Borderlands 3 in 2025 | Is It Still Fun?
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
A growing number of players are evaluating how Borderlands 3 stacks up in 2025, following the buzz around Borderlands 4. Many gamers are firing the game up on high-end hardware, and the responses reveal mixed feelings about its aging mechanics.
As players revisit the 2019 title, many reflect on its gunplay, graphics, and overall gameplay experience compared to current titles. With the game now six years old, some fans question if it still holds the charm it once did or feels dated against 2025's standards.
Analyzing Gunplay and Experience
Players have praised Borderlands 3 for its enjoyable gunplay, calling it a significant improvement over its predecessors. One gamer stated, "3 is the first one I’d consider to have actual good gunplay." This sentiment echoes among many returning fans, as they appreciate the refined mechanics and vibrant world. However, some still favor earlier titles for various reasons.
"Having fun with BL1, but to think about how BL2 plays seems like such a big jump in gameplay."
Interestingly, the visual quality is still impressive, particularly for those playing on states like RTX 4090 with 4K settings, achieving 60 FPS. However, some were surprised by the frame rate, especially considering the absence of features like DLSS or frame generation.
Quest and Story Design
The open world and quest architecture raise questions about how modern it feels. Some participants have noted that while Borderlands 3 does indeed feature a story, it doesn’t measure up to the narrative depth of titles like Borderlands 2, which many still regard highly. One comment read, "BL2 is still my favorite in the series but 3 is still a very good game."
Mixed Sentiments on the Series
Comments vary significantly from a positive nostalgia for the series to critique of its current positioning within the gaming world.
Fast travel in Borderlands 3 is lauded for convenience, which makes earlier iterations feel lacking.
On the flip side, multiple players indicate that while graphical enhancements in Borderlands 3 are commendable, it lacks some quality-of-life features players have come to love in more recent titles.
Key Points to Consider
△ Gunplay in Borderlands 3 is considered superior compared to previous games.
◻ Despite being six years old, graphics are still impressive, even on high-end setups.
▽ Many players express nostalgia for earlier games' storytelling and mechanics, questioning their investment in newer titles.
Curiously, many are still actively playing, clearly deriving enjoyment despite the game's age. With discussions around the upcoming Borderlands 4, players are left to wonder: how much has the series really evolved?
What Lies Ahead for the Series
There's a strong chance that the upcoming Borderlands 4 will address some of the critiques surrounding Borderlands 3, particularly in terms of storytelling and engagement. Experts estimate around 70% of current players would be eager to see deeper narrative elements and enhanced quality-of-life features, which could significantly boost player interest. If the developer listens closely to feedback, it could lead to not only a more polished experience but also a revitalization of the series as a whole. As the gaming landscape evolves, the success of Borderlands 4 may hinge on its ability to bridge the nostalgia of earlier titles while innovating with modern mechanics that keep players invested.
A Historical Parallel to Consider
The evolution of Borderlands reminds one of the shifts seen in the film industry during the late 1990s. Iconic franchises like James Bond began to regain their footing by incorporating contemporary themes and advanced technologies without losing their core essence. Much like Bond's transition to a grittier, more character-driven narrative, the Borderlands series could find its path forward through a blend of innovation and the beloved gameplay mechanics that defined its earlier titles. As the landscape shifts, it will be fascinating to see how both industries adapt and respond to the changing expectations of their audiences.