Gearbox Software has released the first major post-launch update for Borderlands 4, delivering the long-awaited Photo Mode alongside gameplay fixes and balance adjustments. The feature was previously confirmed to arrive after launch, and its inclusion comes nearly five months after the game’s release. The update, which went live on January 29, marks a significant step in the game’s post-launch support cycle.
The newly added Photo Mode gives players a wide range of camera controls. Users can reposition the camera freely, adjust the field of view and depth of field, and apply multiple visual filters before capturing images. The mode also allows changes to the in-game environment, including time-of-day adjustments and the ability to add or remove player characters, NPCs, and summoned units from a scene. Damage numbers can also be toggled on or off, giving players more control over how combat moments are captured.
In addition to Photo Mode, the update introduces several fixes aimed at improving quest and challenge tracking. Gearbox states that these changes are intended to ensure objectives update correctly and that progress indicators are clearer during gameplay. These fixes address issues reported by players since launch, particularly around challenges failing to register completed tasks.
The patch also includes a notable balance pass on several characters. Harlowe’s Zero-Point action skill has received a sizeable rework intended to better align it with her other skill trees. The base skill now includes effects that were previously tied to the Inertia augment. At the same time, slam damage, status effect chance, and status effect damage associated with Inertia have been increased. According to Gearbox, these changes are designed to improve consistency and overall performance during combat encounters.
Smaller tuning updates were applied to Amon and Vex as well. These adjustments slightly increase their damage output in specific situations and improve how their abilities behave during gameplay. Gearbox noted that the goal was to make these characters feel more predictable and reliable without altering their core playstyles.
Alongside the update, publisher 2K shared a new content roadmap outlining plans for Borderlands 4 throughout 2026. The roadmap confirms that Q1 2026 will conclude with a paid Bounty Pack 2 DLC, a free major update introducing pearlescent weapon rarity, and a larger paid expansion titled Story Pack 1. These releases are expected to expand both endgame content and story-driven experiences.
Looking ahead, Q2 2026 will bring two additional free major updates, followed by another paid expansion, Bounty Pack 3. The roadmap then outlines two more paid Bounty Pack DLCs scheduled for Q3 2026, with Story Pack 3 serving as a major paid release toward the end of the quarter. Beyond new content, 2K has also committed to ongoing performance improvements, balance updates, bug fixes, cross-save support, shared progression across save files, and additional in-game events.
With Photo Mode now available and a full year of content planned, Borderlands 4 is positioned for continued updates and expansions throughout 2026, as Gearbox and 2K continue to build on the game’s post-launch foundation.
