Gearbox is bringing back FL4K, the fan-favorite robot Beastmaster from Borderlands 3, in a new story DLC for Borderlands 4 launching September 10. Titled FL4K and the Last Resort, the pack also introduces a brand-new Vault Hunter named Loveless the Hacker, and sends FL4K on a mission to find his missing pet Skag, Mr. Chew.
The second DLC story pack for Borderlands 4 was officially announced via a teaser trailer on the official Borderlands Twitter account. It follows up on Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, which released in March. FL4K and the Last Resort will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on September 10.
Why FL4K Returns Now
FL4K was one of the most popular Vault Hunters in Borderlands 3, thanks to his stoic robot demeanor and the loyal pet Skag, Mr. Chew. Bringing him back taps into nostalgia while also giving Gearbox a chance to expand his story. The missing pet hook creates immediate stakes and a reason for FL4K to explore Kairos, the new planet introduced in Borderlands 4.
Gearbox has been steadily supporting Borderlands 4 with post-launch content since its release in September 2025. The first DLC pack set a template for story-driven expansions, and this second one continues that pattern. The addition of a new Vault Hunter, Loveless, suggests Gearbox is also looking to freshen up the playable roster rather than just recycling old favorites.
What the DLC Means for Players
For longtime fans, FL4K's return is a direct line to Borderlands 3 and a chance to see how the Beastmaster has evolved. The DLC also adds a new character with Loveless the Hacker, whose abilities could shake up endgame builds. If the first DLC is any indication, expect a few hours of new story missions, new loot, and at least one memorable boss fight.
The DLC is part of Borderlands 4's season pass, but it will also be available for individual purchase. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but the first story pack launched at $14.99.
The Bigger Picture for Borderlands DLC
Gearbox has been leaning into bringing back legacy characters for Borderlands 4's expansions. Mad Ellie returned in the first pack, and now FL4K. This approach mirrors what many live-service games do—reintroduce beloved figures to drive engagement and sales. It's a safe but effective strategy, especially when the new characters like Loveless are introduced alongside them.
The AI arms race in gaming has also pushed developers to create more complex companion behaviors, and FL4K's pet mechanics were already a standout in Borderlands 3. Expect Mr. Chew's absence to be a central emotional beat, and possibly a new pet system tied to the DLC's story.
A Note of Caution
Not everyone is thrilled about recycled Vault Hunters. Some players want entirely new characters rather than callbacks, especially when the base game already launched with four new Vault Hunters. If Gearbox leans too heavily on nostalgia, it risks making the DLC feel like a greatest-hits tour rather than a fresh adventure. The success of FL4K and the Last Resort will depend on whether the story justifies the return or just coasts on fan affection.
Performance on older hardware could also be a concern. Borderlands 4 is a demanding game on PC and consoles, and DLC areas sometimes push the engine further. Players on AMD GPUs or ARM-based systems like the ASUS ROG Ally may want to check patch notes before jumping in.
What Comes Next
Gearbox hasn't announced a third story pack yet, but the season pass for Borderlands 4 includes four DLC drops total. With FL4K and Loveless arriving in September, the next pack could land in early 2027. Given the pattern, expect another returning Vault Hunter—maybe Gaige or Krieg—alongside another new face.
For now, mark September 10 on your calendar. FL4K's hunt for Mr. Chew begins then, and Loveless the Hacker gives players a fresh reason to dive back into Kairos.
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