Borderlands 4 Promises Less "Toilet Humor," Says Narrative Director

Gearbox's narrative director, Sam Winkler, has assured fans that Borderlands 4 will significantly reduce the amount of toilet humor compared to its predecessor. This shift comes in response to widespread criticism of the humor in Borderlands 3, which many players felt crossed into excessive and immature territory.

The discussion gained traction after the Borderlands 4 trailer debuted at The Game Awards 2024, showcasing a darker, grittier tone for the upcoming installment. Fans quickly noted the apparent absence of the franchise’s hallmark low-brow jokes, sparking debates on social media about the direction the series is taking.

On X (formerly Twitter), Winkler addressed these observations head-on, responding to fans with surprising candor:
"I can’t share much about BL4, but I still believe BL3 had too much toilet humor."

My Take

It seems Gearbox is taking a more mature approach to storytelling this time, and honestly, it’s a welcome change. Don’t get me wrong — the offbeat, chaotic humor of Borderlands is part of its DNA, but there’s a line between quirky charm and repetitive immaturity. If Borderlands 4 can keep its signature wit while delivering a more balanced tone, it could hit the sweet spot for both veteran fans and new players alike.

Let’s hope they replace fart jokes with something equally wild — just smarter. After all, Pandora deserves some dignity… sort of.