Borderlands 4 will reintroduce popular Borderlands 2 feature, roadmap confirms

Just weeks before launch, Borderlands 4 revealed its post-launch roadmap, promising a wealth of free updates and paid DLC over the next six months. One surprise highlight is the return of Pearlescent weapons and shields from Borderlands 2, a rarity fans have been eager to see come back since being removed in Borderlands 3.

During a developer panel at PAX West, Gearbox detailed how the XP-based loot grind will work. The first paid content, a Bounty Pack releasing this fall, includes new missions, a boss fight, Legendary gear, and fresh cosmetics. Players will also earn Vault Cards to unlock extra rewards, including gear that can be rerolled to suit individual builds.

The biggest expansion, a paid Story Pack, arrives in early 2026. This cosmic-horror-themed update centers on Mad Ellie, a new Vault Hunter and Pandoran mechanic who’s also Moxxi’s daughter. It adds a new area, mini-campaign, collectibles, and sees the return of some fan-favorite characters. A second Story Pack is planned later in the year.

The major free update comes with Bounty Pack 2, introducing the highly anticipated Pearlescent rarity. These ultra-rare drops carry unique effects and, unlike before, Gearbox promises their power will match their rarity. Pearlescent gear will be difficult to find but truly rewarding.

While not explicitly confirmed, Gearbox hinted at challenging endgame content similar to Borderlands 3’s Takedowns, with “Invincible Bosses” featuring massive health pools, deadly attacks, and new mechanics. The first of these is expected before the end of 2025. Other post-launch content includes weekly boss fights, wildcard missions, and Maurice’s Black Market Machine.

If Borderlands 4 can deliver a stronger story and deeper build customization than its predecessor, this robust roadmap promises plenty for loot hunters to look forward to—especially with rivals like Destiny 2 and Diablo 4 currently facing their own challenges.