Borderlands 4’s first DLC goes free after performance debacle as 2K revises post-launch plans – NotebookCheck.net News
Borderlands 4’s first DLC has been made free after launch-day performance issues forced Gearbox to cut back its original content plans. 2K’s latest press release details its product map for 2026.
2K Games has decided to offer Borderlands 4 players a surprise holiday gift. The game publisher is making the gesture following weeks of gamer complaints about stability. As a result, the first post-launch DLC, Bounty Pack 1: How Rush Saved Mercenary Day, is going for free.
2K Games has issued multiple technical patches to address the performance problems, and a recent update boosted frame rates by up to 20 percent, depending on resolution. The company also said prioritizing stability improvements made it difficult to fit everything planned into Bounty Pack 1, which is why it is releasing it as a gift.
Free Bounty Pack 1 available now
Naturally, the new DLC contains a holiday-themed questline based on Rush, leader of the Outbounders. He will relive his childhood memories and challenge Minister Screw. It also brings a Vault Card with 24 new cosmetics, rerollable gear, and some hidden collectibles.
Players don’t have to do anything as the November 20 update will automatically deliver Bounty Pack 1.
Deluxe and Super Deluxe buyers receive extra content in 2026
According to 2K, players will still get their four premium DLC packs if they pony up for the Deluxe Edition, Super Deluxe Edition of Borderlands 4, or the Bounty Pack Bundle. To ensure this, the company is planning to launch an entirely new Bounty Pack 5 at no cost in 2026.
More free endgame content on the way
There is more free stuff for Borderlands players to come. Gearbox is working on a new high-difficulty Takedown for 2026. However, before that, players will get their hands on Bloomreaper, the game’s first “Invincible” raid-style boss, in December. This is in addition to a new Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode – Level 6.
Meanwhile, 2K promised monthly updates and weekly fixes to enhance player experience.
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David Odejide – Tech Writer – 361 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I am a writer and software developer with a background in Mechanical Engineering and a distinction MSc in Environmental Management (Energy). My career spans fullstack development (building desktop, web, and Android apps for enterprise clients), Content Strategist/Business Developer in the solar industry, and writing research-driven articles on electric vehicles, renewable energy, and consumer tech.
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David Odejide, 2025-11-21 (Update: 2025-11-21)
