Gearbox Software has revealed that Borderlands 4 will move away from the heavy reliance on toilet humor that characterized its predecessor, Borderlands 3. Narrative director Sam Winkler discussed this on social media, noting that while humor remains central to the series, the tone will shift towards something more balanced and potentially more refined.
The Borderlands franchise is known for its chaotic energy and offbeat humor. However, Borderlands 3 faced significant criticism for leaning too heavily into juvenile jokes, particularly those involving scatological themes. Winkler addressed this directly, stating, “I remain firm in my criticism of BL3’s overabundance of toilet humor.” He humorously added that he would be disheartened to see overly trendy or surface-level gags, referencing meme-driven content like “skibidi” as something Borderlands 4 will actively avoid.
Winkler also highlighted that the Borderlands 4 writing team includes some of the “funniest people” he has worked with, emphasizing Gearbox’s focus on delivering humor that resonates without relying on tired tropes. While he clarified that the game will not completely abandon toilets—acknowledging the series’ comedic roots—he promised a noticeable departure from the relentless repetition seen in the previous installment.
This decision marks a notable shift for the franchise, which has occasionally struggled to keep its humor feeling fresh in an era where internet memes and referential jokes can quickly become dated.
While specifics about Borderlands 4 remain scarce beyond its reveal at The Game Awards 2024, Winkler’s comments indicate that the development team is actively listening to feedback. For fans, this could mean a Borderlands experience that retains its edge without overstaying its comedic welcome.
Borderlands 4 is currently set for release in 2025. It is scheduled to launch for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X.
