What to know

  • The Hellfire SMG is a legendary weapon manufactured by Ripper, focusing on incendiary damage.
  • It is obtained by farming the boss Skyspanner Kratch in the Lambent Mine area of the Cuspid Climb, Terminus Range.
  • The weapon offers high ammo capacity and excels in dealing damage over time with its Burning Desire perk.
  • It is especially powerful with builds that boost Status Effect Chance and Status Effect Damage for incendiary effects.

Borderlands 4's Hellfire SMG is a potent weapon that returns this iconic gun in a new form. Manufactured by Ripper, it carries a strong focus on fire elemental damage, making it deadly when used against enemies with flesh (red) health bars. Its reputation for high damage over time and incendiary effects makes it a favored weapon for status effect-based builds.

How to get the Hellfire SMG in Borderlands 4

The Hellfire drops from Skyspanner Kratch, a boss located inside the Lambent Mine area in Cuspid Climb within the Terminus Range. To farm the Hellfire, players need to:

Step 1

Progress through the story until they unlock Cuspid Climb in the Terminus Range. You can use the Heritage Opus safe house for fast travel.

Step 2

Complete relevant story missions until the Lambent Mine and Skyspanner Kratch boss fight are unlocked.

Step 3

Defeat Skyspanner Kratch in the Lambent Mine.

Step 4

Use the Encore Machine at the arena entrance to respawn Skyspanner Kratch and farm the Hellfire repeatedly.

This can be done efficiently after completing the "Shadow of the Mountain" main mission, which unlocks the region and the boss farm opportunity.

Stats & strengths (what makes it worth farming)

Here are its key stats and why it shines:

Attribute Value / Effect
Manufacturer Ripper
Type Legendary SMG
Damage type Incendiary (fire) — burning effect over time
Best use case Against flesh / red-health enemies; builds that increase elemental or fire damage
Synergies Use with skills or gear that boost elemental / fire damage or burning effects.

Tips for efficient farming and usage

  • Make sure you’re around the level of the boss; going in too under-leveled means longer fights.
  • Use fast travel / safe house (Heritage Opus Safe House, if available) to reduce backtracking.
  • Clear any mobs that might interfere, especially drones with Skyspanner Kratch, to reduce distractions during the fight.
  • Keep gear or skills that enhance burning or fire damage; Hellfire’s strength scales when its burning effect is more potent.

As one of the best incendiary SMGs available, the Hellfire carries the legacy of its predecessors from earlier Borderlands titles. Its strong elemental burn and continuous damage make it a reliable choice for players focusing on DPS through status effects. The chance to farm it from a specific boss adds an engaging challenge to obtaining this legendary weapon, rewarding players with a powerful tool for their journey.