The Hype Train for Borderlands 4 Meets a Technical Wall

Although Borderlands 4 has launched on Steam with massive concurrent player numbers, significant performance complaints have resulted in a ‘mixed’ user review rating. The game achieved a peak of 207,479 concurrent players, a record high for the franchise. However, widespread technical problems impacted the initial launch, resulting in ‘mostly negative’ reviews before improving to its current mixed status. So, why are so many players experiencing these frustrating issues?

Brilliance of Borderlands 4 Behind the Buffering

Severe performance problems and frequent game crashes have been the focus of these primary complaints. Even Borderlands 4 players using high-end PC hardware aren’t completely safe from these issues either. For many users, terrible optimization is forcing them to use the lowest graphical settings, while still failing to achieve a stable 60 frames per second. Furthermore, Gearbox has directly responded to this feedback, quickly posting an official Nvidia Optimization guide on Steam. In this guide, players are advised on how to adjust their graphics settings for better performance and framerates using the Nvidia app.

Not only that, but the developers outlined the expected performance for both the minimum and recommended PC specifications. Alongside the guide, Gearbox included a crucial piece of advice. Specifically, the company urged players to continue playing for at least fifteen minutes after changing any graphics setting to allow for shader recompilation. Additionally, detailed charts from Nvidia with optimal settings for various GPU and resolution combinations were also provided. Furthermore, the team strongly recommended downloading the newest Nvidia Game Ready Driver. However, will these suggested fixes be enough to satisfy the frustrated player base?

Tuning Pandora’s Demanding Graphical Demons

Since negative Steam reviews can severely impact a game’s commercial success, Gearbox and publisher 2K Games needed to address these complaints quickly for players. The company’s development chief, Randy Pitchford, already addressed Borderlands 4‘s performance concerns on social media before the launch. Specifically, he promised that the Day 1 patch would do a lot to improve the experience.

Even with the release of the patch, Pitchford was also very clear to players to manage their expectations using older hardware. According to Pitchford, Borderlands 4 should be expected to be unplayable on any machine falling below the stated minimum specifications. He further emphasized that any outdated hardware with the ability to run even 55 to 60 frames per second is actually an incredible feat, given the game’s new engine and seamless world.

At the end of the discussion, the developer noted that older hardware cannot provide buttery smooth performance for the latest AAA games, which include Borderlands 4. However, players shouldn’t be surprised by this revelation, as it’s been consistent throughout the history of PC gaming. While this may seem like a reasonable expectation, a developer should ensure a stable experience across more hardware profiles. As Gearbox drops subsequent patches and updates, the community is now watching closely to see how quickly and effectively the situation improves.