If you’re a diehard Borderlands fan counting down the days until you can jump back into Pandora’s chaotic, loot-filled world, you’ve probably already started weighing your pre-order options. Picking the right edition of a looter shooter can make or break your early game experience, especially when exclusive cosmetics, early access, and bonus in-game content are on the line. We put together this Borderlands 4 editions comparison to break down exactly what you get with every tier, so you don’t waste cash on extras you’ll never use. We’ve been playing the Borderlands franchise since the first entry dropped, so we know exactly which add-ons are worth the extra spend and which are just flashy filler for completionists.
What to Look for in Our Borderlands 4 Editions Comparison
Before we dive into the specifics of each edition, it’s important to lay out the factors we weighed to rank each option’s value. We didn’t just list out content line by line—we tested how useful each bonus would be for different types of players, from casual fans who only play a few hours a week to hardcore completionists who 100% every Borderlands title. Early access is one of the biggest differentiators between tiers, so we paid extra attention to how much of a head start you get, and whether that time is worth the added cost. We also factored in physical bonus items, like art books or figurines, since those are often a big draw for long-time fans who want to build out their collection. Finally, we cross-checked pricing across all major platforms to make sure our value assessments hold up no matter if you play on console or PC.
Breakdown of Every Borderlands 4 Edition, From Base to Collector’s Tier
All editions of the game include the full base campaign, full access to online co-op, and the same core gameplay you know and love from the Borderlands franchise. The differences start with bonus content, both digital and physical, that’s locked behind higher price points. We’ve broken down each tier below, with a quick value rating for each:
- Standard Edition: The lowest price tier includes only the base game, no extra digital content or pre-order bonuses unless you buy from a participating retailer. It’s perfect for casual players who don’t care about early access or exclusive cosmetics, and just want to play the game when it launches for everyone.
- Deluxe Edition: This tier adds 72 hours of early access, four exclusive character skins, a pack of 10 rare weapon skins, a bonus XP boost that lasts for your first 20 hours of play, and the first story DLC pack for free when it releases. It’s the most popular tier for regular Borderlands players.
- Collector’s Edition: The highest tier includes everything from the Deluxe Edition, plus a physical 12-inch Claptrap figurine, a hardcover art book of Borderlands 4 concept art, a steelbook case, a vinyl record of the game’s official soundtrack, and three additional cosmetic packs for vehicles and weapons. It’s designed exclusively for long-time franchise fans.
It’s worth noting that pre-orders for all tiers get a free exclusive golden weapon skin that can’t be unlocked through regular gameplay, so if you know you want to buy the game no matter what, putting your order in early will get you that extra bonus for free. You can upgrade from the Standard Edition to the Deluxe Edition later if you decide you want the DLC and extra content, but you will lose out on the early access bonus if you wait until after launch to upgrade.
Which Edition Fits Your Playstyle?
Picking the right edition isn’t just about how much cash you have to spend—it’s about how you actually play the game, and what extras you’ll actually get use out of. If you only play Borderlands with friends once every couple of weeks, and you don’t care about getting a head start on the story, the Standard Edition will be more than enough for you. You won’t miss out on any core content, and you can pick up the DLC later if you end up loving the game and wanting more. For players who log 10+ hours a week of looter shooters, and who want to dive into the story as soon as possible, the Deluxe Edition is easily the best value. The 72 hours of early access will let you beat the main campaign before most players even get their hands on the game, and the free first DLC will save you $15 down the line. Don’t spring for the Collector’s Edition unless you already collect physical game merch—the extra cost is almost entirely tied to the physical items, so if you don’t have space for a Claptrap figurine on your shelf, you’re just wasting money. We’ve seen a lot of players regret buying collector’s editions in the past because they end up shoving the physical items in a closet and never looking at them again, so be honest with yourself about whether you’ll actually use those extras before you spend the extra cash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Borderlands 4 Edition
Even if you have a good idea of which edition you want, there are a few common pitfalls that can make you end up wasting money on content you don’t want. First, don’t buy a higher tier just for the XP boost. The XP boost only lasts for your first 20 hours of play, which most players will blow through in a long weekend of gaming, so it’s not worth paying extra for on its own. Make sure you’re buying the edition for your correct platform—a lot of pre-order pages mix up console and PC tiers, and you can’t transfer digital editions between platforms once you buy them. If you’re planning on upgrading your console in the next year, check if the edition you’re buying includes a free next-gen upgrade, so you don’t have to buy the game twice. Another mistake is waiting too long to pre-order if you want the exclusive golden weapon skin. That skin is only available for pre-orders, and it won’t be sold separately after launch, so if you know you want that extra cosmetic, lock in your order early. You can always cancel your pre-order later if you change your mind, as long as you do it before the game launches. It’s also worth checking if your preferred retailer offers extra pre-order bonuses, like exclusive store-specific skins, that you won’t get if you buy directly from the platform store.
At the end of the day, the right Borderlands 4 edition for you depends entirely on your budget, how often you play, and how much you care about exclusive content and physical merch. We put together this Borderlands 4 editions comparison to cut through all the marketing fluff and give you an honest look at what you’re paying for with every tier. No matter which edition you pick, you’re still getting the same chaotic, laugh-out-loud Borderlands gameplay, endless loot, and co-op fun that the franchise is famous for. Take a minute to think about what you actually want out of the game before you click buy, and you won’t end up disappointed with your choice.