The question of whether Borderlands 4 have Denuvo isn’t just a technical question; it’s a big deal for anyone planning to pick up the game on day one. Denuvo has become one of the most divisive topics in PC gaming, sitting at the center of debates about piracy, performance, and player freedom.
Borderlands has always had a loyal audience, but this time the conversation has shifted. Instead of just talking about new Vault Hunters or loot changes, fans are watching closely to see how 2K handles the PC launch.
Does Borderlands 4 have Denuvo Protection?
Yes, Borderlands 4 is confirmed to launch with Denuvo DRM. The news sparked quick reactions across forums, especially from those who were already cautious about the game. For some, the reveal wasn’t surprising as big-budget PC releases often include Denuvo as a first layer of protection. For others, it was enough to put a damper on the pre-release excitement.
Interestingly, not all criticism was aimed directly at Denuvo itself. Some players pointed out that Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands already soured them on the series, joking that those experiences did more to keep them away from pirating Borderlands 4 than any DRM could. A few even recalled Randy Pitchford’s old comment about “real fans” finding a way to support the game, noting the irony of seeing the series once again tied up in debates about access and affordability.
The timing also makes the reaction sharper. Hollow Knight: Silksong also had to make a tough choice about Denuvo. That game was cracked almost instantly on launch, yet pirates themselves urged others to buy it instead of grabbing it for free. That contrast only highlighted how unpredictable the PC scene around Denuvo has become.
How Long Will Borderlands 4 Keep Denuvo?
There’s no set rule. Some studios remove Denuvo months after launch, once the first sales wave has passed, while others leave it in place for years. The decision often depends on sales data, community pressure, and whether the presence of a DRM-free version elsewhere undermines the need for ongoing protection.
If Gearbox follows the path of other developers who pulled Denuvo post-launch, it could be a temporary barrier meant only to protect the early release window. Alongside this, players can also expect a day-one patch to sync with the PC launch. Until the studio confirms otherwise, players should expect the PC version of Borderlands 4 to carry Denuvo from day one.
What Anti-Piracy Measures Does Borderlands 4 Use?
Borderlands 4’s Steam page lists “Incorporates 3rd-party DRM: Denuvo” right on the store sidebar, confirming its use. That alone tells players what to expect: a system built to delay piracy, even if only for the first days or weeks after release.
The decision to go with Denuvo isn’t unusual, but it does stand out because of the trade-offs. Developers keep using it because it reliably slows down cracks, yet its reputation for impacting performance lingers. For Borderlands 4, that means the launch will come with both protection for the publisher and added concerns from the PC community.
It’s a very different approach compared to games that skip DRM entirely to prioritize smooth performance. Choosing Denuvo shows 2K is sticking to a tried-and-tested method for Borderlands 4, even if it stirs frustration among players who hoped for a lighter setup this time.
