The launch of Borderlands 4 by Gearbox Software has created a whirlwind of excitement, breaking series records within 24 hours. However, the game has also faced significant backlash from players concerned about its performance on PC. Studio co-founder Randy Pitchford has taken to social media to address these issues, leading to a heated exchange with fans as they compare the game’s performance to titles like Battlefield 6 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Reports of performance problems began circulating shortly after the game’s release, with many players voicing their frustrations on platforms such as Steam and X (formerly Twitter). In response, Pitchford defended the game, asserting that only “less than one percent of one percent” of players reported legitimate performance issues through customer support. He suggested those dissatisfied should consider requesting a refund.
Despite these reassurances, Pitchford’s responses have been perceived as defensive, leading to further disappointment among the gaming community. His comments escalated into a series of exchanges on social media, where he accused players of being “dishonest” regarding their experiences.
In one interaction, Pitchford stated, “If your priority is FPS, then use the tools to get higher FPS. If your priority is input latency, then you make other decisions.” He emphasized that the game offers various options for players to balance frame rates, resolution, and graphic features according to their personal preferences.
On September 16, 2025, Pitchford continued to reject comparisons between Borderlands 4 and other games, particularly highlighting that he would expect Battlefield 6, a competitive shooter, to prioritize frame rates over the campaign-focused Borderlands 4. He reiterated that players could seek help in tuning their settings for optimal performance.
Pitchford also addressed players who noted that Cyberpunk 2077 performed better on their systems, stating, “Cyberpunk is a different piece of software and is five years old. You are welcome to play it.” He encouraged players to explore tuning options to improve their experience with Borderlands 4.
In further comments, Pitchford assured players that with modern, high-end hardware, achieving over 100 FPS with the game is entirely feasible. He reiterated the importance of offering players choices tailored to their specific gaming priorities.
Despite the turbulence surrounding this launch, early reviews of Borderlands 4 praise it as an “undeniably excellent looter shooter.” As the community navigates these performance challenges, there is hope that the situation will improve, allowing players to fully enjoy the latest installment in the beloved series.
As gamers continue to engage with the title, resources for optimizing gameplay are becoming increasingly important. Those looking to enhance their experience may find it beneficial to consult guides and tips for a smoother start in the game.
