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Borderlands 3 split screen issues: a player's frustration

Borderlands 3 Split Screen Issues | Xbox Series S Players Frustrated

By

Maria Chen

May 20, 2025, 12:35 AM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

Two players frustrated with split-screen gameplay on Xbox Series S experiencing crashes and error messages in Borderlands 3

A growing number of people are voicing their frustration over Borderlands 3 performance on Xbox Series S. Gamers report persistent crashes and freezing issues that severely hinder gameplay, sparking discussions on various forums. This comes as the game nears its sixth anniversary, raising concerns over its optimization for newer consoles.

Whatโ€™s Happening?

Players are encountering multiple problems when trying to enjoy split-screen sessions. One gamer described the experience as โ€œunplayable,โ€ recalling perpetual crashes that occur as early as five minutes into the gameplay. A few highlights from the community's responses reveal:

  • Frequent Crashes: "Crashes happen every 30-45 minutes," reported one player, indicating instability predominantly tied to the DLC content.

  • Menu Freezes: The game freezes when accessing menus, with players opting to avoid them altogether to continue playing.

  • Optimization Issues: Many believe Borderlands 3 is poorly optimized for the Series S, with users experiencing far more crashes compared to other platforms.

"It's disappointing from Gearbox for an otherwise great game," a player lamented, indicating players feel abandoned as focus shifts to upcoming titles like Borderlands 4.

Community Breakdown

Comments reflect a mix of helplessness and determination. People are sharing potential solutions, primarily focused on removing DLC content as a workaround for the crashing issues. Some main points gathered from user discussions include:

  • โ–ฝ Focus on DLC: "Crashes are indeed DLC based; once removed, issues vanish," said one gamer.

  • โ˜… Ongoing Support Needs: Many feel that Gearbox needs to prioritize fixes for Borderlands 3 instead of shifting attention to new projects.

  • โœ… Shared Frustrations: Users are united in their disappointment, feeling that the game's state does not reflect its otherwise fun gameplay.

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Almost Unplayable: The split-screen functionality is plagued with crashes and freezes.

  • โœ๏ธ DLC Troubles: Variants of the game heavily relying on DLC seem to crash more frequently.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Optimization Concerns: Users have voiced serious doubts about the gameโ€™s optimization for Xbox Series S, leading to community outcry for better support.

As the issues persist, players are left wondering how long they'll need to manage these glitches. Will Gearbox step up and address these concerns? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Borderlands 3 Players?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Gearbox will take notice of the ongoing frustrations surrounding Borderlands 3 and prioritize updates to improve performance on the Xbox Series S. Given the backlash from the community, experts estimate around a 70% probability that significant patches will roll out within the next few months. Players can expect the focus to be on resolving the crashing issues linked to DLC content, allowing seamless gameplay. Additionally, if the complaints continue unabated, we may see Gearbox shift more resources to Borderlands 3, especially with the anticipation building for Borderlands 4, as fan loyalty remains strong despite the current challenges.

Echoes of Past Struggles in Gaming

The situation mirrors the launch struggles of No Manโ€™s Sky in 2016. The game faced intense scrutiny due to unmet expectations and performance issues, leaving gamers frustrated. However, instead of neglecting the title, the developers committed to overhauling the gameplay, investing time in updates that transformed it into a beloved experience. Just like Borderlands 3, initial problems sparked disappointment, but in the end, dedication to maintaining player satisfaction reshaped perceptions. This serves as a reminder that the gaming industry's most powerful narratives often stem from a willingness to learn and adapt in the face of adversity.