Ultimate Borderlands 4 Editions Guide: Prices & Bonuses 2026
What are the different Borderlands 4 editions and their prices? Borderlands 4 offers four editions ranging from the $69.99 Standard Edition to the $150 GameStop-exclusive Collector’s Edition, each with unique bonuses and post-launch content.
After the pricing controversy that had the community in an uproar (remember Randy Pitchford’s “$80 real fans” comment?), I’ve analyzed every single Borderlands 4 edition to help you decide which one’s actually worth your hard-earned cash. As someone who’s pre-ordered every Borderlands game since the original, I’ll share exactly what you’re getting with each edition and whether the extra content justifies the price bump. Like many other best RPG shooter games, Borderlands 4 offers multiple purchase tiers to match different player preferences.
| Edition Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $69.99 | Casual players, first-timers |
| Deluxe Edition | $99.99 | Regular players wanting DLC |
| Super Deluxe Edition | $129.99 | Completionists & dedicated fans |
| Collector’s Edition | $150.00 | Physical collectors (no game) |
Borderlands 4 Standard Edition ($69.99) – The Essential Experience
The Standard Edition gives you the core Borderlands 4 experience at the new industry-standard $70 price point. While it’s a $10 jump from Borderlands 3’s launch price, I actually think it’s reasonable given the inflation and development costs we’ve seen across the industry. You’ll get the full base game across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and eventually Nintendo Switch 2 on October 3, 2025.
What’s Included in the Standard Edition
The Standard Edition includes the complete base game and, if you pre-order, the Gilded Glory Pack. This pre-order bonus pack contains:
- 1 Vault Hunter Head (usable by all four starting Borderlands 4 Vault Hunter characters)
- 1 Vault Hunter Skin for customization
- 1 Weapon Skin to make your guns look flashy
- 1 ECHO-4 Drone Skin for your companion
- 4 pieces of Legendary Gear for leveling (these scale with your level, so don’t worry about outgrowing them quickly)
Based on my experience with Borderlands 3’s pre-order bonuses, these legendary weapons will be particularly useful during your first playthrough. They typically remain viable until around level 15-20, giving you a nice power boost during the early game grind. If you’re interested in understanding how different Vault Hunter progression systems work, the scaling gear will help demonstrate the game’s evolution mechanics.
Who Should Buy the Standard Edition?
I’d recommend the Standard Edition if you’re new to the franchise or a casual player who mainly sticks to the main campaign. If you’re like me and typically dive deep into endgame content and DLC, you’ll probably want to look at the higher tiers. The Standard Edition is perfect for testing the waters, especially since you can always upgrade later if you get hooked (though it’ll cost more in the long run).
Borderlands 4 Deluxe Edition ($99.99) – The Sweet Spot for Most Players
At $99.99, the Deluxe Edition is what I’m personally pre-ordering. It includes everything from the Standard Edition plus the Firehawk’s Fury Weapon Skin and the Bounty Pack Bundle, which contains four separate DLC packs scheduled for post-launch release.
The Bounty Pack Bundle Breakdown
The Bounty Pack Bundle is where the Deluxe Edition really shines. Based on what 2K Games has revealed, each of the four Bounty Packs will include:
- A unique area with new missions (think Headhunter packs from Borderlands 2 achievements)
- A unique boss fight with exclusive loot
- A Vault Card packed with challenges and rewards
- New legendary gear and weapons specific to each pack
- Additional Vault Hunter cosmetics
- A new vehicle with cosmetic options
If these are anything like the Director’s Cut and Designer’s Cut from Borderlands 3, we’re looking at roughly 3-4 hours of content per pack, plus the extended gameplay from Vault Card challenges. That’s potentially 12-16 hours of additional content, not counting the grind for perfect gear rolls.
Value Analysis for the Deluxe Edition
The $30 premium over the Standard Edition essentially pre-purchases what would likely cost $40-50 if bought separately. Based on Borderlands 3’s DLC pricing, individual Bounty Packs would probably retail for $10-15 each. You’re saving money while guaranteeing access to all the mid-tier content. For regular Borderlands players who want more than the base game but don’t need every single piece of content, this is your edition.
Borderlands 4 Super Deluxe Edition ($129.99) – The Complete Package
The Super Deluxe Edition is for the dedicated Vault Hunters among us. At $129.99, you’re getting everything from the Deluxe Edition plus the Ornate Order Pack and the Vault Hunter Pack, which includes two major story DLCs with new playable characters.
Exclusive Super Deluxe Content
The Ornate Order Pack provides immediate cosmetic rewards:
- 4 exclusive Vault Hunter Skins
- 4 unique Vault Hunter Heads
- 4 Vault Hunter Body customizations
But the real value comes from the Vault Hunter Pack, which promises:
- 2 brand new playable Vault Hunters (similar to how Borderlands 4 Vex Siren abilities expand the roster)
- 2 Story Packs with full narrative campaigns
- 2 new map regions to explore
- Exclusive gear and weapons tied to the new content
- Additional cosmetics for both new and existing Vault Hunters
Having played every Borderlands DLC character, I can tell you these typically add 20-30 hours of gameplay each, especially if you’re leveling them to max and farming endgame content. The story packs alone usually run 6-8 hours per campaign, not counting side missions and exploration. If you’ve been following the Harlowe Gravitar abilities reveals, you know how much depth each character brings to the experience.
Is the Super Deluxe Worth the Extra $30?
