What to know
- Golden Keys unlock Golden Chests for rare and legendary loot in Borderlands 4.
- SHiFT Codes are the primary way to get Golden Keys, shared via official channels.
- Redeem codes in-game or online through a SHiFT account for rewards.
- Chests are in key locations like Belton’s Bore and The Launchpad.
Borderlands 4, released on September 12, 2025, brings back the fan-favorite Golden Keys and SHiFT codes system. Golden Keys unlock special Golden Chests scattered across the game’s world, Kairos, offering you a chance at rare weapons, gear, and cosmetics. SHiFT codes, provided by Gearbox Software, are your ticket to these keys. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to maximize your loot.
Getting Golden Keys in Borderlands 4
Golden Keys are primarily obtained through SHiFT codes, which are 25-digit codes released by Gearbox Software or affiliated sources.
All Active SHiFT Codes [Updated September 30, 2025]
Here are the currently active SHiFT codes for Borderlands 4 as of 30 September 2025:
| SHiFT code | Reward | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| THRBT-WW6CB-56TB5-3B3BJ-XBW3X | 1 × Golden Key | 30 Sep 2025 |
| JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R | Vault Hunter “Break Free” cosmetics + Legendary Ripper shield + 2 × ECHO-4 Drone skins | 31 Dec 2030 |
| 39FB3-SHWXS-RRWZK-533TB-JHJBC | 1 × Golden Key | 1 Oct 2025 |
| T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 | 1 × Golden Key | 1 Oct 2025 |
| WHWJB-XH3SX-39CZW-H3BBB-BTF55 | 1 × Golden Key | 1 Oct 2025 (may require linked 2K account) |
| TZXT3-XJXCB-CXBJW-BTTJT-9SK6B | Rafa Cosmetic “Savings Savior” | 31 Dec 2030 |
Expired SHiFT Codes [Updated September 30, 2025]
The following are expired SHiFT codes for Borderlands 4:
| Shift Code | Reward | Date |
|---|---|---|
| T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 | Gold Key | 09/11/2025 |
| THRBT-WW6CB-56TB5-3B3BJ-XBW3X | Gold Key | 09/11/2025 |
| WHWJB-XH3SX-39CZW-H3BBB-BTF55 | Gold Key | 09/12/2025 |
| JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R | Break Free Pack | 09/16/2025 |
| 3SR3J-CS63T-CFB3K-J3JTT-RZ5JR | Gold Key | 09/16/2025 |
| 3SRBB-X9RBJ-CRTBW-3BBB3-KJFW6 | Gold Key | 09/16/2025 |
| 39RTJ-3JZTJ-C6T35-JBTT3-5TFCC | Gold Key | 09/17/2025 |
| 3ZXJB-53STT-56T3W-B3TT3-HTS95 | Gold Key | 09/19/2025 |
| BSRT3-FTZBJ-K6BTW-JB3T3-WXT99 | Gold Key | 09/19/2025 |
| 3H63J-Z3S3J-KR3BK-BTJ33-ZWKTK | Gold Key | 09/20/2025 |
| TSR3B-J5S3T-KRBJW-BTTBJ-JRCXX | Gold Key | 09/20/2025 |
That's all.
Note: Codes can only be redeemed once per SHiFT account. Check back frequently, as new codes are released regularly.
How to get golden keys by redeeming SHiFT codes
You can redeem SHiFT codes in two ways: in-game or online. Follow these steps for a smooth process:
How to redeem your ShiFT key in two ways
You can either redeem them online on the developer's website or do it in-game itself. Both the guides are given below.
Option 1: Redeeming on the official SHiFT website (step-by-step)
Step 1: Go to shift.gearboxsoftware.com and sign in (or create a SHiFT account).
Step 2: In your account, link your platform account (Steam/PSN/Xbox).
Step 3: Click the Sign in button to start connecting the platform on which you have the game to your SHiFT account. When done successfully, it will show "unlink" as shown below.
Step 4: Go to the Rewards / Redeem tab, paste the code, and confirm.
Step 5: Paste the code here.
Step 6: When successfully redeemed, you will see this message.
Some codes may may work on a specific platform only, for example, one code above asks for 2K account.
Option 2: Redeeming SHiFT codes in-game (step-by-step)
Step 1: Launch Borderlands 4 and sign into your usual platform account (Steam/PSN/Xbox Live).
Step 2: From the main menu, open Social (or the SHiFT tab) → look for Rewards / Redeem Code.
Step 3: Paste or type the 25-character code (hyphens may auto-format).
Step 4: Confirm redeem.
Step 5: Open your in-game mailbox or SHiFT rewards UI and claim the Golden Key. If it doesn’t appear, log out and back in.
Where to use Golden Keys in Borderlands 4
Golden Keys unlock Golden Chests, which are marked by a skull emblem and located in specific areas of Kairos. These chests drop rare loot, including blue, purple, and legendary weapons or gear, scaled to your character’s level.
Golden Chest Locations
| Location | Region |
|---|---|
| Belton’s Bore | Terminus Range |
| Carcadia | Carcadia Burn |
| The Lockaway | Dominion |
| The Launchpad | Fadefields |
Steps to use Golden Keys
- Travel to one of the listed locations and locate the Golden Chest, marked by a skull icon on your map.
- Approach the chest and select the option to open it using a Golden Key.
- One key will be consumed, and the chest will reveal randomized loot, potentially including legendary items.
Strategic Tip: Since loot scales with your level, consider saving your Golden Keys for higher levels or True Vault Hunter Mode to maximize the value of your rewards.
Tips for maximizing Golden Key rewards
To make the most of your Golden Keys, keep these strategies in mind:
- Track New Codes: Follow Gearbox’s social media and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest SHiFT codes. Codes are often shared during events or livestreams.
- Save Keys for Endgame: Wait until you’re at or near the max level to use keys, as chest rewards scale with your level.
- Link Accounts for Crossplay: A SHiFT account is required for crossplay and matchmaking, so set it up early to streamline your experience.
- Check Twitch Drops: Linking your SHiFT account to Twitch can unlock additional rewards during Gearbox livestreams.
Additional SHiFT Code rewards
Beyond Golden Keys, SHiFT codes may occasionally unlock cosmetics, such as the “Hazard Pay” weapon skin, available by signing up for Gearbox’s newsletter. To claim this, go to your SHiFT profile, enable “news and promotional messages” under User Preferences, and check your in-game mailbox.
Wrapping Up your Golden Key hunt
Golden Keys and SHiFT codes are your gateway to powerful loot in Borderlands 4, enhancing your Vault Hunter’s arsenal on Kairos. By staying on top of active codes, redeeming them promptly, and using keys strategically, you can score legendary gear to dominate the battlefield. Keep an eye on Gearbox’s channels for new codes, and happy looting!
ShiFT key source: Reddit
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