Is this the redemption arc Borderlands 4 needs, or just another coat of paint on a broken machine? Let’s dive in.
The December 11th update is more than just a patch; it’s a complete overhaul of the game’s optimization. The developers have wielded Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO) like a digital scalpel, allowing the executable to run far more efficiently. This translates to tangible CPU performance gains, especially noticeable in areas choked with foliage.
But the improvements don’t stop there. The update also incorporates several GPU optimizations from newer versions of Unreal Engine, targeting Lumen lighting, foliage reflections, and even water rendering.
Under the Hood: Key Optimizations
- Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO): Streamlined executable for CPU gains.
- Unreal Engine Optimizations: Improved Lumen, reflections, and water rendering.
- VRAM Management: Better visual quality at lower settings, benefiting 8GB GPUs.
- Physics and Niagara Fixes: Reduced memory leaks and crashes.
- Shader Pre-compilation: Fewer PSO stutters during gameplay.
One of the most welcome changes? Cutscenes are no longer shackled to a dismal 30FPS. This simple tweak alone dramatically enhances the cinematic experience.
Perhaps the biggest win from this update lies in its improved VRAM usage. Players with GPUs sporting 8GB of VRAM are reporting significant performance leaps. The game can now maintain higher visual quality at lower settings without sacrificing performance, effectively breathing new life into mid-range cards.
According to tests conducted by YouTuber Daniel Owen, the performance improvements are “huge” on 8GB cards like the NVIDIA RTX 5060Ti. You can now push higher framerates on High settings, and even approach double the performance on Max settings. Check out his full analysis here.
While the update is a resounding success overall, it’s not a complete miracle cure. Some shader compilation stutters still linger, a reminder of the game’s rocky launch. However, the overall experience is undeniably smoother and more stable.
The developers have also taken steps to address this directly, improving the shader pre-compilation phase to minimize those frustrating in-game pauses. As the saying goes, progress, not perfection.
The December 11th patch also grants players unprecedented control over their visual experience. New graphics options allow you to selectively disable shadows, volumetric clouds, and fog, giving you the power to fine-tune performance to your specific hardware.
These granular controls are a boon for players on lower-end PCs, allowing them to squeeze every last frame out of their systems. The removal of unnecessary lights, particularly those used for volumetric clouds, further contributes to a cleaner, more efficient rendering pipeline.
The Borderlands 4 performance update is a testament to the power of post-launch optimization. It’s a clear signal that the developers are committed to delivering a polished and enjoyable experience, even if it takes time. While some issues remain, the game is now in a vastly superior state compared to its initial release.
With continued support and refinement, Borderlands 4 could finally shed its reputation as a technical disaster and emerge as the chaotic, loot-filled adventure it was always meant to be. The future, it seems, is looking a little less buggy and a lot more explosive.