Upon its recent release, Borderlands 4 for PC has drawn criticism due to its high system demands and inconsistent performance, a point that Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford has publicly acknowledged. Even with top-tier hardware, achieving smooth gameplay can be challenging, but certain adjustments can significantly enhance the experience.
The game is developed using Unreal Engine 5, an engine already known for its inherent performance challenges. Borderlands 4 initially employs the engine`s most demanding presets, which negatively impacts performance. Experts at Hardware Unboxed have meticulously tested various in-game settings to pinpoint those that offer the most significant performance gains. Their findings indicate that reducing the lighting quality is the most effective immediate step, as it lessens the strain from Unreal Engine 5`s ray-traced lighting. Visual comparisons show minimal difference between `Very High` and `Medium` lighting settings in most scenes, particularly given Borderlands 4`s distinct art style, yet this change alone can boost performance by over 25% compared to the highest preset.
Additional settings, such as shadow quality and volumetric cloud quality, also contribute to performance improvements, albeit to a lesser extent individually. However, when combined with other recommended tweaks, players can achieve an average frame rate increase of more than 50% with negligible impact on visual fidelity. This can transform a stuttering, unplayable experience into smooth gameplay. While Gearbox may not fully resolve Unreal Engine`s core issues, there are opportunities for the developer to optimize shader compilation to reduce stutters and refine in-game engine settings to provide players with a more balanced performance baseline.
Borderlands 4 represents the newest installment in the acclaimed looter-shooter franchise. While it excels in delivering engaging first-person action and loot-driven progression, it reportedly falls short of its predecessors` characteristic humor. In a 7/10 review, editor Jordan Ramée noted that for players primarily seeking loot, build customization, and chaotic action, Borderlands 4 effectively delivers.