Storypacks for Borderlands 4 are shaping up to be a significant part of the post-launch experience. While the base game comes to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, Gearbox has already mapped out a lineup of narrative expansions that will keep you engaged long after the initial release.
The focus is on keeping the experience rich, whether you’re exploring new zones, tackling enemies, or unlocking new gear. While the specifics of each narrative remain under wraps, the first Storypack’s cosmic-horror vibe and returning characters hint at the tone and quality fans can look forward to.
When do Borderlands 4 Storypacks arrive?
The first Storypack, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, is slated for Q1 2026. It stars Ellie, the mechanically gifted daughter of Moxxi, and will introduce a new Vault Hunter alongside multiple main and side missions set in a brand-new area of Kairos. Players should also check the minimum specs before diving in. You can expect a bundle of cosmetic rewards, including:
- 2 Vault Hunter Heads usable by all Vault Hunters
- 2 Vault Hunter Heads specific to the new Vault Hunter
- 4 Vault Hunter Skins usable by all Vault Hunters
- 4 Weapon Skins
- 2 Vehicle Paintjobs
- 3 ECHO-4 Drone Skins & Attachments
- 1 ECHO-4 Frame
The latter Storypack will follow later in 2026, continuing the post-launch narrative expansion with new characters and story arcs. Both packs are included in the Borderlands 4 Super Deluxe Edition and will also be available for individual purchase.
Bounty Packs and Additional Roadmap Content in Borderlands 4
Alongside Storypacks, Gearbox is rolling out Bounty Packs, which are bite-sized DLC focused on missions, loot, and cosmetic rewards. Four Bounty Packs come with the Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions, and each includes:
- Main Missions tied to NPCs and new storylines.
- A new boss encounter.
- Legendary Gear.
- Vault Hunter Skins, ECHO-4 Drone Skins, and Digirunner Vehicles.
- Vault Cards to unlock additional loot, cosmetic items, and re-rollable gear.
Vault Cards work like experience tracks: you gain XP by completing quests, killing enemies, or exploring, which unlocks gear and cosmetics. Daily and Weekly Challenges rotate regularly, giving players a chance to level up Vault Cards faster and collect ideal loot for their builds.
What Are The Free Content Updates in Borderlands 4?
Gearbox Software team isn’t leaving non-paying players behind in Borderlands 4. A wealth of free content will arrive post-launch, including:
- Invincible Bosses in new arenas, offering massive challenges and high-tier loot (first update in Q4 2025).
- Weekly Challenges like Big Encore Boss fights and Wildcard Missions with Legendary drops.
- Maurice’s Black Market Machine, rotating weekly with rare loot for in-game currency.
- Pearlescent Rarity Gear, adding a new loot tier above Legendary in Q1 2026.
- Seasonal Mini-Events, starting with Horrors of Kairos in October 2025, featuring limited-time bosses, cosmetics, and gear.
- Endgame Enhancements, including Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode with increased difficulty and high-level loot.
Revealed at Summer Game Fest, Borderlands 4 gives players a clear roadmap to plan their post-launch adventures. Story Packs and Bounty Packs promise to expand the game world, while free updates ensure it remains fresh for everyone. Pre-orders and Super Deluxe Editions grant early access to these packs, making it easy to dive into Kairos and explore everything the game has to offer.
