If you’re gearing up to dive into the next chaotic, loot-filled entry in the Borderlands franchise, sorting through the different Borderlands 4 versions can feel overwhelming at first. Everyone has different priorities when buying a new game: some just want the base experience, others want every exclusive skin, early access, and bonus content they can get their hands on. I still remember pre-ordering the original Borderlands back in 2009 and being blown away by how much fun the loot grind was, so I’ve tested every edition release strategy the franchise has tried over the years. I’ve broken down exactly what each edition includes, who it’s best for, and whether the extra cost is worth it for you. There’s no one right pick, but knowing what you’re paying for will keep you from regretting your purchase down the line.
What Are the Different Borderlands 4 Versions, Exactly?
Gearbox has confirmed three core editions for launch, each with varying levels of bonus content and price points. You won’t find any region-locked exclusive versions outside of special retailer pre-order bonuses, but the base editions are the same across all platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The three standard launch editions are:
- Base Edition: The core game only, no extra bonus content, priced at the standard $69.99 for new release AAA titles.
- Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game, first year of seasonal content, exclusive character skins, weapon cosmetics, and a digital art book, priced at $99.99.
- Ultimate Edition: Includes all Deluxe Edition content, early access to the game three days before launch, a second year of seasonal content pass, exclusive playable character skin pack, and a physical vinyl copy of the game soundtrack for physical pre-orders, priced at $149.99.
All pre-orders, regardless of edition, come with a free exclusive Claptrap companion skin and a rare legendary weapon that unlocks as soon as you finish the game’s opening mission. That means even if you only buy the base game, you still get a small bonus for locking in your purchase early. I always recommend pre-ordering only if you know you’re going to play the game on launch, though—sales pop up within a few months of release for almost every AAA title these days.
Who Should Buy the Base Borderlands 4 Edition?
The base edition is the best pick for most casual players, especially if you don’t usually stick with a single game for more than a few months after launch. You get the full 30+ hour main story campaign, full access to multiplayer co-op, and the same core loot pool as every other edition, so you won’t miss out on any of the core Borderlands fun. I’ve talked to dozens of players who bought deluxe editions of past Borderlands games and never touched the bonus seasonal content because they moved on to other games before the DLC dropped. If you’re not sure how much time you’ll sink into Borderlands 4, the base edition is the lowest-risk option. You can upgrade to the Deluxe or Ultimate edition later if you end up loving the game and want more content, so you don’t have to commit to a more expensive package right away. The only downside is you won’t get the early access or pre-order exclusive character skins if you wait to upgrade, but those are purely cosmetic and don’t impact gameplay at all. If cosmetics aren’t a big priority for you, that’s not a loss worth paying extra for.
Is the Ultimate Edition Worth the Extra Cost?
The Ultimate Edition is definitely the priciest option, but it’s a great pick for long-time Borderlands fans who know they’ll be playing the game for years after launch. The three days of early access might not seem like a big deal, but if you have a regular group of friends you play co-op with, getting a head start on leveling and farming rare loot can make your first few weeks of play a lot more fun. The second year of seasonal content is the biggest value add here—past Borderlands DLCs have cost $29.99 each on average, so buying the pass upfront saves you about $20 compared to buying it separately later. The physical soundtrack and exclusive skin packs are just nice bonuses for long-time fans of the franchise. That said, it’s not worth the extra cost if you only play single player, or if you usually only finish the main campaign of a game and move on. It’s also important to note that you won’t get any gameplay advantages over lower Borderlands 4 versions—all exclusive content is either cosmetic or additional story content, no pay-to-win perks at all. I made the mistake of buying the Ultimate Edition of Borderlands 3 when it launched, and I never even touched the second year of DLC because I got burnt out on the grind after a couple of months. Take a minute to think about your usual play habits before you drop the extra cash on the highest tier.
Hidden Differences Between Platform-Specific Borderlands 4 Versions
While the core edition content is the same across all platforms, there are a few small differences between console and PC versions that are worth noting before you buy. First, the PC version supports cross-progression with all console platforms, so if you switch from PlayStation to Xbox or vice versa later, you can carry over your save file without losing any of your progress or loot. Console versions don’t support cross-progression between competing console brands right now, though Gearbox has said they’re looking into adding that feature post-launch. PC players also get access to mod support six months after launch, which adds hundreds of hours of extra user-created content, new weapons, and custom game modes that you won’t find on console versions. The only downside to the PC version is that it’s only available on the Epic Games Store and Steam for the first year, so you won’t find it on other PC launchers right away. Console players get access to exclusive platform-specific skins: PlayStation users get a unique Spartan-themed Vault Hunter skin, Xbox users get a Master Chief inspired skin, and Nintendo Switch users get a Zelda-themed skin if you buy the game on that platform. These are purely cosmetic, but they’re a fun bonus if you’re a fan of those other franchises. All versions support full cross-play across every platform, so you can play with your friends no matter what system they own, no matter which edition you buy. That’s a big improvement over past Borderlands titles, which had limited cross-play support for the first year after launch.
At the end of the day, picking between the different Borderlands 4 versions comes down to your play habits, budget, and how much bonus content you actually want. You don’t have to spend extra for the highest tier to have fun with the game, but the premium editions offer solid value if you know you’ll be playing for months or years to come. Take 10 minutes to think about how much time you usually spend on looter shooters, whether you care about cosmetic extras, and if you want early access before you make your pick. No matter which edition you choose, you’re still getting the same chaotic, joke-filled, loot-heavy Borderlands experience that fans have loved for over 15 years.