How to Jump Into Borderlands 4 and Its First Major Story DLC
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
A guide on how to start the Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned DLC in Borderlands 4, covering requirements for existing characters and the level 13 boost option for new players.
Gearbox is expanding the Borderlands 4 universe with its first major story pack, Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. Bringing fresh quests, a brand-new zone to explore, and plenty of extra loot to chase, the expansion offers a solid excuse to dust off your loadouts. For players looking to dive straight into the new content without digging through endless campaign progression, finding the actual starting point can be a bit confusing. Thankfully, the developers have provided a couple of distinct pathways to get you into the action quickly.
If you want to use an existing Vault Hunter, you will need to ensure you have progressed far enough in the main game. Specifically, characters created prior to the DLC launch must have completed the fourth main quest, titled A Lot of Process. From there, you should head over to Zadra's Backup Plan in the Dissected Plateau area and track down the An Invitation quest. Interacting with the alien pillar inside triggers the opening cutscene where Moxxi receives a mysterious letter, which then teleports you directly to the new Whispering Glacier zone.
For those who prefer to skip the grind or want to test out a fresh build immediately, Gearbox has also added a character boost option. When starting a brand-new game, you can select the DLC option to automatically generate a level 13 character. This skips past early story missions and drops you straight into the Whispering Glacier with twelve skill points, four weapons, a grenade mod, and a repkit ready to go. Whether you are bringing a seasoned veteran or rolling a fresh alternate, as reported by Paulo Kawanishi at Polygon, getting started is straightforward once you know where to look. Original reporting can be found on Polygon.
As digital economies, battle passes, and major expansions continue to shape how we invest our gaming hours, having a smooth entry point for new content matters. Borderlands 4 is leaning hard into keeping its community engaged across platforms, and dropping players directly into sub-zero alien landscapes with immediate gear is a great way to keep momentum high. Grab your squad, check your loadouts, and prepare to tackle the Vault of the Damned on your own terms.
Tags: Borderlands 4, Gearbox Software, Guides, DLC, PC Gaming
Original article: Polygon