Borderlands 4’s PC version is facing heavy criticism right after launch as players report crashes, stuttering, and poor optimization.
By Amlan Shekhar Baruah, 16th September 2025
Borderlands 4 has finally launched on 12th Sepetember, but instead of a smooth ride into Gearbox’s signature world of chaotic looter-shooter action, the PC community has been met with a storm of technical complaints. Across Steam reviews, Reddit threads, and gaming forums, frustration can be seen to be mounting as numerous users report performance problems, crashes, and glaring optimization flaws that have left even high-end systems struggling to deliver a stable experience.
The PC release was highly anticipated given the series’ long-standing reputation for quirky humor, addictive loot mechanics, and vibrant co-op play. Yet what should have been a celebration of the franchise’s return is quickly becoming one of the most criticized launches of the year. Even 3 days after release, the performance issues with Borderlands 4 is only seemingly getting worse.
The Player Experience So Far
Early adopters have been quick to share their frustrations. Many players report severe stuttering during firefights, hitching when traversing open areas, and frequent drops in frame rate that disrupt the flow of combat. A number of users claim that even with powerful setups featuring the latest graphics cards, hitting a consistent 60 frames per second requires turning down settings far lower than expected.
The problems extend beyond performance. Some players have encountered texture pop-in, objects appearing seconds after they should, and strange rendering glitches that break immersion. Crashes to desktop remain a persistent complaint, with a few players saying the game struggles to even launch. Perhaps most frustrating of all is the “failed to save” error, which has left some unable to reliably adjust and save their settings.
Community Reactions Grow Louder
Steam reviews reflect the discontent. Borderlands 4 currently sits at a “mixed” rating, with many reviews warning potential buyers to wait for future patches. Reddit threads echo the same sentiment, with posts titled “Unplayable on my rig” and “Optimization is a joke.” One user wrote that despite owning a machine that can comfortably run other demanding titles, Borderlands 4 still “chugs like it’s trying to climb a hill in quicksand.”
Not all voices are negative. A smaller group of players argue that with the right tweaks the game is still playable and enjoyable, especially in co-op. Yet even these supporters admit that the launch state leaves much to be desired, and most agree that Gearbox must act quickly to address the issues if the game is to maintain momentum.
Why the Launch Matters
The Borderlands series is not just another looter-shooter. It has carved out a strong identity over the years through its cartoonish art style, eccentric cast of characters, and trademark sense of humor. Fans expected Borderlands 4 to refine this formula with modern technology, especially as it embraces Unreal Engine 5. Instead, the demanding system requirements paired with lackluster optimization have left players questioning whether the visual payoff justifies the struggle.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gearbox’s CEO has responded to criticism by suggesting only a small portion of players are affected, a remark that has not sat well with fans who feel their concerns are being minimized. A day-one patch has been rolled out, aimed at reducing crashes and stabilizing performance, but reports indicate that the improvements are modest and far from a complete solution.
Looking Ahead
As things stand, Borderlands 4 risks losing goodwill among its most dedicated community members. Players who have invested time and money into the franchise expected a polished release, not a troubleshooting marathon. Gearbox has promised additional updates, and future patches may well iron out many of the technical flaws, but until then, the reputation of the PC version remains shaky.
The situation is particularly disappointing given how beloved the series has been in the past. Borderlands 2 was praised for its clever writing and addictive loot grind, becoming a benchmark in co-op shooters. Borderlands 3 may have divided some fans with its humor but still delivered strong action and vibrant worlds. With Borderlands 4, the expectation was for evolution, not regression. Instead, technical issues have overshadowed the excitement, leaving many longtime fans to wonder how such a celebrated series could stumble so badly at launch.
For now, Borderlands 4’s PC bugs have caused massive disappointments among players who once cherished the franchise’s unique identity. Fans who laughed through the wild adventures of Pandora in earlier entries are hoping Gearbox can patch up the damage quickly, so the latest chapter can live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
