Should You Destroy the Mind Swirl Machine in Borderlands 4

Upon concluding the "Angry Mob" mission in Terminus Range, Borderlands 4 unlocks a poignant side quest within The Scrap Heap called "Tandem Access Memory." This non-repeatable mission tasks you with a deceptively simple objective: defeat Order enemies, collect their Bolts, and deliver them to the enigmatic Pickett Fenster. However, the mission's climax presents one of the game's most defining moral dilemmas—a choice with significant ethical weight but no gameplay penalty.
You are left with two distinct actions: Place the Bolts on the Desk or Destroy the Mind Swirl Machine. This guide will help you navigate this decision by exploring the narrative outcomes of each path.

The Consequences: A Purely Moral Dilemma

Before deliberating, it's crucial to understand that this choice is intentionally designed around role-playing, not rewards. Your decision will not affect the amount of Cash or XP you receive, your standing with any faction, or future mission availability. The impact is entirely narrative, reflected only in the dialogue and your Vault Hunter's personal code of ethics.

ption 1: Place the Bolts on the Desk

By choosing to complete the job as instructed, you take a neutral, mercenary path. Your Vault Hunter will essentially shrug off the disturbing implications of the Mind Swirl machine, deliver the bolts, and collect their payment.

• The Outcome: You walk away, fulfilling your contract without further involvement. Your character's commentary will reflect a pragmatic, money-first attitude, reinforcing the idea that on Kairos, some horrors are just another part of doing business.
• Who Should Choose This? Players who are role-playing a self-interested mercenary, those committed to a "lawful neutral" character archetype, or anyone who believes that interfering with the Order's operations is a futile gesture on such a cruel planet.

Option 2: Destroy the Mind Swirl Machine

This choice represents a direct, albeit anonymous, act of rebellion. Todestroy the machine, simply shoot the conspicuous red panel on the eastwall of the room. This action frees the citizens trapped in theiraddictive, mind-warping prison.

• The Outcome: You liberate the addicted citizens from their suffering, potentiallysaving them from a gruesome fate. Interestingly, Pickett Fensterdismisses the event as a mere mechanical malfunction, never suspectingyour involvement. You still receive your full reward, making this asecret victory for justice.
• Who Should Choose This? Players role-playing a heroic or chaotic-good Vault Hunter, those whovalue moral principles over blind loyalty to a contract, or anyone whobelieves in striking small blows against the oppressive Order regimewherever possible.

Final Verdict: Which Choice is Best?

There is no "best" choice from a gameplay perspective, as both grantidentical rewards. The decision is yours to make based on your personalmoral compass and your character's identity.

• For a Moral Victory:Destroy the Mind Swirl Machine. It’s a clear act of compassion that alleviates suffering without anynegative consequences for you, making it the objectively "good" endingto the quest.
• For a Canonical Mercenary Experience:Place the Bolts on the Desk. This option aligns perfectly with the cutthroat, profit-drivenatmosphere of Borderlands, where Vault Hunters are often hired gunsfirst and heroes second.

Ultimately, "Tandem Access Memory" is a standout moment in Borderlands 4 because it challenges the player to define what kind of hero—or anti-hero—theywant to be, proving that the most impactful choices aren't always aboutthe loot.

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