Gearbox Software has announced that Borderlands 4 will launch without several key features that modern gamers have come to expect. The developer confirmed that cross-save and cross-progression functionality will not be available when the game releases on September 12, though these features are planned for future implementation.

Following the controversial reception of Borderlands 3 six years ago, fans are eagerly anticipating whether the next installment will redeem the franchise. Gearbox has been actively sharing details about Borderlands 4 in the lead-up to its release, highlighting improvements and new mechanics inspired by successful titles like Baldur's Gate 3. While early indications suggest the development team has learned from past mistakes, the true test will be whether Borderlands 4 can recapture the magic of the series' acclaimed earlier entries.

Through an official announcement on Steam, Gearbox clarified that players will not be able to transfer their progress between platforms when Borderlands 4 first releases. This means account-based progression, including character unlocks and collected loot, will remain platform-specific initially. The development team acknowledged player concerns, stating: "We understand this may be frustrating for some players, and we hear you. This is on our radar, and we appreciate all of your feedback." While disappointing for many, the confirmation that these features are planned for post-launch provides some reassurance to the community.

This omission feels particularly notable in today's gaming landscape, where platform barriers continue to diminish. With exclusives becoming increasingly rare and players expecting to access their games across multiple devices, features like cross-save and cross-progression have become essential quality-of-life improvements. Fortunately, Gearbox has confirmed that cross-play between platforms will be available from day one, allowing friends to play together regardless of their chosen system.