Borderlands 4 developer Gearbox is requesting that PC players allow the game to run for 15 minutes to finish compiling shaders in the background. This follows player reports that a recent update introduced increased performance stuttering.
The September 25 update aimed to address prominent performance problems on PC. However, players soon began noticing new instances of stuttering after installing the patch.
Borderlands 4 currently holds a "Mixed" review rating on Steam, with many negative reviews citing ongoing PC performance concerns. Technical analysis from Digital Foundry confirmed significant stuttering issues in the PC version and recommended avoiding the demanding 'Badass' graphics preset.
In response to the reports, Gearbox posted a statement on social media. They advise players to continue playing for approximately 15 minutes to allow background shader compilation to complete, which should resolve the stuttering. For persistent issues, the developer recommends manually clearing the shader cache through your graphics card control panel. As a last resort, players are directed to submit a formal support ticket.
We've received reports that some players are experiencing reduced stability after downloading today's update.
— Borderlands (@Borderlands) September 25, 2025
Stuttering issues should resolve over time as the shaders continue to compile in the background while playing. If you're still experiencing issues after 15 minutes of…
PC players are familiar with the initial shader compilation process upon first launching Borderlands 4. However, this process doesn't compile every shader needed during actual gameplay, leading to in-game stutters. This remains the prevailing explanation for the issue.
Gearbox's recent guidance mirrors previous Steam community advice, which seemed designed to discourage snap judgments about performance changes. The original note stated that shaders recompile after any graphics setting change and recommended at least 15 minutes of gameplay to assess the new performance. The latest message conveys a very similar sentiment.
Some community members have suggested workarounds, like fast-traveling to specific in-game zones to force a bulk compilation of shaders before beginning a proper play session.
To expand on this: quit the game once after launching and relaunch it. Now travel into a zone and back out (Idolator Sol’s or a Vault will work) this should compile a BUNCH of shaders and start improving the smoothness.
— Ki11er Six (@Ki11ersix) September 25, 2025
Shader compiling is rough.
If you're jumping into Borderlands 4, be sure to check our updated list of SHiFT codes. We also have a comprehensive interactive map and a powerful character planner tool from our partners at Maxroll. Additionally, see our guide for choosing your first character, which features diverse recommendations from our expert players.
