Should Borderlands 4 Players Ditch 4K for 1440P and DLSS?

The launch of Borderlands 4 has set new records for the series, attracting over 304,000 concurrent players on Steam shortly after its release. However, the excitement is tempered by significant performance issues reported by PC gamers, with over 16,500 reviews indicating a 'Mixed' rating. Gearbox Software's president, Randy Pitchford, addressed these concerns, suggesting that many players are attempting to run the game at 4K resolution on outdated hardware, and encouraged switching to 1440p for a better experience.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Borderlands 4 has broken series records for concurrent players on Steam.
• PC performance complaints have resulted in a 'Mixed' rating on over 16,500 reviews.
• Randy Pitchford suggests using 1440p resolution for better performance.
• DLSS and FSR technologies can significantly enhance frame rates.
• Performance issues highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing graphics quality and hardware capabilities.

Borderlands 4: A Record-Breaking Launch

Borderlands 4's launch has been monumental, breaking records in the franchise for concurrent players. This surge in activity showcases the franchise's enduring popularity, particularly among fans eager for new content. The game’s vibrant art style, extensive world-building, and engaging gameplay mechanics have drawn in a large player base, reflecting the high expectations set by previous titles.

Performance Issues: A Mixed Reception

Despite its success, Borderlands 4 has faced backlash due to performance issues on the PC version. The Steam reviews currently reflect a 'Mixed' rating, with approximately 67% of players expressing dissatisfaction. Many gamers are experiencing significant frame rate drops, particularly when attempting to run the game at 4K resolution with maxed-out settings. These performance challenges have sparked debates within the gaming community about the game's optimisation and the expectations placed on modern hardware.

The Hardware Dilemma

Many players have voiced frustration over the game's performance, especially those attempting to play at higher resolutions. Gearbox's Randy Pitchford has suggested that a substantial number of players are trying to run Borderlands 4 at 4K on older hardware that may not be capable of delivering a smooth experience. According to Pitchford, players should consider lowering their resolution to 1440p for a more enjoyable gaming experience. He noted that this resolution still offers stunning visuals while maintaining better performance.

Upscaling Technologies: A Solution?

One of the key recommendations from Pitchford is the use of upscaling technologies like NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These technologies allow players to enjoy improved frame rates without sacrificing visual quality. For gamers with access to these features, utilising them can lead to a significantly smoother gaming experience, especially at higher resolutions.

Understanding DLSS and FSR

DLSS leverages artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution images, making them appear as though they were rendered at a higher resolution. FSR operates similarly, providing gamers with the ability to enhance performance while maintaining visual fidelity. These technologies have become essential tools for modern gaming, enabling players to enjoy demanding titles without the need for the latest and most powerful hardware.

Community Response and Concerns

The community's response to Pitchford’s comments has been mixed. While some players appreciate the guidance on optimising their settings, others feel that the game's performance should not require such compromises, especially given the advancements in technology. Many users express a desire for native rendering without the use of upscaling, arguing that it should be the developer's responsibility to optimise the game for a wide range of hardware capabilities.

Performance Benchmarks and User Experiences

Benchmarks conducted by various outlets have shown that even the most powerful graphics cards struggle to maintain playable frame rates at 4K with maxed settings. For instance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, touted as one of the best GPUs, reportedly achieves only around 48 frames per second in these conditions. This raises questions about the game's optimisation strategies and whether it has been appropriately adapted for the current generation of hardware.

Pitchford’s Defence of the Developers

In response to criticisms about the game’s graphics, Pitchford has made it clear that he believes developers are utilising the best available technology to create immersive experiences. His comments, urging critics to develop their engines if they believe they can do better, reflect a defensive stance. He underscores the complexity of game development and the challenges of balancing visual fidelity with performance across a vast array of hardware configurations.

The Future of Borderlands 4

Looking ahead, Gearbox is likely to address performance issues through patches and updates. The feedback from the community will be crucial in guiding these improvements. As technology continues to evolve, the expectation for developers to optimise games for both high-end and mid-range hardware will remain a significant challenge. Borderlands 4's current performance issues could serve as a learning opportunity for future titles, highlighting the importance of compatibility and optimisation in modern game development.

What Happens Next? Performance Patches on the Horizon

As the gaming community continues to express concerns, Gearbox is under pressure to deliver performance patches that address these issues. The ongoing dialogue between developers and players is essential in crafting a game that meets the expectations of its audience. Players are hopeful for updates that will enhance the gaming experience while maintaining the artistic integrity that the Borderlands series is known for.

FAQs

What are the main performance issues with Borderlands 4 on PC?

Many players are experiencing low frame rates, especially at 4K resolution with max settings. The game currently holds a 'Mixed' rating on Steam due to these complaints.

What resolution does Randy Pitchford recommend for better performance?

Pitchford recommends playing Borderlands 4 at 1440p for improved performance while still enjoying high-quality visuals.

How can I improve my frame rates in Borderlands 4?

Utilising upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR can significantly enhance frame rates, particularly for players with mid-range hardware.

Are there any upcoming patches for Borderlands 4?

While specific details on upcoming patches have not been released, Gearbox is expected to address performance issues based on community feedback.

What did Randy Pitchford say about critics of Borderlands 4's graphics?

Pitchford defended the developers, suggesting that critics should develop their own game engines if they believe they can do better, highlighting the complexity of game development.

As the situation develops, it remains crucial for both players and developers to engage in constructive dialogue. The balance between visual fidelity and performance continues to be a pressing issue in modern gaming. How will Gearbox respond to the community's needs? Only time will tell. #Borderlands4 #GamePerformance #GamingCommunity