Gearbox Software rolled out a major update for Borderlands 4 on January 29, adding Photo Mode that players have wanted since the game came out in September 2025. The patch also brings balance changes, bug fixes, and a look ahead at plans for 2026, showing the game will keep getting support on the planet Kairos.
Background
Borderlands 4 launched in September 2025 to strong numbers, with over 300,000 players online at the same time on Steam alone. Sales were high at first, but the number of active players dropped after the early rush. Gearbox, the team behind the game, put out a small update in mid-January that tweaked drop rates for boss loot and gave boosts to characters like Harlowe and Amon. Fans kept asking for Photo Mode, a tool to take custom screenshots, which the developers first promised before the game even launched. They held off on it to focus on fixing core issues like gameplay balance and stability. This latest update, the first big one of 2026, delivers on that promise along with a wide set of other changes.
The game takes place on Kairos, a new world full of Vault Hunters, loot, and battles. Players control characters with unique skills, fighting bosses and hunting for the best gear. Photo Mode fits right into the series' style, where fans love sharing shots of their setups, epic kills, and wild landscapes. Past games in the Borderlands line had this feature, so its absence at launch stood out. Gearbox said they delayed it to make sure the main gameplay felt solid first.
Key Details
The January 29 update centers on Photo Mode but packs in many other fixes. Players open it from the pause menu during regular play, except in cutscenes. It works in single-player, where the game pauses to let you set up the perfect shot. In online multiplayer, it runs without pausing, so your friends keep moving. Split-screen co-op does not support it yet.
Photo Mode Tools
Once inside, players get full control over the camera. Move it freely with the usual controls. Tabs let you tweak settings like field of view, depth of field, brightness, contrast, saturation, and gain. Add filters or vignettes for style. Change the time of day to shift lighting from day to night. Toggle what shows up: turn off players, your own character, NPCs, summons, or damage numbers. Hide other Vault Hunters if they get in the way during group play. Add game logos or letterboxing for a cinematic look.
To save the shot, use platform tools. On PC, hit F12, Print Screen, or Snipping Tool. PS5 has the Share button. Xbox Series X uses the Capture button. Files go to your usual screenshot folder.
Other Changes in the Update
Beyond photos, the patch fixes a lot under the hood. All Vault Hunters get tuning: critical hit damage works the same everywhere, cooldowns scale better, and melee bonuses multiply properly. Bugs for characters like Harlowe, Amon, Vex, and others are gone, especially in multiplayer. Bosses, world events, and missions run smoother. Loot from nearly every weapon maker behaves right now—legendary items drop as intended, scaling works on attachments, elements interact correctly, and animations match up.
Visuals, sound, user interface, split-screen, and performance all see big improvements. Trees and environments look better in some spots. Gear gets sweeping fixes too.
"You've always made hunting Vaults on Kairos look good; now you can prove it to the world with Borderlands 4's new Photo Mode!" – Gearbox Software
What This Means
This update keeps Borderlands 4 alive for its fans. Photo Mode gives players a new way to capture and share moments, which could spark fresh interest even if it does not bring back the launch crowds. The fixes make fights fairer and more reliable, helping everyone from new players to endgame grinders. Gearbox laid out a 2026 roadmap with more major updates ahead. They plan new endgame activities like a Raid Boss and a Takedown, plus ongoing work on performance and stability. Community requests shaped this patch, and the team knows more content will keep players hunting Vaults. Expect steady support through the year, building on the strong start to give Kairos a longer life.
