Borderlands 4 is releasing in just under 2 months, so I'm revisiting the 5 best Gearbox games while I count down the days

Borderlands 4 is set to release on September 12 this year, so what better way to kick my impatience than by playing the best Gearbox games in the meantime. Sure, Gearbox Software has had some misses in its history (cough, Duke Nukem Forever, cough), but it has made some gems, which have me all the more excited for one of the biggest new games of 2025 with Borderlands 4.

Gearbox's catalogue isn't just limited to looter-shooters or Pandora-based outings, either. Dive into its offerings and you'll find some of the best stories in games, from alien-inspired masterpieces to some top-tier action games. With that in mind, I figured I'd share my top five recommendations with everyone who is anxiously waiting for the next Vault Hunter adventure. However, I've made sure to keep this list diverse, so don't expect it to be filled with purely Borderlands, folks.

With that out of the way, let's launch into some of the best shooters around. Below are the five best Gearbox games to play today while we wait for September to roll around.

5. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

Release: 2005
Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS2, Nintendo Wii

While Borderlands may be Gearbox's most well-known and popular franchise, The Brothers in Arms games are also generally fantastic. In fact, I could have put multiple games from this series on this list, but Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 holds a special place in my heart.

The World War 2 shooter follows the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. As you make your way through enemy territory, you get to learn about the characters as you command troops in tactical plays. This game does a great job of making you feel like you're part of a unit instead of a one-man army. You care about your teammates and feel the weight of their deaths. War games are aplenty, but few manage to grip you with their storytelling like this one. There's a reason we almost gave it full marks in our Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 review, after all.

4. Borderlands 2

Release: 2012
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Switch

Of course, a Borderlands game has to make an appearance on this list, and of course, the title that I'd pick in the series just so happens to be the top choice in our best Borderlands games list. In terms of goofy personality, with a surprising level of depth and gunplay improvements, Borderlands 2 is a sure fire winner, building on everything beloved about the original looter shooter to deliver a chaotic good time.

Although its side quests can feel a bit uneven and the story sometimes overstays its welcome, Borderlands 2 is still a joy to play. Customization has been taken up a notch; it's a blast to play with friends, and there is plenty to keep you busy. In our Borderlands 2 review, we said that the game was a "fulfilling experience", and that remains true even today.

3. Homeworld Remastered Collection

Release: 2015
Platforms: PC

One of the best sci-fi games to ever be released, the Homeworld Remastered Collection is really a must-play for any fans of space and real-time strategy titles. This collection includes modern makeovers for Homeworld and Homeworld 2, which, at the time, looked fantastic at launch. But the game's intergalactic visuals aren't the reason I've added this to my list. No, the story is what makes this such a good title, even by today's standards.

After your planet is destroyed by the Taiidan Empire, you play as Kushan exiles who embark on a quest to reclaim their ancient homeworld. Every level will have you building up your fleet in order to destroy enemy ships and get closer to your goal. You really do feel like you're part of a space epic here, and I can't recommend this game enough.

2. Risk of Rain 2

Release: 2020
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch

Risk of Rain 2 is one of my favorite go-to games to play with friends, and it truly never gets old. The roguelike third-person shooter has a satisfying sense of progression, as you collect loot, unlock weapons, and blast alien enemies with a flurry of flashing laser beams. Allowing for up to four-player co-op, it's very easy to lose time as you engage in multiple runs with Risk of Rain 2.

Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment as you pass a milestone that had previously been kicking your butt; making your way through more difficult enemy encounters over time. The thrill of unlocking new playable survivors, items, and more also scratches my goblin collector brain, and while some of its DLC is questionable, Risk of Rain 2 is an easy game to recommend to any kind of player.

1. Half-Life: Opposing Force

Release: 1999
Platforms: PC

Half-Life: Opposing Force is an expansion to one of the greatest games ever made, Half-Life. Instead of playing as Gordon Freeman, though, you're experiencing the events of Half-Life from the perspective of Adrian Shephard (a U.S. Marine) who was originally sent to neutralize the Black Mesa Research Facility after an alien invasion. But things go south for the soldiers, and Adrian is soon forced to focus on staying alive above all else.

Playing Half-Life again from this perspective is an absolute joy. The soldiers were posed as enemies in the original game, so being put in their shoes gives you a deeper appreciation for the plot as a whole. On top of that, there are new enemy types and weapons to play with. So yeah, if you are a Half-Life fan, this is a must-play.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best games like Borderlands. Or look ahead with our pages on all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming Xbox Series X games on the near horizon.