Platforms at a Glance

Borderlands 4 is available on:

• PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store)
• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• Nintendo Switch 2 (announced, but currently delayed)

Here’s the fastest way to frame the decision:

• Pick PC if you want the most graphics and performance control, ultrawide support, and the ability to fine-tune settings to your exact hardware.
• Pick PS5 or Xbox Series X|S if you want the simplest “sit down and play” experience plus local split-screen couch co-op.
• Keep an eye on Switch 2 if portable play is your priority—but treat it as “wait for the finalized launch details and performance notes” before committing.

No matter what you choose, Borderlands 4 is built around co-op: online parties support up to four players, and crossplay is a core feature when you’re logged into SHiFT.

PC (Steam and Epic): The Most Flexible Version

If you’re the kind of player who likes to squeeze the most out of a game—higher frame rates, sharper image quality, or a perfectly balanced “looks great, runs smooth” setup—PC is the natural home for Borderlands 4.

What PC does best:

• Graphics customization: You get a deep menu of visual options, presets, and toggles that let you tailor performance to your exact setup.
• Ultrawide friendliness: Borderlands 4 supports ultrawide monitors, including adjustable Field of View options.
• Upscaling and modern performance tools: PC includes multiple upscaling methods (DLSS, FSR, TSR, XeSS), plus options like frame generation and NVIDIA Reflex low latency.

What to watch out for on PC:

• You’ll want an SSD. The PC requirements call for SSD storage, and it’s one of those “don’t ignore this” items for smoother loading and streaming.
• PC doesn’t have local split-screen. If couch co-op matters, you’ll want PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
• Performance varies by rig. The upside is you can tune; the downside is you may need to.

PC is also the best choice if you like experimenting with settings for different activities:

• One configuration for “campaign co-op nights”
• Another for “endgame farming”
• A third for “Photo Mode shots with max detail” (just remember Photo Mode behavior can vary depending on mode)

PlayStation 5: Living-Room Mayhem and Split-Screen

PS5 is a strong “plug in and play” option, especially if your priority is local couch co-op. Borderlands 4 supports two-player split-screen on PS5, which is huge for anyone who wants to share the story, grind loot together, or just laugh through chaos on the same screen.

Reasons PS5 makes sense:

• Split-screen couch co-op (2 players locally)
• Online co-op up to 4 players (and crossplay when using SHiFT)
• Comfort-first setup: fewer settings decisions, consistent performance targets

Practical PS5 tips that matter:

• If you want to play with friends on other platforms, make sure you’re logged into SHiFT and that crossplay is enabled in session settings.
• Console online play generally requires a paid platform subscription for online multiplayer—plan for that if co-op is your main reason to buy.
• Split-screen plus online is possible in Borderlands 4’s design: you can have two players locally and still join with two more online to make a four-player party (when everyone’s set up correctly).

One more detail many players miss: some features can have mode-specific restrictions. For example, Photo Mode is not available in split-screen on consoles—so if your household loves couch co-op and screenshot photography, you might end up doing Photo Mode sessions in solo play.

Xbox Series X|S: Split-Screen, Performance, and Ecosystem

Xbox Series X|S offers the same major couch co-op advantage as PS5: two-player split-screen is supported. If your friend group already lives in the Xbox ecosystem, it’s an easy, practical pick—especially if you want a console experience that stays straightforward while still offering strong online play.

Why Xbox Series X|S works well:

• 2-player split-screen couch co-op
• Online co-op + crossplay through SHiFT
• A solid platform choice if you prefer “fewer settings, more playing”

How to get the best experience on Xbox:

• Use SHiFT for crossplay, and keep your party’s crossplay toggles consistent (one person disabling crossplay can disable it for the entire session).
• If you’re playing split-screen, prioritize readability:
• Increase subtitle size if you can
• Adjust HUD clarity options
• Keep field-of-view and camera comfort in mind (especially if anyone gets motion sensitivity)

Like PS5, online play typically requires a paid console subscription for online multiplayer. If you’re buying mainly for co-op, factor that into the real cost.

