The launch of Borderlands 4 has been met with both enthusiasm for its gameplay and criticism over technical performance. In response, Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford has taken to Twitter/X to directly address player concerns, offering detailed explanations and hands-on advice regarding optimization.
Pitchford clarified that the game’s recommended specifications are designed to achieve 60 frames per second at 1440p resolution, while the minimum specifications target 30 frames per second at 1080p. According to him, performance beyond those thresholds is dependent on players adjusting their priorities between frame rate, resolution, and graphical features. “Minimum spec achieves 30fps in HD. Recommended spec achieves 60fps in 1440p. Your mileage may vary depending on the details of your configuration,” Pitchford wrote.
Despite these assurances, many players continue to report issues such as inconsistent frame rates, shader compilation stutter, and reliance on technologies like DLSS and frame generation to maintain stable performance. Some owners of high-end hardware, including NVIDIA’s latest GPUs, voiced frustration that the game still struggled to deliver consistent frame rates. One player remarked, “I shouldn’t need frame gen for more than 70 consistent frames on high settings,” prompting Pitchford to once again offer optimization guidance.
Pitchford repeatedly emphasized that players dissatisfied with performance should either make trade-offs with in-game settings or consider seeking refunds if they are unwilling to do so. “The game is awesome and it is designed to be just fine of an experience at 30fps and feel great at 60fps. We also have provided a lot of options for you to make different trade offs between frame rate, resolution, and graphics features,” he explained.
The exchanges highlight the ongoing tension between developer intent and community expectations for modern PC releases, particularly when comparing Borderlands 4 to other large-scale titles such as Cyberpunk 2077. While Gearbox insists the game is functioning as intended, the company has also acknowledged ongoing work to improve stability in future updates.
Released on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Borderlands 4 is scheduled to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 3, 2025.
