Borderlands 4 drops you on Kairos with the same messy, hilarious loot loops we love—and the same annoying question: how much do you actually want to spend? With multiple editions on offer (Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe) and a separate Collector’s Echo‑4 bundle full of merch but no game code, the choice can feel overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the marketing buzz. I’ll give you a quick verdict, a clean side‑by‑side comparison, and a player‑type breakdown so you can decide fast—no hyperbole, no FOMO paddling the loot pool for you.
TL;DR — Quick Verdict
Most players: Buy the Standard Edition. It contains the full base game and a pre‑order bonus—plenty of content for first‑time players or casuals.
Fans who want everything up front: The Super Deluxe Edition is the best long‑term value if you plan to play the DLC/story packs.
Collectors: The Collector’s Echo‑4 Bundle is merch only—no game code—so only buy it if you really want the statue and prints.
Quick strategy: Start with Standard. If you end up craving expansions, upgrade to the Super Deluxe (or buy DLC individually if you prefer).
Quick comparison at a glance
| Content | Standard ($69.99) | Deluxe ($99.99) | Super Deluxe ($129.99) | Collector’s Echo‑4 Bundle ($149.99) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base game | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (merch only) |
| Pre‑order / Gilded Glory Pack | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Firehawk's Fury weapon skin | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bounty Pack bundle (4 mini‑DLCs) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ornate Order cosmetics pack | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Vault Hunter Pack (season pass/story DLC) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Echo‑4 statue, map, prints, necklace | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Note on the pre‑order bonus: The Gilded Glory Pack is the universal pre‑order bonus (cosmetics). Some retailers have listed additional leveled legendary weapons as part of certain pre‑order bundles—this varies by store. Check your retailer at checkout for the exact contents.
What (reportedly) comes in the Gilded Glory Pack
The publisher emphasizes cosmetics as the pre‑order bonus, but some retailers have listed extra in‑game items alongside it. Reported/retailer lists include:
1 Vault Hunter head (cosmetic)
1 Vault Hunter skin (cosmetic)
1 weapon skin
1 ECHO‑4 drone skin
Some retailer listings have shown leveled legendary items (varies by store)
Bottom line: Expect cosmetics for sure; legendary weapon inclusions may be retailer‑specific. Double‑check before buying if the extra weapons are important to you.
Edition‑by‑edition value analysis
💰 Standard Edition — $69.99
Includes: Base game + Gilded Glory Pack (pre‑order)
Who it’s for: Casual players, budget buyers, and anyone who wants the full core experience without extra bells.
Verdict: Worth it. The Standard Edition gives you the complete main game experience for the base price. If you're unsure whether you'll stick with the game long term, start here.
💰 Deluxe Edition — $99.99
Includes: Everything in Standard + Firehawk’s Fury weapon skin + Bounty Pack bundle (4 mini‑DLCs)
Who it’s for: Players who want more content and cosmetics but not necessarily the full story expansions.
Worth it? Maybe. You’re paying about $30 extra for a cosmetic skin and four smaller DLC packs. If you like extra bosses, areas to farm, and bite‑sized fresh content right away, this could be a good middle ground. If you expect to play major story DLC, the Super Deluxe is the safer long‑term pick.
What to watch for: Marketing uses terms like “Bounty Packs” and “Vault Cards” that can sound bigger than they actually are. Assess these packs once reviews come in or buy on sale if you’re unsure.
💰 Super Deluxe Edition — $129.99
Includes: Everything in Deluxe + Ornate Order cosmetics + Vault Hunter Pack (season pass style content)
Who it’s for: Dedicated fans and completionists who plan to play story DLC and new Vault Hunters.
Worth it? Yes, if you know you’ll play the DLC. For a ~$60 premium over Standard, you’re effectively pre‑buying story packs and character DLC that are often more expensive individually once everything is released.
Perks: The Vault Hunter Pack typically contains multiple story expansions, new playable characters, and additional regions—this is where the most lasting gameplay value usually lives.
💰 Collector’s Echo‑4 Bundle — $149.99
Includes: Physical collectibles only (no game code): Echo‑4 statue (LED), 17" map, vault necklace, art prints, and a few in‑game SHiFT keys.
Who it’s for: Fans who collect physical merch and don’t mind buying the game separately.
Worth it? For most readers: probably not. Because it doesn’t include the game, you’ll need the Standard or higher in addition to this bundle—bringing the combined cost well above $200 if you want the complete package. Buy this only if those physical items matter to you.
Regional pricing & fairness
Publishers often set regional prices that can feel unfair after currency conversion and local tax differences. Example price points can vary by platform and country—so always check your local store (Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or retail) before buying.
Tip: If regional price differences bother you, wait for sales or regional discounts—many editions see discounts within a few months of launch.
Cost math — if you buy Collector + game
| Base edition | Collector bundle | Total |
| Standard ($69.99) + Collector ($149.99) | = | $219.98 |
| Deluxe ($99.99) + Collector ($149.99) | = | $249.98 |
| Super Deluxe ($129.99) + Collector ($149.99) | = | $279.98 |
These quick totals help visualize how quickly the price climbs when you add merch to the equation.
Final Recommendation — which edition should you buy?
If you’re new or on the fence: Buy Standard. Experience the full game without overspending. You can always buy DLC later.
If you replay Borderlands titles and want everything: Buy Super Deluxe—it’s the most cost‑efficient way to get story packs and new Vault Hunters.
If you only want extra mini‑content and cosmetics now: Consider Deluxe if you want the Bounty Packs immediately; otherwise wait for sale.
If you want merch, not the code: Buy the Collector’s Echo‑4 only if the statue and prints are worth the money to you.
Smart purchase play: Start with Standard → upgrade if you end up craving expansions or exclusive characters.
FAQ (copy‑friendly answers you can use for schema)
Q: Does the Collector’s Edition include the game?
A: No. The Collector’s Echo‑4 Bundle is merch only and does not contain a game code.
Q: Can I buy DLC later if I start with Standard?
A: Yes. DLC and upgrade bundles are expected to be sold separately post‑launch.
Q: Is Super Deluxe cheaper than buying all DLC individually?
A: Typically yes—buying the season/season‑pass style pack up front is usually cheaper than purchasing each story pack and character pack individually.
Q: Are pre‑order legendary weapons guaranteed?
A: Not always. The publisher guarantees cosmetics in the Gilded Glory Pack; some retailers list additional leveled weapons—check retailer pages for exact contents.
Q: Where should I buy?
A: Use the store you trust (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or reputable retailers). If price matters, compare regional offers and wait for sales.
🛠️ Community Links & Resources
Official Borderlands Forums
Join discussions, share your PC specs, and swap performance tweaks with fellow Vault Hunters.Borderlands Subreddit
A huge community for build theorycrafting, bug reports, and hardware optimization chat.Gearbox Support
Submit tickets for technical issues or game-breaking bugs.
Comments
Post a Comment