If you’re planning to play Borderlands 4 for the long haul, absolutely. The two additional Vault Hunters alone would likely cost $20-30 if purchased separately, and the story packs would be another $30-40 based on previous Borderlands pricing. You’re essentially getting $50-70 worth of content for an extra $30. Plus, having everything from day one means you won’t miss any limited-time events or community moments tied to DLC releases.
I learned this lesson with Borderlands 3 when I initially bought the Standard Edition and ended up spending more upgrading piecemeal. The completionist in me regretted not going all-in from the start, especially when seasonal events required DLC access for exclusive rewards.
Borderlands 4 Collector’s Edition ($150) – For Display, Not Play
Here’s where things get weird. The $150 GameStop-exclusive Collector’s Edition doesn’t actually include the game. Yes, you read that right – you’re paying $150 for physical collectibles only. This caught many fans off guard when it was announced, and I’ve seen plenty of confusion in the community about this.
What You Actually Get
While GameStop hasn’t revealed the exact collectibles yet, based on previous Borderlands collector’s editions, expect items like:
- Character figurines or statues
- Art books or lithographs
- Replica in-game items
- Exclusive physical merchandise
This edition is purely for collectors who want physical memorabilia. You’ll need to buy one of the other editions separately to actually play the game, potentially pushing your total investment to $220-280 depending on which game edition you choose.
Platform Availability and Release Timing
Most platforms get Borderlands 4 on September 12, 2025, but there’s an important exception. Nintendo Switch 2 players will have to wait until October 3, 2025 – a three-week delay that’s becoming increasingly common for Switch ports. Having experienced similar delays with Borderlands 3 on Switch, I’d recommend going with another platform if you want to jump in at launch with the community.
The good news is that Borderlands 4 will support Borderlands 4 cross-platform support, so even if you start on PC or console, you should be able to play with Switch friends once their version launches.
The Pricing Controversy Explained (2026)
Let me address the elephant in the room. In March 2026, Randy Pitchford stirred up controversy by suggesting “real fans” would pay $80 for Borderlands 4. The community backlash was swift and harsh, with many feeling insulted by the implication that their fandom was tied to their willingness to pay premium prices.
The final $70 price point for the Standard Edition actually came as a relief to many. It’s in line with other AAA releases like Call of Duty, Hogwarts Legacy, and God of War Ragnarök. While nobody loves price increases, the $70 standard has become the new normal for current-gen games.
From my perspective, the controversy was overblown. Pitchford’s comments were tone-deaf, sure, but the final pricing structure is fair considering the amount of content promised. The tiered editions give players options based on their budget and commitment level, which is exactly what we should want from publishers.
Smart Pre-Order Strategies from a Borderlands Veteran
After pre-ordering every Borderlands game, here’s my advice for maximizing value:
Wait for Platform Store Sales
If you’re not desperate to play on day one, digital storefronts often run 10-20% off sales in the weeks leading up to launch. I’ve saved $10-20 on deluxe editions by being patient and watching for these deals.
Consider the GameStop Ripper Mask
GameStop pre-orders include an exclusive Ripper Mask cosmetic. If you’re a completionist who needs every cosmetic item, this might sway your retailer choice. Just remember that GameStop’s return policy is stricter than digital purchases.
Check Regional Pricing
PC players can sometimes find better deals through regional Steam or Epic Games Store pricing. Just ensure you’re buying from legitimate sources to avoid account issues.
Factor in Your Playstyle
Think about how you played previous Borderlands games. Did you complete all the DLC? Did you level multiple characters? If yes, the higher editions offer better value. If you typically move on after the main campaign, stick with Standard. Consider exploring the Borderlands 4 character lore to see if the expanded content appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from Standard to Deluxe Edition later?
Yes, most platforms allow edition upgrades post-launch, but you’ll likely pay more than the current price difference. Based on Borderlands 3, expect to pay $35-40 to upgrade from Standard to Deluxe after launch, versus the $30 difference now.
Will the Gilded Glory Pack be available after launch?
2K Games has confirmed the pre-order bonus will be available as a separate purchase after launch, likely for $5-10. However, you’ll miss out on having those legendary weapons during your first playthrough, which is when they’re most useful.
Which edition has the best value for money?
In my opinion, the Deluxe Edition at $99.99 offers the best bang for your buck. You get substantial post-launch content without the premium price of the Super Deluxe. However, if you’re a die-hard fan who’ll play everything, the Super Deluxe saves money in the long run.
Is the Collector’s Edition worth $150 without the game?
Only if you’re a serious collector. The physical items need to be something you genuinely want to display. For most players, that $150 is better spent on the Super Deluxe Edition plus some merchandise from the official store.
When will the post-launch content release?
While 2K hasn’t announced specific dates, Borderlands 3’s DLC schedule suggests we’ll see the first Bounty Pack within 2-3 months of launch, with subsequent content dropping every 2-3 months. The new Vault Hunters typically arrive 6-12 months post-launch.
Final Verdict: Which Edition Should You Buy?
After breaking down every edition and drawing from my experience with the franchise, here’s my recommendation: The Deluxe Edition is the smart choice for most Borderlands fans. At $99.99, you’re getting the complete first year of content at a discount, without overpaying for content you might not use.
However, if you’re absolutely certain you’ll play everything Borderlands 4 has to offer – every character, every mission, every challenge – then the Super Deluxe Edition’s $129.99 price tag is justified. The two additional Vault Hunters alone make it worthwhile for players who love experimenting with different playstyles.
The Standard Edition remains a solid entry point for newcomers or those on a budget, while the Collector’s Edition is purely for display purposes. Whatever you choose, September 12, 2025 can’t come soon enough. See you in the Borderlands, Vault Hunter!