Borderlands 4 is set on an "all-new planet" rather than series mainstay Pandora

Borderlands 4 screenshot showing a fractured sky of a new planet
(Image credit: Gearbox Software)

For the first time in the Borderlands series, Borderlands 4 pivots away from Pandora and takes the action to an "all-new planet."

Yesterday's Borderlands 4 reveal trailer at the Gamescom Opening Night Live showcase didn't really tell us a whole lot about the game. We saw some sort of planet with weird purple cracks hurtling through outer space, seemingly shattering the sky of another, second planet, and a classic 'psycho' helmet being picked up by an unseen figure.

It wasn't until Borderlands 4's trailer was published on YouTube via the video below that another crucial detail emerged. "In this next installment of the definitive looter shooter, players will assume the role of a legendary Vault Hunter as they blast their way through hordes of enemies in search of new treasures to loot on an all-new planet," the video's description reads.

Borderlands 4 - Official Teaser Trailer - YouTube Borderlands 4 - Official Teaser Trailer - YouTube
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So there we have it: Borderlands 4 is taking place on a brand new planet, for the very first time for a mainline game in the series. Borderlands 1 through 3, as well as Tales From the Borderlands, all took place on Pandora . The only Borderlands games that didn't were Tiny Tina's Wonderlands and New Tales From the Borderlands, but the former was very deliberately a spin-off game.

Right now, we know that Borderlands 4 is coming next year in 2025 for PC and current-gen consoles. The new announcement makes next year look incredibly busy for 2K - not only does it have Borderlands 4 on the cards, but it's also got Civilization 7 releasing on February 11 and Mafia: The Old Country arriving at some point later in the year.

Putting the Borderlands 4 reveal just 2 weeks after the Borderlands movie's $90m flop is being hailed as Randy Pitchford's ultimate "big brain move."

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.