region on Kairos. The story has a cosmic horror theme, with bloodier and darker tones than the base game. Ellie, a fan favorite from past titles, plays a key role. Players get multiple main and side missions, plus new cosmetics.

This pack introduces the first new Vault Hunter, C4SH. Details on C4SH's skills are light so far, but it joins the roster for co-op play.

Q2 2026 Content

Quarter 2 brings free endgame challenges. A new Raid Boss drops with a fresh arena and strong rewards for those who beat it. Later in Q2, a Takedown arrives as a free major update. This is the game's toughest mission yet—a long gauntlet through a new area packed with enemy hordes and bosses. Top loot waits at the end.

Bounty Pack 3, a paid DLC, also hits in Q2 with more missions and items.

Later in 2026

Q3 sees Bounty Packs 4 and 5, both paid. Story Pack 2 follows in late Q3 with another major update. It will add a new zone, missions, gear, and cosmetics, though the theme and Vault Hunter are not named yet.

Q4 has Bounty Packs 4 and 5 listed in some plans, but timelines shift slightly across announcements. Gearbox promises Vault Hunter level cap increases over time.

Free features roll out all year. Cross-save progression lets players switch platforms without losing progress on SDUs, maps, and activities. Limited-time events add seasonal fun. Weekly minor updates fix bugs, while monthly major ones bring balance changes and performance boosts.

Gearbox works on stability so gameplay runs smooth. They plan more endgame activities beyond the listed bosses and takedowns.

What This Means

Players get steady content to keep Kairos fresh. Paid Story Packs expand the story and roster, while Bounty Packs offer quick missions for loot chasers. Free raid bosses and takedowns give tough challenges for groups, rewarding top gear like Pearlescent items.

Photo mode right now lets solo players or teams snap shots of epic moments. Cross-save helps those with multiple systems. Shared progress across accounts cuts grind time.

The mix of free and paid keeps everyone playing. Major updates tie to DLC drops, so all owners benefit from balance tweaks and fixes. Level cap raises mean builds evolve, pushing players to new heights.

For the series, this roadmap shows Gearbox's commitment after launch. Borderlands games live long with DLC, and 2026 sets up years of play. Performance work addresses early complaints, aiming for smoother runs on all platforms.

Community feedback shaped this plan. Requests for photo mode, endgame, and saves led to real changes. As Q1 nears, players gear up for Mad Ellie and C4SH. The roadmap leaves room for surprises in Q4 and beyond, keeping eyes on official channels.