Borderlands 4’s first DLC goes free after performance debacle as 2K revises post-launch plans

2K Games has decided to offer Borderlands 4 players a surprise holiday gift. The game publisher is making the gesture following weeks of gamer complaints about stability. As a result, the first post-launch DLC, Bounty Pack 1: How Rush Saved Mercenary Day, is going for free.

2K Games has issued multiple technical patches to address the performance problems, and a recent update boosted frame rates by up to 20 percent, depending on resolution. The company also said prioritizing stability improvements made it difficult to fit everything planned into Bounty Pack 1, which is why it is releasing it as a gift.

Free Bounty Pack 1 available now

Naturally, the new DLC contains a holiday-themed questline based on Rush, leader of the Outbounders. He will relive his childhood memories and challenge Minister Screw. It also brings a Vault Card with 24 new cosmetics, rerollable gear, and some hidden collectibles.

Players don’t have to do anything as the November 20 update will automatically deliver Bounty Pack 1.

Deluxe and Super Deluxe buyers receive extra content in 2026

According to 2K, players will still get their four premium DLC packs if they pony up for the Deluxe Edition, Super Deluxe Edition of Borderlands 4, or the Bounty Pack Bundle. To ensure this, the company is planning to launch an entirely new Bounty Pack 5 at no cost in 2026.

More free endgame content on the way

There is more free stuff for Borderlands players to come. Gearbox is working on a new high-difficulty Takedown for 2026. However, before that, players will get their hands on Bloomreaper, the game’s first “Invincible” raid-style boss, in December. This is in addition to a new Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode – Level 6.

Meanwhile, 2K promised monthly updates and weekly fixes to enhance player experience.