With the Borderlands 4 release date approaching fast (scheduled for September 12, 2025, developed by Gearbox Software using Unreal Engine 5 and published by 2K), plenty of returning players and first-timers are probably asking the same thing: which edition is worth getting?

Here’s a clear, direct breakdown of your options to help you figure out what fits your playstyle and wallet.

There are three versions available: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Super Deluxe Edition. No matter which one you pre-order, you’ll get the Gilded Glory Pack as a bonus. So let’s break each edition down.

Cover art of Borderlands 4 showing three editions: Standard (red background), Deluxe Edition (black and yellow), and Super Deluxe Edition (gold and white).
Borderlands 4 is coming with multiple editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe — each packed with unique content for Vault Hunters. / Image credit: Gearbox Software

Borderlands 4 Standard Edition: Just the Game, Nothing Else

The Standard Edition includes the full base game. That’s all – no extras, no bonuses beyond the pre-order cosmetic pack. It’s priced at $69.99.

Who should consider it? If you’re new to Borderlands, this is the safest entry point. You get to try the full game without committing to DLC you might not even want. It’s also a decent pick if you plan to wait for future discounts on story expansions and additional content. If cosmetics don’t matter to you and you’re okay with buying DLCs separately when they release, this edition keeps things simple.

Plenty of forum regulars suggest going this route and only picking up expansions when they’re on sale. That way, you only pay for the content you end up wanting. It is a strategy that works well if you’re patient and not in a rush to see everything at launch.

Borderlands 4 Deluxe Edition: Base Game Plus a Few Extras

The Deluxe Edition includes:

  •  The full base game
  • Gilded Glory Pack (1 Vault Hunter skin, 1 weapon skin, 1 ECHO 4 Drone skin)
  • Firehawk’s Fury Weapon Skin
  • Bounty Pack Bundle with 4 unique areas with new missions and bosses, 4 Vault Cards with exclusive challenges and unlocks, new gear and cosmetics, and 4 vehicles with alternate visuals

It’s priced at $99.99.

This edition is for players who want more than just the campaign. The Bounty Pack offers extra gameplay but it’s not the full slate of post-launch content. If you like having a few bonus areas to explore and some early cosmetics to mess with, but don’t care about every piece of DLC down the road, Deluxe fits somewhere in the middle.

That said, some argue that if you’re already spending $99.99, the Super Deluxe makes more sense for only $30 more. It bundles in every major piece of future content. If you plan to stick with the game long term, that extra $30 could be the better value.

Borderlands 4 Super Deluxe Edition: The Full Package

The Super Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Deluxe version, plus:

  • Ornate Order Pack with 4 Vault Hunter skins, 4 heads, and 4 body designs
  • Vault Hunter Pack with 2 new playable Vault Hunters, 2 new Story Packs with full campaign content, 2 new map regions, additional gear, more cosmetics, and new ECHO 4 visuals

Price: $129.99

This edition is clearly aimed at dedicated players who know they’ll be invested beyond launch. It includes all major DLC, including post-release story missions and two new characters.

Important note: the two additional Vault Hunters won’t be available at launch. The base game ships with four characters and these two will arrive in updates, likely into 2026. That has sparked some debate.

Many fans feel uneasy about content being announced early but not included in the base game. It brings back memories of Borderlands 2 when Gaige was sold as DLC either at launch or shortly after. Instead of adding new skill trees like Borderlands 3 did, Gearbox seems to be returning to its earlier model of offering brand new characters as premium DLC.

Some players don’t mind paying for more characters. Others feel this kind of content should be included from the start. Either way, it’s worth thinking about whether you’re comfortable spending extra for content that doesn’t arrive on day one.

Community Reactions: Are Paid Vault Hunters Worth It?

The inclusion of two paid Vault Hunters has sparked a lot of back and forth in online threads. Some fans say it feels off to announce paid characters before the game even ships. Others argue it’s not new for Borderlands and point out that Gaige and Krieg were both post-launch DLC in BL2. Still, there’s a clear divide. Some long-time players hoped Borderlands 4 would follow BL3 with new skill trees for existing characters instead of locking full characters behind another paywall.

The split comes down to how players view DLC timing. Is it better to know upfront what you’re getting, or does announcing content before release feel like a pre-cut slice from the full game? Either way, it is something to consider.

Game Value: Is $129.99 Too Much?

There has been some useful discussion online comparing game pricing now to older titles. Someone pointed out that Madden 64 cost $75 in 1996. Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $150 today. So modern games, even the most expensive editions, offer more hours and features at a lower adjusted price.

Looter shooters like Borderlands can easily provide hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you’re the type to chase every side quest, experiment with every build, and run endgame content with friends, the $129.99 price might make sense. You’re paying more up front but the long-term value per hour can be solid.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Borderlands 4 Edition

Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide which version fits your needs:

  • Standard Edition: if you’re just getting started with Borderlands or you’re unsure how much time you’ll put in, this version gives you the full game without extras. It’s a practical option for casual players or anyone who prefers to buy expansions later. You can always upgrade later if the game pulls you in.
  • Deluxe Edition: works well if you know you’ll go beyond just the main story. It gives you a few extra missions, some gear, and early cosmetics. It adds value without locking you into buying everything up front.
  • Super Deluxe Edition: this one is for players who expect to stick with the game over time. It gives you access to all expansions, characters, and post-launch content. You will not need to think about future bundles or extra purchases.

If you usually stick with games for a while and like having all the content as soon as it releases, the Super Deluxe Edition is probably the better fit. But if you’re more of a casual player or just want to see how the game feels before spending more, the Standard Edition is a safer place to start.