Nintendo Switch 2: What’s Confirmed and What’s Still in Flux

Nintendo Switch 2 is the most exciting “lifestyle” platform option—because Borderlands with portable play is a dream for many fans. But it’s also the platform where you should be the most cautious right now, because the launch timing has shifted.

What has been promoted for the Switch 2 version:

• Portable and docked play
• Online co-op
• Crossplay with other platforms
• Local play between multiple Switch 2 consoles
• Switch 2-specific features like GameChat support and Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality for aiming and control flexibility
• Nintendo’s virtual game card convenience for users in the same Nintendo Account family group (a platform feature that can affect how your purchase is used across systems)

What’s still the key question:

• The actual release timing: the Switch 2 version has been delayed, and digital preorders were set to be canceled in line with Nintendo policy. Until an updated launch plan is clearly finalized, it’s smart to treat Switch 2 as “coming later” rather than “buy now.”

If Switch 2 is your preferred home:

• Wait for the updated release announcement and any platform-specific performance notes.
• If crossplay with friends is your main goal, keep a fallback plan: PC/PS5/Xbox can already get you playing today while Switch 2 details settle.

Crossplay Explained: How Borderlands 4 Connects Everyone

Borderlands 4 supports crossplay between all platforms when you use SHiFT—meaning you can party up across PC and consoles instead of being locked into one ecosystem.

What crossplay changes in real life:

• Your friend on PC can join your console squad
• You can keep one community even if everyone owns different hardware
• Matchmaking and party management becomes more centralized through SHiFT

The biggest “crossplay mindset shift” is this:

• Crossplay is not just a toggle—it’s a setup. If your SHiFT account isn’t linked, or if someone turns off crossplay, you’ll feel it immediately.

Crossplay is especially valuable because Borderlands 4 is designed for drop-in, drop-out co-op:

• People can join for a mission, leave, come back later
• Instanced loot keeps everyone chasing their own drops without feeling robbed
• Dynamic scaling helps a mixed-level party stay functional

SHiFT Account Setup: Do This Once, Save Headaches Later

If you plan to play with friends—especially cross-platform—SHiFT is non-optional. Think of it like your multiplayer passport.

A smooth SHiFT setup checklist:

• Create a free SHiFT account
• Link every platform account you plan to use (PC store account and/or console account)
• Sign into SHiFT inside Borderlands 4
• Add cross-platform friends using their SHiFT display name

The most practical in-game steps to know:

• In the main menu, find Session Settings
• Choose Party Privacy:
• Friends Only
• Invite Only
• Public
• Local Only
• Toggle crossplay:
• If anyone in your party has personal crossplay turned off, it can disable crossplay for the whole party session
• Use the SHiFT Friends tab to search and add friends by their SHiFT name

Once you do this, crossplay becomes a “press invite, start chaos” experience instead of a troubleshooting session.

Cross-Progression and Cross-Save: The Reality Right Now

This is the part many players wish worked differently today:

• Crossplay is supported.
• Cross-save / cross-progression is not something you should assume is available right now.

Borderlands 4 has had clear messaging that cross-save and cross-progression were not supported at launch, and the roadmap messaging points to cross-platform saves as a highly requested feature being worked on for future updates.

What that means for buyers:

• If you buy on PC now and later decide you want to move to console, you may have to start over (until cross-platform saves are implemented).
• If you’re choosing between PS5 and Xbox, pick the one you truly plan to stick with for your main character progress—because progress portability may not be immediate.

What to watch for going forward:

• Roadmap language refers to cross-save progression / cross-platform saves
• There’s also talk of shared progression, which is a different (but related) quality-of-life feature: it’s about making your account-wide unlocks carry forward so starting a new character doesn’t feel like losing everything you earned.

Smart strategy today:

• Choose the platform you’ll play the most.
• Treat secondary platform purchases as “extra” rather than “I’ll just move my main save over.”

