If you’re as hyped for the next chaotic looter-shooter entry as we are, you’ve probably already started scouting for details around Borderlands 4 preload to make sure you don’t waste a single second of launch day waiting for downloads. I’ve covered every Borderlands launch since the first game dropped back in 2009, and I’ve made every mistake there is when it comes to preloading: forgetting to clear space, ignoring region lock quirks, even leaving my console on rest mode only to find the download paused halfway through. This guide breaks down everything we know so far about preload for the game, plus actionable tips to avoid the most common headaches that pop up before launch.
When Can You Access Borderlands 4 Preload Across Platforms?
If you’re waiting for Borderlands 4 preload to go live, set a notification 2 hours before the expected window so you can start it the second it’s available. Based on past Gearbox launch patterns, preload typically opens 48 hours before the official global launch time for most users, but there are small differences across platforms. Xbox users usually get the earliest access, with preload sometimes going live up to 72 hours before launch, while PlayStation and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) users can expect preload to unlock 24 to 48 hours before the game goes live.
That means if you bought a physical copy of the game, you still shouldn’t skip pre-planning for download sizes. Most physical copies only include a partial install, and you’ll need to download a day one patch to access the full game, so you’ll still want to clear space ahead of time. Note for collectors edition buyers: If you purchased a premium or collectors edition with early access, your preload window will open 72 hours before your early access start time, not the global launch time.
Expected File Size and Pre-Install Requirements
Borderlands 3 launched at 75GB on consoles and 100GB on PC, with post-launch DLC adding another 40GB over time. For Borderlands 4, we expect the base preload file size to land between 110GB and 130GB across all platforms, with PC getting a slightly larger download to accommodate optional 4K texture packs and ray tracing support. The day one patch will likely add another 10 to 20GB on top of that base size, so don’t only plan for the listed preload size when clearing space.
Before preload goes live, make sure you check off all these pre-install requirements to avoid delays:
- At least 150GB of free SSD storage (HDD is not recommended, as load times will be 3-4x longer and you may face launch day crashes)
- The latest system software update for your console or PC OS to avoid compatibility conflicts with the preload installer
- Enough bandwidth to cover the full download, plus any day one patch that may drop 24 hours before launch
- Verified purchase linked to your platform account, as preload will only be available to users who have pre-ordered the game directly or redeemed a valid pre-order code
I’ve seen so many users get caught out by only having enough space for the listed preload size, only to find the day one patch pushes them over the limit. If you’re tight on space, prioritize moving older games you don’t play often to an external HDD, or uninstall them entirely, to free up room on your primary SSD. Don’t try to install the preload on an external HDD unless you’re willing to deal with extremely long load times that will put you behind your co-op group the second launch hits.
Common Preload Issues and How to Fix Them
Most Borderlands 4 preload issues are easy to fix if you know what to look for, so you don’t need to panic if you run into a small hiccup. The most common issue across all platforms is a download that gets stuck at 99% for more than 30 minutes. This usually happens because your platform is verifying file integrity ahead of launch, but if it doesn’t resolve on its own, just pause the download, restart your console or PC client, and resume the process. It will pick back up where it left off without wiping your existing progress.
Another common issue is preload not showing up in your game library, even if you pre-ordered months ago. If you bought through a third-party retailer, double check that you’ve redeemed your pre-order code on your platform account first. If you bought directly from the platform store, just search for the game on the official store page, and the preload button will appear there even if it’s not visible in your library yet. The last common error is a corrupt file notification when you try to launch the game after preload completes. This usually happens if your internet cut out mid-download or you shut off your device while files were being saved. You don’t need to redownload the full game, just run the “verify file integrity” tool on your platform, and it will replace any broken files in 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re on PC, make sure you disable any third-party antivirus software while preloading, as it often flags game installation files as suspicious and corrupts them before you even launch the game.
What You Can Do After Preloading to Prepare for Launch
Once your Borderlands 4 preload is fully installed, you’ll see a countdown timer on the game icon showing exactly when you can start playing. That doesn’t mean you have to stop prepping for launch day, though. First, if you’re planning to play cross-platform co-op, link your Gearbox SHiFT account to all your platform profiles ahead of time, so you don’t have to fumble with account settings while your friends are already looting legendaries. Most platforms let you access the pre-launch settings menu once preload is complete, so you can pre-configure your control mappings, graphics options, and accessibility settings before you even start playing.
I always take 10 minutes to set up my preferred button layouts for vaulting, weapon swapping, and skill use ahead of time, so I don’t have to adjust mid-fight when I first drop into Pandora. You can also claim any pre-order bonus items through your SHiFT account before launch, so they’ll be waiting in your in-game mailbox the second you create your first vault hunter. If you want to get a head start on planning your first playthrough, you can also browse early vault hunter ability breakdowns and weapon tier lists to decide which build you want to try first, so you don’t waste time testing random skills when you first launch.
At the end of the day, the whole point of sorting out your Borderlands 4 preload ahead of time is to skip the waiting and jump straight into the chaotic fun the series is known for. I’ve tested all these tips across three previous Borderlands launches, and I’ve never had to wait more than 60 seconds after launch to start playing. If you follow the steps we’ve laid out, you’ll be farming for your first legendary weapon, messing around with new vault hunter abilities, and blowing up bandit camps with your friends before most players even finish their downloads. Just double check your storage space before preload goes live, and you’ll be golden.