Borderlands 4 Promises Smarter Laughs Without Losing Its Edge

Borderlands 4 is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in the loot-shooter franchise yet, promising an expansive war-torn narrative, bigger mysteries, and—perhaps most surprisingly—a major revamp of its humour. Revealed at The Game Awards 2024, the game’s trailer teased a grittier tone without the barrage of over-the-top jokes and meme culture that defined Borderlands 3. But don’t worry, Borderlands 4 isn’t going full grimdark; it’s just promising smarter humour that won’t make you cringe into another dimension.

Narrative director Sam Winkler’s recent comments have fans buzzing about what’s to come. With a new team of writers—including acclaimed designer Xalavier Nelson Jr.—onboard, the writing in Borderlands 4 might finally balance absurdity with wit.

Stepping Away From Over-the-Top Toilet Humor

Let’s face it: Borderlands 3 divided fans with its relentless meme-driven humour and, well, an overabundance of toilet jokes. While bad jokes have always been a staple of the franchise’s DNA, Borderlands 3 leaned so hard into lowbrow territory that it occasionally left players wincing rather than laughing. Winkler seems keenly aware of this, promising that Borderlands 4 will refine its comedic tone without losing the charm fans love.

“I’m not gonna say there’s no toilets,” Winkler wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “but if the word skibidi ships in the game under my watch, I’m gonna cry real tears.” It’s a playful nod to the balancing act the writers face: staying true to the chaotic, irreverent Borderlands vibe while avoiding humour that feels dated or juvenile.

This pivot doesn’t mean Borderlands 4 will lose its edge, though. Winkler reassured fans that even if the humour matures, the franchise’s signature chaotic energy remains intact. Or, as he cheekily put it, “C*m jokes are still on the menu.”

A New Narrative Tone: War, Mystery, and Loot

Early trailers for Borderlands 4 tease a more serious narrative backdrop, centring on a large-scale war and dangerous mysteries that threaten the galaxy. While previous games leaned heavily on zany antics and tongue-in-cheek storytelling, the next instalment seems poised to explore darker, more complex themes.

But don’t panic—this isn’t a “gritty reboot.” The heart of Borderlands has always been its ability to juxtapose absurdity with genuine emotional stakes. By dialling back the constant punchlines, Borderlands 4 has the potential to give its characters and story the breathing room they need to truly resonate.

The Writers Behind the Chaos

A major factor in this tonal shift is the team of writers driving Borderlands 4. Winkler has brought in fresh talent, including Xalavier Nelson Jr., whose indie hits like I Am Your Beast showcase his knack for blending humour with heartfelt storytelling. Collaborating with a mix of new voices and franchise veterans, the narrative team is reimagining what it means to be funny in the world of Borderlands.

These writers aren’t just ditching the fart jokes—they’re pushing for clever, character-driven humour that feels earned. Expect dialogue and scenarios that are as witty and chaotic as the franchise’s signature cel-shaded visuals.

What the Trailer Hints At

The gameplay reveal trailer at The Game Awards 2024 offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come:

• Epic Battles: Explosions, gunfire, and larger-than-life set pieces suggest a high-octane narrative steeped in galactic conflict.
• Dark Mysteries: Teases of dangerous secrets indicate that Borderlands 4 might delve into deeper lore than its predecessors.
• Clever Chaos: While the tone feels more serious, the over-the-top weaponry and ridiculous scenarios fans love are alive and well.

One moment in the trailer even sparked speculation about a gun called “Hawk 2A,” a joke so meta that it nearly fooled Winkler’s own dev team.

Will Borderlands 4 Redefine the Franchise?

The shift in humour and tone suggests that Borderlands 4 is aiming to mature alongside its audience. Fans who’ve grown with the series may appreciate a game that respects their intelligence while still delivering the chaotic, loot-filled fun they crave.

Of course, this evolution comes with risks. Humour is subjective, and dialling back the toilet jokes might alienate fans who loved the unfiltered chaos of Borderlands 3. But if Winkler and his team can strike the right balance, Borderlands 4 could become a landmark entry in the franchise—one that redefines what Borderlands can be without losing sight of what makes it special.

What’s Next for Borderlands 4?

While details about the game remain scarce, here’s what we know so far:

• Release Window: Summer 2025.
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
• Expectations: A refined comedic tone, more immersive storytelling, and the same addictive loot-shooter gameplay that made the series a hit.