Borderlands 4 is one of the most anticipated games of 2025, bringing back the iconic looter-shooter action with new characters, a new planet, and more chaotic fun. But there’s a catch: the game’s PC system requirements are surprisingly high, and that’s causing a stir in the gaming community. Even running the game at minimum settings might be tough for many players.
The System Specs That Shocked Everyone
When Gearbox opened preorders for Borderlands 4 on Steam, they also posted the system requirements. And they weren’t what players expected.
The big red flag? You’ll need at least an 8-core CPU just to run the game. That’s already a deal-breaker for a lot of gamers. According to Steam’s May 2025 hardware survey, over 50% of PC users are still using CPUs with 6 cores or less. That means Borderlands 4 might not even launch for half the current PC player base.
Borderlands 4 PC System Requirements (via Steam)
Here’s what you’ll need to run the game, according to Steam:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB VRAM)
- Storage: 100 GB SSD
- Other: 8-core CPU required
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (12+ GB VRAM)
- Storage: 100 GB SSD
- Other: 8+ CPU cores recommended
For a game with a cartoon-style look, those specs are pretty intense.
Why Does It Need So Much Power?
Borderlands 4 is built with Unreal Engine 5, which powers some of the most advanced graphics tech in gaming today. That includes global lighting, high-res textures, better physics, and more interactive environments.
There’s also a lot happening on screen—explosions, enemies, loot, and co-op syncing—which adds even more strain on your CPU. Some games using Unreal Engine 5 can scale down for weaker PCs, but Borderlands 4 doesn’t seem to be one of them.
Could It Still Work on Older Systems?
Some tech outlets think the game might still run on setups that don’t meet the listed specs, especially if you’re okay with lowering settings. For example:
- The AMD RX 5700 XT, listed as a minimum GPU, doesn’t support ray tracing. So ray tracing likely isn’t required.
- CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (6 cores) may still work fine in practice.
But until launch, there’s no confirmation. So, if your hardware falls short, it’s a gamble.
Should You Upgrade?
Borderlands 4 drops on September 12, 2025, so there’s still time to prep. With Amazon Prime Day and summer sales coming up, it might be the right moment to upgrade your setup.
Just keep in mind—upgrading to an 8-core CPU might not be as easy as swapping one part. You might also need a new motherboard, more RAM, or better cooling.
What This Means for Players
These demanding specs could split the community. Borderlands has always been a go-to game for casual and hardcore players alike. But if half the player base can’t run the game, matchmaking might suffer. Co-op lobbies could be smaller. And launch hype could fade faster than expected.
Gearbox will need to make sure performance is smooth and scalable—or risk locking out a big part of its audience.
Deluxe Editions and Post-Launch Content
Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
- Standard Edition: $69.99
- Deluxe Edition: $99.99
- Super Deluxe Edition: $129.99
The top-tier edition comes with extra Vault Hunters, new missions, boss fights, and special gear bundles. It’s still unknown whether those new characters will be sold separately later or stay exclusive to premium buyers.
Final Thoughts
Borderlands 4 looks amazing—but it might come at a cost. The high system requirements could lock out a big chunk of PC players, especially those without 8-core CPUs or modern GPUs.
If you’re planning to jump in on day one, it’s a good idea to check your system now and watch for upgrade deals. Whether the game’s performance lives up to the specs will be clear once it hits on September 12.
Until then, fingers crossed that Borderlands 4 plays as smooth as it looks.
Read More:
Deltarune Chapter 3 and 4 Recruits Guide: All Enemies You Can Spare and How to Get Themd
Grow a Garden Codes June 2025: How to Redeem & Claim Free Seed Packs
How to Get the Shadow Mantle and Beat Roaring Knight in Deltarune Chapter 3
Deltarune: How to Find and Use Mike’s Room Code in Chapter 4
