Borderlands 4 Has Me Logging In for One Thing and It’s Not the Endgame

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I’m disappointed to admit I’ve barely played Borderlands 4 in the last few weeks – probably less than an hour total. Some might say that’s understandable for a single-player game, or jokingly suggest it’s not due to the many other great releases. While those points are valid, this is Borderlands – and specifically, Borderlands 4. It was intended as a fresh start for the series, and I initially spent 70 hours really enjoying it, fully expecting to play for another 70. But that hasn’t happened at all.

I probably shouldn’t have expected Borderlands 4 to hold my attention for more than a month after it came out, especially since Arc Raiders has taken up so much of my time. Even with my new love for extraction-shooter games, I thought Borderlands 4‘s live-service features and promised endgame content would at least bring me back now and then. But honestly, I’ve only been playing it for one specific reason lately, and it’s not any of that extra content.

Borderlands 4 SHiFT Codes Are the Only Reason I’m Logging In

Let’s be honest, I’m mostly playing Borderlands 4 just to get those SHiFT codes. I don’t even need to really play the game to get the codes themselves, but I do have to log in and play to use the Golden Keys they unlock. Once I’m in, I open a Golden Chest with my new keys, grab all the loot, and then spend time figuring out what’s worth keeping and what I should sell. If something catches my eye, I might test it out on a few enemies nearby.

It seems many players, including @HorribleBloke on X, are only checking in to collect their Golden Keys and then leaving. I’m feeling the same way – I don’t have much motivation to play right now. I’m mildly interested in the upcoming Borderlands 4‘s How Rush Saved Mercenary Day DLC, just to see what it’s like, but I’m not expecting much.

Honestly, I’ve been a little distracted from Borderlands 4 lately. There have been so many awesome new games coming out – like Arc Raiders, Ghost of Yotei, and The Outer Worlds 2 – that they’ve really grabbed my attention. Right now, I just don’t feel the urge to jump back into Borderlands 4. I’d love to say I’ll return eventually, maybe when the big DLC comes out, but it feels pretty unlikely at this point. I can picture myself trying the DLC for a few hours, but then immediately wishing I was playing something else instead.

I can play the endgame content in Borderlands 4 now, I believe. It includes Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode – though it doesn’t change how often good items drop – plus farming for Specializations and Firmware. There’s also Moxxi’s Big Encore Machine and weekly Wildcard Missions to keep me chasing loot. But it all feels a bit pointless. I’ll get more powerful weapons, but what’s the ultimate goal?

I’ve always wondered about what Borderlands offers after you finish the main story. The games aren’t designed to be constantly updated like live-service titles, but they often feel like they are, and I keep hoping there will be more to do than there actually is. It always feels like something is missing – the endgame content tends to be repetitive, not very engaging, and ultimately doesn’t feel worthwhile. I’m really hoping the upcoming downloadable content for Borderlands 4 will have compelling stories to keep me invested. Until then, I’ll have to settle for the occasional bonus from SHiFT codes.

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2025-11-11 19:04