Borderlands 4 is the fifth game in the Borderlands series, a games franchise that is known for its maniacal “so random” comedic writing, hectic gunfights, and a distinctive cel-shaded art style.
The setting for this installment is a dusty, post-apocalyptic alien landscape, through which you shoot, loot, and explore, usually in order to find a mythical vault. Inside this vault lies advanced weaponry, riches, and various other MacGuffins.
As far as we’ve seen, Borderlands 4 will follow this trend in line with previous entries. However, as it’s been over five years in the making, this entry will take full advantage of the newest technology, so let’s look at the Borderlands 4 system requirements to see if your PC is ready to loot and shoot.
Borderlands 4 Recommended Specs
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or newer
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (8 CPU cores minimum)
- RAM: 32 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (8 GB VRAM required)
- Storage: 100 GB (SSD required)
Borderlands 4 Minimum Specs
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit or newer
- CPU: Intel Core i7 9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (8 CPU cores minimum)
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB VRAM required)
- Storage: 100 GB (SSD required)
Can I run Borderlands 4?
Despite going for a non-photorealistic visual style, the requirements for this games are relatively intense. However, the Steam Store page for Borderlands 4 is helpful, noting that you need 8 CPU cores and 8 GB of VRAM, regardless of what specific hardware you have.
Some of this can be attributed to how Borderlands 4 has eschewed loading screens in favor of a seamless open world. That said, it’s yet to be seen whether those loading screens will be “disguised” in the form of tight corridors to squeeze through.
If you’re feeling uncomfortably close to the to the minimum specs, we’d recommend starting with a RAM upgrade. 32GB of DDR5 RAM is not all that expensive anymore, and compared to 16GB, the improvement in gaming performance will be noticeable. An increase in RAM capacity will also help keep the aforementioned open world running smoothly.
It’s also worth mentioning that open-world games can be quite strenuous on your CPU, so making sure its cooler is up to snuff will improve the gameplay experience and help keep overall PC noise down. For that, we’d recommend a 360mm AIO like the iCUE LINK TITAN 360 RX.
Additionally, If you're one of the three or so people who haven't made the move to solid state storage, an SSD is compulsory for Borderlands 4, so grab an MP600 CORE XT or an MP700 ELITE, or your vault-hunting days will be over before they even begin.
What kind of game is Borderlands 4?
Borderlands 4 looks like it won’t deviate from the established formula too much, which means that you’ll be given the choice of four starting classes and unceremoniously dumped onto a desert planet.
From here, you’ll be seeking a mysterious vault that holds untold riches or something like that. On the way, there is no shortage of side-quests and challenges for those needing a break from the main story.
Additionally, one of Borderlands’ main differentiating features is that it’s a looter-shooter. In short, this means a frankly irresponsible number of different weapons and equipment dropping from enemies, chests, and sometimes just from the world itself. You’ll need to constantly chop and change your loadout, refining and improving your weapons and items as you go.
All of this, by the way, can be done solo or with up to three comrades in co-op mode. Given that the plot of all these games tends to be quite hands-off, playing as a foursome has no real downside in terms of immersion, so it’s the way we’d recommend playing. After all, what use are untold riches if you can’t share them with your friends?
PRODUCTS IN ARTICLE