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
▶
Other Articles Related
Where to Find the Wombo Combo Rifle in Borderlands 4Struggling to find the legendary Wombo Combo rifle in Borderlands 4? Our guidereveals the exact location, boss farm, or mission needed to claim thispowerful weapon.
Best Legendary Repkits in Borderlands 4Discover the best Legendary Repkits in Borderlands 4 to enhance your gameplay. Unlock powerful gear and dominate the battlefield!
How to Get Whiskey Foxtrot in Borderlands 4Looking for the Whiskey Foxtrot in Borderlands 3? This guide reveals where tofarm this powerful assault rifle and the best strategies to get it todrop.
How to Get Goalkeeper in Borderlands 4Learn how to unlock the Goalkeeper shield in Borderlands 3. Our guide covers the exact drop source, farming tips, and strategies to get this powerful defensive item.
How to Get UAV in Borderlands 4Master the skies! Learn the fastest ways to get a UAV drone in Borderlands 4,including mission rewards, hidden locations, and top strategies fortactical dominance.
How to Find Mimicron in Borderlands 4Struggling to find Mimicron in Borderlands 4? Our guide reveals its exact spawnlocation, the best farming strategies, and how to claim its legendaryloot.
How to Get San Saba Songbird in Borderlands 4how to obtain the San Saba Songbird in Borderlands 4 with our guide. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay
How to Get Legendary Enhancements in Borderlands 4 Discover legendary enhancements in Borderlands 4! Unlock powerful upgrades and elevate your gameplay to new heights.
How to Get Scientist in Borderlands 4Discover how to unlock the Scientist in Borderlands 4 with our guide. Tips, strategies, and more await!
How to Get Protean Cell in Borderlands 4Discover how to obtain the Protean Cell in Borderlands 4 with our guide. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay
Should You Destroy the Mind Swirl Machine in Borderlands 4Facing the Mind Swirl Machine in Borderlands 4? This guide breaks down thecritical consequences of your choice: destroy it for a moral victory orpreserve it for power. Choose your side and reap the rewards.
How to Change MyCareer Difficulty in NBA 2K26Level up your MyCareer with our guide on changing difficulty in NBA 2K26.Maximize your VC earnings and find the perfect challenge to dominate the court.
How to Solve the Waterstop Evocarium in Borderlands 4Master the WaterstopEvocarium puzzle in Borderlands 4. Learn the solution to bypass theenvironmental challenges, unlock the secret chamber, and earn thepowerful unique reward.
How to Escape the No-Escape Room in Borderlands 4Escape the inescapable! Learn the secrets, strategies, and step-by-step guideto beating the infamous No-Escape Room in Borderlands 4 and claim yourlegendary loot.
How to Solve the Bell Puzzle in Mob Rules in Borderlands 4Master the Bell Puzzle in Mob Rules with our step-by-step guide. Learn thecorrect sequence to ring the bells and claim your legendary loot rewardin Borderlands 4.