In the chaotic world of Borderlands 4, side missions often deliver the franchise's signature blend of dark humor and moral ambiguity. Few choices embody this spirit more than the climactic decision in the "Exit Through the Rift Shop" quest, where players must decide the fate of the deranged scientist, Francis Oddman. This isn't just a simple good vs. evil pick; your decision has tangible gameplay consequences, including potential access to a secret trophy.
This guide will provide a comprehensive analysis of both options, helping you decide whether to punch Francis Oddman or shoot him for good.
The Story Behind the Oddman Dilemma
Before you can make an informed choice, it's crucial to understand who Francis Oddman is and what he's done. As you discover through ECHO logs and mission dialogue, Oddman wasn't just a quirky inventor. He was a scientist formerly employed by the mysterious Order, and he used his position to perform horrific experiments on the unsuspecting citizens of Kairos.
His goal? To find a mythical "paradise" by teleporting people through unstable rifts over and over again. The grim irony is that his discovered paradise is a nightmarish realm ruled by sentient lizard overlords. His reckless actions directly jeopardized countless lives, leaving you, the Vault Hunter, to deliver final judgment.
Consequence 1: Choosing to Punch Francis Oddman
If you opt for a non-lethal (but still violent) approach, you'll deck Oddman right in the jaw.
- Immediate Outcome: The force of your punch sends Oddman stumbling backward through an active rift portal. He vanishes into the dimensional stream, his ultimate fate unknown.
- Long-Term Implications: This is the critical choice for completionists. Punching Oddman is directly tied to the secret trophy/achievement "Rift Incompatible." This challenge requires you to eventually find Oddman's final resting place somewhere in the Borderlands 4 universe. By punching him into the rift, you keep his story alive, suggesting that future DLC or hidden areas will reveal what became of him. This choice leaves the door open for more content and lore.
Consequence 2: Choosing to Shoot Francis Oddman
For players who believe his crimes warrant a more permanent solution, the game offers a definitive alternative.
- Immediate Outcome: You draw your weapon and put a bullet in Francis Oddman. He slumps tothe ground, dead on the spot, and never enters the rift. His reign ofexperimentation ends right there in the Order Silo.
- Long-Term Implications: This choice offers immediate, cathartic justice and permanently closesthe book on his character. However, it may potentially lock you out ofthe "Rift Incompatible" trophy until you replay the mission, as his body remains in Deep Seven and cannot be found elsewhere.
Verdict: Which Choice Should You Make?
So, what is the best choice?
- For Trophy/Achievement Hunters: The clear answer is to Punch Francis Oddman. This is currently the only known way to progress toward unlocking the"Rift Incompatible" secret trophy. It ensures you are eligible todiscover his fate later in the game.
- For Role-Players Seeking Justice: If you're driven by narrative and your character's moral code, thechoice is harder. Shooting him delivers instant, permanent justice forhis victims. Punching him, while satisfying, could be seen as anincomplete solution, banishing him to a unknown dimension where he might continue his odd experiments.
Ultimately, while shooting Oddman might feel morally justified, punching him is the strategically superior choice for players who want to experience everything Borderlands 4 has tooffer without missing a hidden objective. You can always replay themission on another character to see the other outcome!
What did you choose to do with Oddman? Share your verdict with the community in the comments below
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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