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Borderlands 4 collector's edition lacks base game

Controversial Borderlands 4 Collector's Edition | Leaves Out Base Game

By

Emma Turner

Jun 17, 2025, 05:47 AM

2 minutes of duration

The Collector's Edition box for Borderlands 4 without the base game included, showcasing vibrant graphics and details on the packaging.
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A wave of backlash is brewing among gaming enthusiasts as news breaks that the collector's edition of Borderlands 4 lacks the base game. The controversy raises questions on pricing strategy and consumer expectations, with many calling it a baffling decision.

What's Going On?

The announcement that the collector's edition won't include the actual game has ignited heated discussions across various forums. This decision creates only a single version to buy, consolidating what used to be several variants across platforms like PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox.

Some gamers are relieved by a streamlined option: "It means thereโ€™s less versions, instead of having three to five variants you just have one." This perspective is gaining ground as people reason that fewer varieties simplify purchasing decisions.

But there's more to this story. Critics are particularly concerned about the implications for day-one access. Many players express that waiting for a physical collector's edition to arrive could mean missing out on immediate gameplay.

"If you have to wait for the physical CE to arrive with a download code, you likely won't be able to play the game day 1," one user pointed out, highlighting a significant downside for hardcore fans eager to jump in.

Mixed Emotions from the Community

The sentiment within the community spans a spectrum. While some find solace in the simpler purchasing process, others express frustration and disappointment at what they view as a cash grab.

_Fans are vocal:

"It's r/gaming people here live to be mad."

This statement reflects a broader sentiment that many gamers thrive on expressing dissatisfaction with industry practices._

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ต Less Variants: Consolidation to a single version could simplify choices.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Day-One Play: Missing game inclusion delays access to the experience on launch.

  • Community Sentiment: Divided between relieved and disgruntled fans.

In sum, the absence of the base game in the Borderlands 4 collector's edition raises burning questions about value and expectation from modern gaming merchandise. Will this change your purchasing decision?

What Lies Ahead for Gamers?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that backlash could force the game developers to reconsider their strategy. With both new and seasoned players expressing a mix of frustration and confusion, expect various forums to buzz with discussions leading to potential changes. Companies often listen when their customer base raises concerns, and if the sentiment continues to grow, they might introduce promotional offers or incentives aimed at making the collector's edition more appealing. Experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that further announcements will be made before launch, potentially enhancing consumer trust and addressing worries around missing out on day-one play.

A Lesson from the Audiovisual Shift

In the early 2000s, the release of crucial DVDs without the film's features didnโ€™t go over well with fans. Many were left questioning the value of purchasing editions lacking integral content, similar to how gamers today feel about the missing base game in Borderlands 4's collector's edition. Just as those early adapters of home entertainment felt the sting of incomplete purchases, today's gamers face that same uncertainty. This situation drives home the point that when expectations clash with reality, it can lead to dramatic shifts in consumer loyalty and purchasing habits.