Caleb McAlpine, a passionate Borderlands fan facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, got the unforgettable chance to dive into Borderlands 4 ahead of its official release. In a touching move, Gearbox Entertainment’s President and CEO, Randy Pitchford, arranged for Caleb and a friend to fly to the company’s headquarters to test out the game and meet the team behind its creation. Caleb’s verdict? He found the game to be absolutely “amazing.”
A fan of Gearbox’s iconic first-person shooter series received a special opportunity to experience Borderlands 4 before its scheduled 2025 launch. Although the general fanbase is still eagerly waiting to see when they can jump into the game themselves, Borderlands 4 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in the coming year.
The Borderlands series, with its four mainline entries and several well-loved spin-offs, has continued to captivate players for over 15 years since its debut in 2009. Borderlands 4 is cloaked in mystery, with only a brief teaser shown at Gamescom in August offering a glimpse into what lies ahead. Naturally, the internet is abuzz with theories and wishful thoughts about the game, particularly around possible returning characters and who might take up the mantle of the villain this time around. One fortunate fan has now had a sneak peek, getting to experience the game firsthand.
In October, Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan battling terminal cancer, reached out on Reddit with a heartfelt plea to play the game early. As a 37-year-old disabled veteran, Caleb shared his prognosis of having only about two years left to live, fueling his desire to play Borderlands 4 sooner. Thanks to the compassionate effort from Gearbox, Caleb and a friend found themselves in Frisco, Texas, at the company’s headquarters. There, they were treated to a playthrough of the game and a meet-and-greet with Pitchford and the developers. Reflecting on the experience in a Reddit post, Caleb expressed, “We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing. Even if I’m not around for its release, I’m incredibly thankful for all your love and support in making this happen. It truly was an unforgettable experience and just awesome.”
Looking ahead, in early November, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted at when fans might realistically expect Borderlands 4 to hit the shelves. Since Take-Two is also gearing up for Grand Theft Auto 6’s fall 2025 release, Zelnick emphasized the importance of not crowding their blockbuster titles too closely together. This has led many to speculate that Borderlands 4 could see a release in late spring or early summer of 2025, depending on how its development unfolds. Gearbox previously stated that the game would be available between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
Although the teaser trailer left much to the imagination, developers have confirmed the introduction of four new Vault Hunters. Art Director Adam May has teased a brighter, more vibrant aesthetic for Borderlands 4, with concept art revealing advanced technology and a fresh atmosphere compared to its predecessors. While fans might have hoped to see the return of iconic villain Handsome Jack, Pitchford has assured everyone that the upcoming antagonist will be “something far more dangerous and sinister” than the familiar face we all know.
As fans gear up to embark on new adventures in search of secret alien treasures, Borderlands 4 promises to deliver the classic looter-shooter action that players have come to love, wrapped in an exciting RPG experience. Whether you’re blasting through enemies or partaking in the story, all signs point to another thrilling chapter in the beloved Borderlands saga.