Co-op Options: Online Parties, Instanced Loot, and Drop-In Fun

Borderlands 4 is built for co-op in multiple ways, and the platform you choose changes which of these options you can use:

• Up to 4-player online co-op on all platforms
• Crossplay online co-op when using SHiFT
• Instanced loot so each player gets their own drops
• Dynamic level scaling so friends at different levels can still play together
• Individual difficulty settings that let each player tune the challenge without forcing one “party difficulty” for everyone

This design reduces the two biggest classic co-op problems:

1. “I’m too low level to help”
2. “One person is stealing all the loot”

Borderlands 4 aims to keep your group in the fun zone—where builds matter and drops feel personal.

Couch Co-op and Split-Screen: What Works, What Doesn’t

If you want the most important answer quickly, it’s this:

• Split-screen couch co-op is supported on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
• PC does not offer split-screen couch co-op.

Why split-screen matters for platform choice:

• It’s the easiest way to play together without paying for two copies of the game
• It’s perfect for couples, siblings, roommates, or anyone who wants that classic Borderlands “same couch, same chaos” vibe

Extra split-screen details worth knowing:

• Borderlands 4 supports up to four players online, and it’s designed so a split-screen duo can join online players—meaning you can effectively run a four-player team with two people local on one console and two more online.
• Some features can be restricted in split-screen contexts (for example, Photo Mode isn’t available in split-screen on consoles).

If split-screen is a must-have:

• Your shortlist becomes PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S.
• Your decision then depends on where your friends are, which controller you prefer, and which ecosystem you already use for multiplayer.

PC Specs and Storage Planning

If you’re on PC, specs matter more than marketing. Borderlands 4 provides clear baselines, and the biggest “practical” takeaway is this: plan for an SSD and significant storage.

PC minimum target (as published):

• Designed around 1080p at 30 FPS on low settings
• Requires SSD
• Windows 10/11
• 16 GB RAM
• Modern 8-core class CPU and a GPU with 8 GB VRAM
• 100 GB available storage space

PC recommended target (as published):

• Designed around 1440p at 60 FPS on medium settings
• Requires SSD
• 32 GB RAM
• Stronger CPU and GPU class for smoother performance at higher fidelity
• 100 GB available storage space

Practical tips to avoid common PC pain:

• Keep extra free space beyond the listed storage so updates don’t become a juggling act.
• If you have an older CPU, pay attention to frame-time consistency (Borderlands combat gets chaotic fast).
• If you’re upgrading one part only, prioritizing the GPU and SSD usually gives the best day-to-day improvement for this type of game.

PC Graphics and Performance Tuning (DLSS/FSR/XeSS + More)

PC is where Borderlands 4 becomes a “build your own experience” game. You can push visuals, chase competitive smoothness, or land on a balanced setup that feels great in co-op.

Key PC settings categories you’ll actually feel:

• Resolution and display mode
• Field of View and Vehicle Field of View (especially useful on ultrawide)
• Upscaling method (DLSS, FSR, TSR, XeSS)
• Frame generation (where supported)
• Latency tools like NVIDIA Reflex (when applicable)
• Presets that scale from low to very high (including a “Badass” tier)

A practical tuning approach (works for most PCs):

• Start with a preset (medium/high), don’t hand-tweak everything at once.
• Choose your upscaler:
• If you want sharper image at higher FPS, use an upscaler instead of dropping resolution.
• Only after the game feels stable, adjust:
• Shadows
• Fog/cloud quality
• Reflections
• Foliage density
• These are common performance hitters in big environments.

For co-op stability:

• Prioritize stable frame pacing over “max everything.”
• If your co-op sessions involve lots of effects and mobility moves, give yourself headroom—those are the moments where dips feel worst.

Input and Accessibility: Controller, Keyboard/Mouse, and Comfort Features

Input feel is personal, but platform does shape the experience:

• PC: best for mouse aiming and full control remapping (keyboard + controller flexibility)
• Consoles: best for couch comfort, split-screen, and consistent controller-first tuning
• Switch 2 (planned): promoted with Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality, which could be appealing if you want a hybrid “portable but precise” control option

Accessibility and comfort options matter more than people admit—especially in a fast, flashy looter shooter. Borderlands 4 includes a standalone accessibility menu with options such as:

• Subtitle size and styling controls
• Visual clarity toggles (like contrast-oriented HUD options)
• Vibration options
• Movement comfort options (like sprint/crouch toggles)
• Remapping support (platform-dependent, but the intent is broad accessibility)

