Terminally Ill Fan Enjoys and Applauds Borderlands 4

Back in October, one of Gearbox’s dedicated fans got the opportunity of a lifetime. Caleb McAlpine, a huge fan of the Borderlands series, who had recently received a terminal cancer diagnosis, was able to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 ahead of its official release. The president and CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, Randy Pitchford, personally arranged for Caleb and a friend to visit the headquarters, where they not only played the game but met the development team as well. Caleb has since described the game as “amazing.”

This touching gesture from Gearbox comes as anticipation builds around the highly awaited Borderlands 4, which is set to release in 2025. Fans have been eager to learn more about the game, especially since details have been scant. A sneak peek trailer at Gamescom in August gave a glimpse into what’s coming, but fans have been speculating wildly since then. Theories have been buzzing online about what the plot will entail, which beloved characters might make a return, and who the antagonist could be this time around.

In a heartfelt Reddit post, Caleb explained how he shared his wish to play Borderlands 4 early due to his prognosis. His post captured the community’s attention, and soon enough, Gearbox made arrangements for him and a friend to travel to their Frisco, Texas headquarters. He couldn’t hide his excitement, stating, “Playing the game has been amazing, and the kindness everyone showed—it’s something I’ll never forget.” Even if Caleb isn’t around for the official launch, he’s grateful for the gaming community’s support and Gearbox’s generosity.

Moving beyond this personal story, fans are eagerly awaiting news on the game’s release date. According to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, the release of Borderlands 4 is being strategically planned to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto 6’s launch, projected for Fall 2025. With this in mind, many are betting on a late spring or early summer 2025 release date, though the official timeframe stretches as far as March 2026.

There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding Borderlands 4. The teaser introduced fans to four new Vault Hunters, and the game’s vibrant artwork, spearheaded by Art Director Adam May, hints at a colorful and different aesthetic than previous games. And while there’s buzz about the potential return of Handsome Jack, Pitchford has promised a new villain that’s even more menacing and complex, ready to surprise and challenge players.

As the release date inches closer, the excitement for Borderlands 4 only grows. It promises to deliver the thrill and adventure fans expect, with new twists that ensure it’s a worthy successor in this beloved series.