For fans of the Borderlands series wondering which titles are accessible through Xbox Game Pass, the current offering includes Borderlands 3. Borderlands 3, including its Ultimate Edition with all DLC, is available on Game Pass for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S subscribers, providing players an expansive looter-shooter experience with extensive content right from the start.
While Borderlands 3 remains on the service, the latest installment, Borderlands 4, is not available on Game Pass at launch. Players interested in Borderlands 4 will need to purchase it separately, as there is no immediate subscription access through Game Pass. Though it might join the service eventually, no official timeline has been confirmed.
This mix of availability means players can jump into the rich world of Borderlands 3 on Game Pass now, but will need to keep an eye on future updates for any additions to the subscription library.
Key Takeways
- Borderlands 3 is currently on Xbox Game Pass with full DLC support.
- Borderlands 4 is not available on Game Pass at launch.
- Future Borderlands titles may join Game Pass, but dates are unconfirmed.
Current and Upcoming Borderlands Games on Game Pass
Several Borderlands titles have been associated with Xbox Game Pass at different times, influencing access for subscribers. Not all entries in the series are available, and upcoming releases have specific availability details.
Borderlands 3 and Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition
Borderlands 3 was available on Xbox Game Pass for a significant period, bringing the core looter shooter experience to subscribers on cloud, console, and PC platforms. The Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition, which includes all DLC and updates, launched on Game Pass on April 3, 2024.
Despite this, Borderlands 3 left the service on August 31, 2025, removing access from subscribers. The game had been one of Game Pass’s notable action titles due to its strong cooperative gameplay and extensive content. Currently, no Borderlands 3 version is included in Game Pass.
Availability of Borderlands 4 on Game Pass
Borderlands 4 is not available on Xbox Game Pass at launch or currently. Gearbox and publisher 2K have set the release date for September 13, 2025, but the game requires purchase. Microsoft has not included Borderlands 4 in their day-one Game Pass releases, and while there remains the possibility of it being added to the service later, this is uncertain and unlikely in the immediate future.
The game will debut on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, but signing a deal with Game Pass for early availability was not part of the launch plan. Fans will need to buy the game directly if they want to play at release.
Game Pass Platforms: Xbox Series, PC, Cloud
When Borderlands titles are available on Game Pass, they are accessible across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud streaming. The Ultimate Edition of Borderlands 3 was playable via all three, expanding player options.
Cloud gaming support allows access through compatible devices without high-end hardware, improving flexibility. Xbox Game Pass continuously updates its lineup, so platform availability remains essential in determining how and where players can access Borderlands games within the subscription service.
Key Features and Gameplay in Borderlands Titles on Game Pass
Borderlands games on Game Pass emphasize diverse character abilities, strategic customization, and dynamic gameplay elements. The series centers on distinct Vault Hunters and their unique action skills, combined with robust skill trees that allow players to tailor their playstyles. Integral to the experience are gameplay modes and challenges like Kairos, Timekeeper, and Mayhem that add layers of difficulty and reward.
Vault Hunters and Action Skills
Vault Hunters are the playable characters, each with unique backstories and specialized combat abilities known as action skills. These skills vary widely, from deploying turrets or holograms to unleashing powerful area attacks or support effects.
For example, one Vault Hunter might summon a robotic drone providing offensive firepower or healing allies. Another could activate a time-slowing field or a cloaking ability to evade enemies.
Action skills serve as both offensive and defensive tools, often defining a Vault Hunter’s role in combat. These abilities have cooldowns and cooldown-reduction mechanics, which influence how players engage during battles and coordinate in cooperative play.
Skill Trees and Customization Options
Each Vault Hunter comes with multiple skill trees divided into branches, allowing players to specialize their characters in different ways. These trees unlock passive and active abilities, enhancing damage, survivability, or utility.
Skill points are earned through leveling up and completing objectives, fueling customization choices. Some branches focus on increasing damage output, while others improve defensive tactics or enhance the Vault Hunter’s mobility.
Customization includes selecting perks that affect critical hit chances, elemental damage, or health regeneration. Players can mix and match skills to create hybrids, such as a support-focused ranger with offensive burst abilities.
This system encourages experimentation and replayability, catering to various playstyles, whether solo or in multiplayer teams.
Notable Characters: Kairos, Timekeeper, and Mayhem
Kairos and Timekeeper refer to advanced game modes centered around timed challenges and speed runs. These modes test player efficiency and skill execution under pressure.
Kairos often involves fast-paced combat scenarios where optimizing action skill use and movement is crucial for success. Timekeeper challenges demand mastery over cooldown management and rapid enemy elimination.
Mayhem, by contrast, is a difficulty modifier system for Borderlands 3 that increases enemy power but offers greater loot rewards. It introduces modifiers like stronger enemies, elemental hazards, and mechanics that require strategic synergy among Vault Hunters.
These modes and challenges deepen gameplay complexity and incentivize mastering Vault Hunters’ abilities and skill trees for higher-tier rewards and leaderboards.