If you get motion discomfort:

• Adjust Field of View carefully (higher FOV can help some players but hurt others)
• Reduce screen shake intensity if available
• Turn off or lower motion blur if it bothers you
• Favor stable FPS over max visuals

Choosing Your Best Platform: Quick Decision Scenarios

Use these real-world scenarios to decide fast:

• “I want split-screen couch co-op.”
• Choose PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
• “I want the smoothest gameplay and the most graphics control.”
• Choose PC.
• “My friends are everywhere—some on console, some on PC.”
• Choose the platform you personally prefer, then commit to SHiFT + crossplay.
• “I might switch platforms later and keep my main save.”
• Choose the platform you’ll stay on longest. Treat cross-save as “planned” rather than “guaranteed today.”
• “I want portable Borderlands 4.”
• Watch the Switch 2 situation closely and wait for the final release update and performance specifics.

If You Own Multiple Platforms: Smart Purchase Strategies

If you’re the kind of fan who might buy Borderlands 4 more than once, the smartest approach is to plan around how progress works today—and how it’s expected to improve later.

A practical multi-platform strategy:

• Make one platform your main progression home (your “forever” Vault Hunter file)
• Use another platform for:
• A separate character
• Co-op nights with a different friend group
• Testing builds without risking your main progression

If cross-platform saves arrive later:

• You’ll be in a better position if your accounts are already linked to SHiFT and your platform identities are organized.
• Shared progression features (when implemented) can make “alt characters” less painful and reduce repeated grind.

BoostRoom: Faster Loot, Cleaner Builds, More Fun

Grinding is part of Borderlands—until it stops being fun. If you love the game but don’t love the time sink (or you simply want to keep up with friends who play more), BoostRoom can help you stay focused on the best parts: experimenting with builds, chasing specific drops, and jumping into co-op without feeling underpowered.

How BoostRoom fits into a Borderlands 4 platform decision:

• If you’re on console, BoostRoom can help you keep pace when your play time is limited and you want your co-op sessions to feel productive.
• If you’re on PC, BoostRoom can help you spend less time on repetitive farming and more time optimizing builds and enjoying endgame content.

What players commonly use BoostRoom for:

• Catching up to friends’ progression pace
• Targeted farming support so you can spend time playing, not grinding the same loop endlessly
• Helping smooth the jump into harder endgame activities when updates raise the ceiling

If your goal is “play more of the fun parts,” BoostRoom is the shortcut that respects your time.

FAQ

Q: Does Borderlands 4 support crossplay on every platform?

A: Yes—crossplay is supported across platforms when you use SHiFT. If you want the least friction, make sure everyone links their SHiFT account and keeps crossplay enabled in session settings.

Q: Do I need SHiFT for online multiplayer?

A: For crossplay, yes—SHiFT is the system that powers cross-platform multiplayer features and helps manage cross-platform friends.

Q: Is cross-save / cross-progression available?

A: Don’t assume it’s available right now. Cross-platform saves have been identified as a highly requested feature in the game’s forward-looking plans, but the safest approach today is to pick one “main” platform for your long-term character progress.

Q: Which platforms have split-screen couch co-op?

A: Split-screen couch co-op is supported on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC does not offer split-screen.

Q: Can two people play split-screen and still join online friends?

A: Yes, Borderlands 4 is designed so split-screen players can still join online co-op and build a larger party, as long as the session settings and accounts are set up correctly.

Q: What PC specs should I aim for if I want smooth co-op?

A: Use an SSD, plan for plenty of storage space, and prioritize stable FPS over max settings. Upscaling options (DLSS/FSR/TSR/XeSS) can help you hit smoother performance without sacrificing too much clarity.

Q: Is the Nintendo Switch 2 version out?

A: The Switch 2 version has been delayed. If portable Borderlands 4 is your goal, it’s best to wait for the updated release plan and platform performance details.

Q: Does Photo Mode work in split-screen?

A: Photo Mode is available, but it’s not accessible during split-screen play on consoles—so if you love couch co-op and screenshots, plan to do Photo Mode sessions in solo play.