Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 Opens a Free Play Weekend on Steam
Borderlands 4 is running a limited-time free play weekend on Steam that gives PC players access to the looter shooter's base game. This is trial-style access rather than a giveaway or a permanent free-to-play release, so the game stays a paid product once the promotion ends. Free post-launch additions such as Circle of Slaughter are included, while paid story content and downloadable Vault Hunters remain locked during the event.
Setting and Gameplay
Developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K, the game launched in September 2025 and takes place on Kairos, a planet ruled by a tyrant known as the Timekeeper. Players pick one of four new Vault Hunters and battle across hostile regions using Action Skills, customizable skill trees, and movement options that include double jumps, glides, dodges, and grapples. Single-player and online co-op are both supported, along with cross-platform multiplayer for groups spread over different systems. Metacritic lists a critic score of 81, while IGDB's user average sits at 58.
Who Might Enjoy It
Loot-driven shooters reward time spent collecting gear and tuning character builds, so an open weekend suits players who want to test the combat loop before buying. Co-op groups get an easy entry, since everyone can join the same session while the promotion runs. The gap between the critic and user scores is worth weighing if community impressions matter to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does progress carry over after the free weekend?
Yes. Gearbox states that progress, loot, and achievements are kept if the game is purchased on the same platform afterward. Cross-platform saves through a free SHiFT account also let owners continue the same Vault Hunters on other systems where they own a copy.
Can free players team up with friends who own the game?
They can. Friends who already own a DLC Vault Hunter can still use that character during co-op, but the party is limited to missions that come with the base game.
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