Gearbox Reveals Borderlands 4 Roadmap Through 2026

Gearbox Software has released a roadmap for Borderlands 4 that lays out new content and updates through the third quarter of 2026. The plan includes paid story packs, bounty packs, free raid bosses, and quality improvements, starting with a major update that added photo mode this week.

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 collecting loot as vault hunters. Since launch, Gearbox has listened to player feedback on issues like performance, stability, and lack of endgame options. The company promised more content after release, and this roadmap delivers on that. It builds on the post-launch plan from before the game shipped, which mentioned two story packs in 2026. The first big update of the year went live on January 29, 2026. It brought photo mode, balance changes, and better loot drops in higher difficulty levels like UVHM. Gearbox said they want every moment on Kairos to feel smooth and fun.

The game has sold well, but some players felt it needed more to keep them playing long-term. Gearbox noted requests for cross-save progression, where progress carries over between platforms or save files. They also heard calls for shared account progress on things like storage upgrades, map discovery, and completed activities. Endgame content was another big ask, leading to plans for tougher challenges.

Key Details

The roadmap breaks down content by quarter, with free updates alongside paid DLC.

Q1 2026

Bounty Pack 2, called Legend of the Stone Demon, arrives as paid content. It comes with free additions like the ultra-rare Pearlescent gear rarity. The big release is Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. This pack introduces a new region on Kairos with main missions, side quests, new gear, and cosmetics. It features a returning character, Ellie, in a story with a cosmic horror theme and darker, bloodier tone. Players meet the first new vault hunter, C4SH, here.

Q2 2026

Free content leads with a new raid boss in a fresh arena, offering powerful rewards. A takedown follows later in the quarter. This is the game's hardest endgame mission yet, a gauntlet through a new area with enemy hordes and bosses for top-tier loot. Bounty Pack 3 is the paid DLC for this period.

Q3 and Q4 2026

Bounty Packs 4 and 5 drop in Q3, along with Story Pack 2. This second story pack has no title yet but promises another new zone, missions, vault hunter, gear, and cosmetics. It ties into a major update. Q4 has no specific content listed beyond ongoing improvements.

Gearbox plans monthly major updates with new content, balance tweaks, performance fixes, and bug patches. Weekly minor updates handle smaller issues. Other features without firm dates include cross-save support, limited-time events, seasonal activities, raised vault hunter level caps, and more endgame options.

"We're excited to share more about what we'll deliver to you over the next several months in Borderlands 4." – Gearbox Software

What This Means

Players get steady reasons to return to Kairos through 2026. Paid story packs expand the world with fresh stories and characters, while bounty packs add missions and loot. Free raid bosses and takedowns raise the challenge for dedicated groups, rewarding them with rare items like Pearlescent gear. Photo mode lets everyone capture moments without leaving the game.

Cross-save and shared progress make switching devices easier, helping casual and hardcore players alike. Performance fixes address complaints about stability, which could draw back those who drifted away. Monthly major updates mean regular changes to keep balance fair as new content rolls out.

The roadmap shows Gearbox's commitment to long support, similar to past Borderlands games. Two story packs match the series tradition, but free endgame pushes it further. Limited-time events could build community hype around seasons. Level cap increases let builds evolve over time.

For new players, this means jumping in now gets full access to base game plus growing DLC library. Veterans face harder tests with takedowns and raids. The plan covers nine months firmly, with hints of more beyond Q3. Gearbox's focus on feedback turns player wants into action, shaping Kairos' future.