Borderlands 4 is almost here, but the recently revealed PC requirements have gamers scratching their heads. Gearbox Software’s latest looter shooter is asking for a hefty setup, far more demanding than previous entries in the series, and that’s got the community talking.
Pre-orders kicked off recently, accompanied by the full PC specifications. You might want to prepare if you’re rocking anything less than a beastly rig. Unlike what fans might expect from a franchise known for its stylized, less graphically intense art style, Borderlands 4 needs some serious horsepower.
Borderlands 4 PC Requirements Are Tougher Than Expected
Here’s the lowdown on what Gearbox and 2K have laid out for PC players (courtesy of Steam):
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (8 CPU cores required)
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB VRAM required)
- Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD required)
- Notes: 64-bit processor & OS required, SSD mandatory
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (8+ CPU cores required)
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (12+ GB VRAM required)
- Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD required)
- Notes: 64-bit processor & OS required, SSD mandatory
These specs aren’t your average run-of-the-mill requirements. Eight CPU cores just for the minimum? Yikes. This jump seems odd when you think about the franchise’s previous titles, which leaned more into stylized visuals than raw graphical fidelity. Many folks on the Steam subreddit suspect Unreal Engine 5, the engine powering Borderlands 4, is the culprit for this hefty demand. A recent thread comparing it with Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, released only three years ago, highlights this sharp leap in hardware needs, and it’s gathered over 4,000 upvotes. Wow.
Of course, I’m no developer, but I understand why the community’s a bit concerned. The art style isn’t exactly pushing photorealism, so why such a big ask? Maybe the engine’s new tech or some behind-the-scenes design choices? Either way, you might struggle if your PC’s not packing some serious firepower.
Borderlands 4 will launch on September 12 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The good news? It won’t carry an $80 price tag, which is a relief for many fans.
What do you think about these PC demands? Are they justified or just overkill for a Borderlands game? Drop your thoughts below, I’m curious to hear your take!
