Borderlands 4, the highly anticipated sequel in Gearbox Software's acclaimed looter-shooter franchise, is set to launch on September 12, 2025. As excitement builds, recent revelations about the game's PC system requirements have sparked significant discussion within the gaming community. Notably, the minimum specifications demand hardware that exceeds what over half of Steam users currently possess, potentially necessitating upgrades for a substantial portion of the player base.
The official system requirements for Borderlands 4 have been a focal point of concern. According to the game's Steam page, the minimum requirements include:
The insistence on an eight-core CPU raises questions about the game's optimization and the necessity of such hardware for acceptable performance. While modern game engines and the inclusion of advanced features can justify higher requirements, the leap to eight cores as a baseline is uncommon and may alienate a significant segment of potential players.
These requirements suggest that Borderlands 4 aims to deliver a graphically rich and immersive experience, potentially leveraging advanced rendering techniques and high-resolution assets. However, this also means that players with mid-range or older systems may need to invest in significant upgrades to enjoy the game as intended.
It's also worth noting that other AAA titles slated for release in 2025 have managed to balance advanced graphics with more modest system requirements. This raises questions about the optimization strategies employed in Borderlands 4 and whether the high demands are entirely justified.
For players eager to experience the next chapter in the Borderlands saga, now may be the time to assess and potentially upgrade their systems to meet the demands of this ambitious title.
Source: inkl Borderlands 4's PC system requirements need specs over 50% of Steam doesn't have, so I hope you're ready to upgrade
Unveiling the System Requirements
The official system requirements for Borderlands 4 have been a focal point of concern. According to the game's Steam page, the minimum requirements include:- Operating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
- Storage: 100 GB available space
- Additional Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system, 8 CPU cores, 8 GB VRAM, and SSD storage.
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- Additional Notes: Requires 8+ CPU cores, 12+ GB VRAM, and SSD storage.
The Eight-Core CPU Conundrum
A particularly contentious point is the stipulation for an eight-core processor as a minimum requirement. This is noteworthy because, as per Steam's May hardware survey, approximately 50.39% of users have CPUs with six cores or fewer. This means that a substantial portion of the Steam user base may find their current systems inadequate for running Borderlands 4, even at the lowest settings.The insistence on an eight-core CPU raises questions about the game's optimization and the necessity of such hardware for acceptable performance. While modern game engines and the inclusion of advanced features can justify higher requirements, the leap to eight cores as a baseline is uncommon and may alienate a significant segment of potential players.
Graphics and Memory Demands
Beyond the CPU, the game's requirements for graphics cards and memory are also substantial. The minimum GPU requirement of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, coupled with 16 GB of RAM, sets a high entry point. The recommended specifications push this further, suggesting an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT and 32 GB of RAM.These requirements suggest that Borderlands 4 aims to deliver a graphically rich and immersive experience, potentially leveraging advanced rendering techniques and high-resolution assets. However, this also means that players with mid-range or older systems may need to invest in significant upgrades to enjoy the game as intended.
Storage Considerations
The game also mandates 100 GB of SSD storage. While large storage requirements are becoming more common in modern gaming, the insistence on SSDs highlights the developers' focus on reducing load times and enhancing performance. For players still relying on traditional HDDs, this could necessitate additional investment.Community Reactions and Implications
The community's response to these requirements has been mixed. While some players appreciate the push towards higher fidelity and performance, others express concern over the accessibility of the game. The need for hardware upgrades could be a barrier for many, especially considering the global semiconductor shortages and the associated costs.It's also worth noting that other AAA titles slated for release in 2025 have managed to balance advanced graphics with more modest system requirements. This raises questions about the optimization strategies employed in Borderlands 4 and whether the high demands are entirely justified.
Conclusion
Borderlands 4 promises to be a landmark entry in the franchise, offering expansive worlds, intricate gameplay mechanics, and a rich narrative. However, the elevated system requirements, particularly the eight-core CPU mandate, pose significant challenges for a large portion of the PC gaming community. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how Gearbox Software will address these concerns and whether optimizations or alternative solutions will be introduced to make the game more accessible to a broader audience.For players eager to experience the next chapter in the Borderlands saga, now may be the time to assess and potentially upgrade their systems to meet the demands of this ambitious title.
Source: inkl Borderlands 4's PC system requirements need specs over 50% of Steam doesn't have, so I hope you're ready to upgrade
