The opening hours of Borderlands 4 are designed to throw you headfirst into the chaos, humor, and loot-driven action the series is famous for. One of the first significant hurdles many Vault Hunters face is during the "Recruitment Drive" mission. After heroically claiming the broadcast tower as your first safehouse, you'll hit a familiar wall: a stubborn elevator that refuses to work without proper authorization.
If you're staring at a non-functional control panel with a hyperactive Claptrap chirping in your ear, you're not alone. This guide will cut through the confusion and show you exactly how to secure that all-important elevator clearance and get your adventure on Kairos back on track.
Why You Need the Elevator Clearance
This elevator isn't just a minor obstacle; it's the critical path forward. Activating it is the primary objective of this segment of the "Recruitment Drive" quest and serves as your gateway to the wider, more dangerous, and loot-filled regions of the planet Kairos. Without it, your progress is completely blocked.
Step-by-Step: Finding the Hidden Keycard
The game brilliantly (or frustratingly) doesn't mark the solution with a giant waypoint. Instead, it encourages a bit of old-school exploration. Forget scouring the entire tower; the answer is lying right in front of you.
Position Yourself: Stand directly in front of the elevator's control panel, facing it as if you're about to press the button.Turn Around: Now, do a 180-degree turn. Your character should now be facing away from the elevator doors.Spot the Clue: Look straight ahead on the ground. You will see the corpse of a defeated Ripper bandit.Claim Your Prize: Approach the body. On its neck, you will spot a distinctive, glowing High-Frequency Bolt. This isn't just junk loot; this is your elevator clearance.Interact: Move close until the "Take" prompt appears. Secure the bolt for your inventory.Mission Accomplished: Using the Clearance
With the High-Frequency Bolt now in your possession, your job is almostdone. Simply return to the elevator control panel and interact with itagain. This time, the system will recognize your clearance, the doorswill open, and you'll be able to ride it down to the next area.
As you descend, enjoy a moment of victory (and probably some classicClaptrap commentary), knowing you've successfully solved one of Kairos's first puzzles. The path to greater challenges and even better loot isnow open. Happy hunting, Vault Hunter!
Borderlands 4 Elevator Clearance FAQ
Q: I can't find the body! Where exactly is it?
A: It's very close. From the elevator, turn around and look at the ground. The dead Ripper is literally just a few steps away, often easy to missamidst the other clutter and combat effects.
Q: Is the High-Frequency Bolt used for anything else?
A: Primarily, it's a key item for this quest. Once used on the elevator,it serves its purpose, though it may be sold for a minimal amount ofcash afterward if it remains in your inventory.
Q: What happens if I sold the bolt by accident?
A: Key quest items in Borderlands games typically cannot be sold ordropped to prevent this exact issue. It should be safe in your inventory until you use it. If it's gone, checking a vendor's "Buy-Back" tab isyour first step.
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Microsoft Windows PC, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S
Genre(s): First-person shooter, action role-playing
Developer(s): Gearbox Software
Release date: September 12, 2025
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
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