Why I’m Waiting for Borderlands 4’s First DLC Before Going Back to It

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As a long-time fan of the Borderlands series, I was really hoping for a strong return with the latest installment, especially since the previous game had some issues. I was encouraged when the developers announced they were changing the game’s tone and making significant improvements to gameplay and design – it showed they were listening to player feedback and aiming to revitalize the franchise. Now that the game is out, most people agree it’s a success. I personally loved my experience in the world of Kairos, spending over 80 hours completing everything the game had to offer, from side quests to collectibles, before finishing the main story.

I’ve always played Borderlands a little differently than most players. I usually prefer to play through the story alone with just one character, and that’s still true with the latest game. After finishing the campaign and leveling up my Vex character, I stopped playing. I’m actually waiting for the first downloadable content for Borderlands 4 before I start again, and I’ve found this lets me enjoy the game more when new content is available.

As a Soloist, I’ve Always Been More Interested in Borderlands’ Story DLCs Than Other Updates and Tweaks

I’ve played all the main Borderlands games, including every story expansion and spin-off like Tales From the Borderlands and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. I think some of the best Borderlands content is actually found in the downloadable content, especially Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. Other DLCs I really enjoyed are Moxxi’s Heist of the Handsome Jackpot and the Western-themed Bounty of Blood for Borderlands 3.

I’ve always enjoyed the core gameplay of Borderlands, but I don’t focus too much on perfecting builds or endlessly searching for the best items. I do appreciate good gear, though – Borderlands 4 was the first time I played as a Siren because Vex’s abilities and character really appealed to me. Finding a powerful, legendary item that fit my playstyle was always exciting. However, what really keeps me coming back to the Borderlands series is the ongoing story and the rich world it creates.

My Vex strategy focused on using her Trouble ability and creating illusions. These illusions would draw enemy fire and inflict elemental damage or negative effects, all while also healing me and shortening my ability cooldowns.

Returning to Borderlands 4 Only When Its First DLC Releases Helps Keep It Feeling Fresh For Me

I’ve been a Borderlands fan since the beginning, and I’ve found a rhythm that really works for me. I always finish the main story, then step away for a few months until the big DLC comes out. It helps me avoid burnout and keeps me excited to jump back in. I actually remember waiting a long time to start The Pre-Sequel – I bought it in 2014, but didn’t play until the spring of 2015! By then, they’d patched the game so you could play as Handsome Jack/Timothy right from the start, and he quickly became one of my favorite characters. The story felt even better knowing what was going on, which probably wouldn’t have happened if I’d played it right away. So, taking that break between finishing the story and starting the DLC has always been a good call for me.

I stopped playing about two weeks after Borderlands 4 came out, but I’ve been following all the updates. It’s been quite a ride! The biggest drama was definitely the confusing back-and-forth with the Crit Knife Bleed build – I didn’t try it myself, but I always admire when players discover powerful combinations. That’s always been a fun part of Borderlands. Personally, I’m more interested in the story, and that’s what excites me about the new expansion.

Borderlands 4’s First DLC Looks Promising

Okay, so the first DLC for Borderlands 4 is called ‘Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned,’ and it’s aiming for a Q1 2026 release. Just the title itself has me hooked! It reminds me a lot of Borderlands 3‘s ‘Love, Guns, and Tentacles,’ which was one of my favorites. This one seems to be leaning into that Lovecraftian, cosmic horror vibe, or maybe it’s hinting at Ellie taking over some of Moxxi’s role. Whatever it is, I’m really excited to see how the story plays out. The fact that it’s been a while since the last game means jumping back in will feel new and exciting, and a fresh storyline is exactly what I want.

Borderlands Tends to Get Better While I Wait for DLC

There are a couple of benefits to this delay as well. It gives Gearbox more time to fix any remaining performance problems and bugs, which I experienced a few of, though they weren’t major. Plus, the new DLC will probably raise the level cap, just like in other Borderlands games. That means I can immediately start leveling up my Vex character while enjoying the DLC’s story and getting new equipment.

I’ve had success with this approach before, and I’m sure waiting for the first big expansion for Borderlands 4 before playing will let me fully enjoy the new game without getting bored of it too quickly. It’s better to wait and keep the experience fresh.

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2025-11-12 00:39