As we approach the conclusion of Tokyo Game Show 2025, the excitement continues with a surprise announcement from Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox Software. He unveiled the first DLC Story Expansion Pack for Borderlands 4, set to launch in 2026. The spotlight is on a new character, the enigmatic Vault Hunter named C4SH, who promises to bring a fresh twist to the game.
According to Pitchford, C4SH was once a dealer robot in a casino, where he dealt cards and witnessed players experiencing both exhilarating wins and devastating losses. A pivotal moment in C4SH's existence led him to reevaluate his life choices, prompting him to abandon his casino job in favor of becoming a Vault Hunter. This decision sets him on a quest for fortune and self-discovery within the chaotic universe of Borderlands 4.
While specific gameplay footage of C4SH's abilities has not yet been released, Pitchford provided intriguing insights into his gameplay mechanics. C4SH utilizes the concepts of chance and probability, employing dice rolls and card plays to unleash random effects during battles. This high-risk/high-reward approach could make him either the most formidable or the most unpredictable Vault Hunter in the game, depending on a player's luck.
C4SH is set to be featured in the first Story Expansion Pack for Borderlands 4, titled Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. This DLC will introduce players to new story missions where they can join Ellie on a thrilling cosmic-horror themed adventure. Gamers can look forward to exploring a new map region, completing fresh side missions, and collecting new Legendary Gear.
The Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned DLC will also include a variety of new cosmetics, enhancing the customization options for players. This will feature:
4 Vault Hunter Heads 6 Styles 4 Weapon Skins 2 Vehicle Skins 3 ECHO-4 Drone Skins 6 Attachments 1 ECHO-4 FrameAs an avid fan of the Borderlands series, I find myself drawn to the potential of C4SH as my main Vault Hunter. Although I have yet to play Borderlands 4, my excitement stems from the overwhelmingly positive reviews it has received, despite some ongoing performance issues. Critics have praised it as a triumphant return to form for the franchise, with one reviewer, Michael Hoglund, awarding it a 4-Star rating.
While the default Vault Hunters haven't captured my interest, C4SH's gritty design and unique gameplay concept using luck and chance resonate with me. His ability to channel RNG mechanics recalls the memorable gameplay of Claptrap: The Fragtrap from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, but without the annoyance of Claptrap's voice. With ongoing improvements like performance patches and the introduction of FOV sliders on consoles, 2026 could be the year I finally dive into Borderlands 4. I eagerly await the opportunity to see C4SH's abilities in action, which may just convince me to reconnect with the Borderlands universe after a decade-long hiatus following Tales from the Borderlands.
