What to know

  • Elevator clearance is tied to story progression, not just exploration.
  • You’ll need to complete a specific side objective before access is granted.
  • Clearance requires interacting with NPC terminals and collecting security data.
  • Failure to secure clearance locks you out of certain areas temporarily.

Getting elevator clearance in Borderlands 4 can feel confusing at first, since the game doesn’t explain every step clearly. This guide walks you through everything you need to do to unlock access without getting stuck.

Where elevator clearance is required

You’ll encounter the first locked elevator in the Atlas Spire sector during the mid-game story arc. The elevator connects the mid-level office floors to the executive deck where a boss fight and loot chest await. At first, you’ll get a denial message: “Clearance Required.”

Step 1: Speak with the clearance officer NPC

Look for Security Chief Marrick, stationed near the checkpoint before the elevator. He won’t grant clearance right away—instead, he’ll assign you a side mission called “Credentials, Please.”

  • Marrick is located at the Operations Hub, one level below the elevator.
  • You must interact with him to trigger the clearance quest.

Step 2: Collect clearance data chips

Marrick sends you to recover three data chips from hostile zones:

Chip Type Location Enemy Holder
Bronze Security ID Cargo Docks (Harbor District) Dockside Raiders
Silver Security ID Research Wing (Biolab Complex) Gene-Spliced Psychos
Gold Security ID Blacksite Vault (restricted lab) Elite Heavy Enforcer

Each chip drops after defeating the marked enemy in that area.

Step 3: Override security terminal

Once you collect all three chips:

  1. Return to Marrick.
  2. Follow him to the Clearance Override Terminal beside the elevator.
  3. Insert the chips in order: Bronze → Silver → Gold.
  4. Wait for a short defense wave against security bots.

After you survive the wave, the system will unlock Elevator Level 3 Clearance.

Step 4: Activate the elevator

Head back to the elevator control panel, interact, and it will now allow you to ride to the Executive Deck. This grants access to new loot areas and the upcoming main quest boss.

Tips to make it easier

  1. Bring shock weapons—the security bots have strong shields.
  2. Farm in co-op if possible; the Gold ID holder is a bullet sponge.
  3. If you fail the defense wave, you only need to restart from the override, not recollect chips.