Why Destiny 2 Players Are Flocking to Borderlands 4

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It’s well known that Borderlands 4 shares many similarities with Destiny 2. Both games feature comparable shooting and movement, focus on collecting loot, and even include a summonable vehicle similar to the sparrow. In fact, Borderlands 4 has Vanguard Drill Sites that strongly resemble Destiny 2‘s Vanguard activities, and a robotic guide named Echo-4, who plays a role similar to Destiny 2‘s Ghost. The number of resemblances is significant, and since its release, many players who previously loved Destiny 2 have been switching over to Borderlands 4.

Naturally, just because Borderlands 4 resembled Destiny 2 wouldn’t be enough reason for players to abandon the latter for the former. There are many first-person shooters and games focused on collecting loot that have taken inspiration from Destiny, and Destiny 2 has continued to thrive. However, Borderlands 4 doesn’t just satisfy the same desires as Destiny; it also improves upon several key areas where Bungie’s MMO has struggled, particularly lately, giving Destiny 2 players compelling reasons to focus their attention elsewhere.

Borderlands 4 Is Giving Destiny 2 Players Plenty of Reasons to Leave

Borderlands 4 Perfects the Destiny 2 Hunter Power Fantasy

One of the most significant changes in Borderlands 4 is how players move around. Now, you can double-jump and glide, effectively making each Vault Hunter play a bit like a Destiny 2 Guardian. It really feels like Gearbox took a Hunter from Destiny 2, added a gliding ability, and told them to go shoot and collect loot. As one Reddit user pointed out when comparing Borderlands 4 to Destiny 2, “How did a non destiny game perfect the hunter power fantasy lol?” The satisfying movement alone is enough to give Destiny 2 fans what they’re looking for. Perhaps the biggest change Borderlands 4 made to the series’ formula is its new movement mechanics.

Borderlands 4 Is More Rewarding Than Destiny 2

It’s also worth noting that Borderlands 4 simply feels more satisfying to play than Destiny 2, though it’s fair to say that wasn’t a particularly high bar to clear. Destiny 2 has consistently had issues with how it rewards players, often leaving them feeling like their effort doesn’t translate into meaningful progress, and has therefore depended on the fear of missing out (FOMO) to encourage repeat visits. Borderlands 4, however, ensures that players feel their time is well spent.

Naturally, because Borderlands 4 isn’t designed as a constantly-updated live service, it can easily give out rewards without worrying about players stopping to play. Still, it highlights how Destiny 2‘s reward system could be improved, given the similarities between the two games. Players return to Borderlands 4 not because they fear missing out (FOMO), but because they’re confident that their time in the game will always result in some kind of reward.

Borderlands 4’s Solo Experience Is Superior to Destiny 2’s

Let’s also think about playing Borderlands 4 by yourself, which is much better than the solo experience in Destiny 2. While Borderlands 4 was made with co-op in mind, you can absolutely play through the whole game on your own, and it’s a perfectly good way to enjoy it. Destiny 2, being a constantly updated online game, wasn’t really built for solo players, but Borderlands 4 still manages to be fun whether you’re playing alone or with others. To do some of the hardest things in Destiny 2, you usually need a big group, and that can be a problem if you don’t have friends who also play Destiny 2.

The game has worked hard to make everything enjoyable for all players, even those who prefer to play by themselves. However, the most difficult parts of the game still need well-coordinated teams who can talk to each other-something that it’s always been hard to arrange in online games. This has understandably led the Destiny 2 solo player base to search for something else to enjoy. While Borderlands 4 is great with friends, it’s still (and often is) just as fun to play on your own.

Borderlands 4’s Non-Live-Service Status Lowers Expectations for Longevity

Ultimately, the fact that Borderlands 4 isn’t a live-service game is what will benefit it in the long term. Live-service games have been struggling lately, with many releasing with limited content and feeling empty or lacking depth. While Destiny 2 hasn’t always been this way, its live-service model creates certain expectations for ongoing support and content. Borderlands 4 doesn’t face those same pressures, and even though Gearbox has stated they plan to add more content, that can naturally make players more welcoming of whatever comes next.

It’s no surprise that Borderlands 4 is performing better than Destiny 2, even though it’s strange that the two were even being compared. Still, because Borderlands 4 borrowed so much from Bungie’s MMO, its weaknesses are now even more noticeable – perhaps even more so than the problems it already had.

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2025-10-01 23:40