What to know
- You must first clear the main story and unlock UVH systems.
- UVH 1 completion is required to access UVH 2.
- UVH 2 challenges focus on defeating four specific bosses.
- After defeating all four, the Wildcard mission Rush the Gate unlocks; completing it grants UVH Rank 2.
Unlocking UVH 2 is where Borderlands 4’s endgame difficulty sharpens. You’ll need to prove yourself by finishing the UVH 1 challenge set first, but once that’s done, UVH 2 becomes available. To reach it, you must hunt down its four designated bosses, then complete the Wildcard mission Rush the Gate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you do it right.
How to unlock UVH 2 [step by step guide]
Step 1 — Finish UVH 1 first
Before UVH 2 is available, you must beat the main campaign and complete UVH 1’s challenge bosses and its Wildcard mission. Once that’s done, UVH 2 challenges appear on your mission tracker.
Step 2 — Activate UVH 2 challenge mode
Switch your session into UVH 2 from the settings. This ensures all boss kills will count toward the UVH 2 challenge.
Step 3 — Defeat the four UVH 2 bosses
Each UVH 2 boss is tied to a named challenge. You must defeat them all while in UVH 2 difficulty. Their locations are fixed, so you can tackle them in any order.
| Boss name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bramblesong (Song’s Over) | Abandoned Auger Mine, Stoneblood Forest — Terminus Range | Known for heavy AoE attacks and plant-based minions. |
| Bio Armored Omega Thresher (Omega 86D) | Fades District — Dominion | High mobility; weak point at exposed thruster nodes. |
| Bio-Bulkhead (Bio Break) | Synthetic Nave — Dissected Plateau, Fadefields | Durable boss with layered shields and armor. |
| Sydney Pointylegs (No Points Awarded) | Ripper Drill Site — Hungering Plain, Fadefields | Fast melee boss; uses ambush tactics. |
Step 4 — Trigger the Rush the Gate Wildcard mission
After all four UVH 2 bosses are defeated, the game spawns the guaranteed Wildcard mission Rush the Gate. This is your final step to rank up.
Step 5 — Complete Rush the Gate
Accept the mission from the map marker. Expect tougher modifiers, enemy scaling, and a larger boss encounter at the end. Once complete, your character advances into UVH 2.
Step 6 — Verify UVH 2 status
After finishing Rush the Gate, check your challenges menu or session settings to confirm UVH Rank 2 is active. From here, loot drops, modifiers, and difficulty scale to match the new rank.
How to prepare for the UVH 2 boss fights
- Stock elemental weapons to cover shields, armor, and flesh — bosses in UVH 2 demand flexibility.
- Carry a mix of burst-damage weapons and sustained DPS for shield/armor stripping.
- Use team coordination if possible; UVH 2 fights scale but are much smoother with allies.
- Farm gear in UVH 1 before stepping into UVH 2, especially shields and relics that improve survivability.
Wrap-up: Moving into UVH 2
UVH 2 marks the next true difficulty tier in Borderlands 4. By defeating its four bosses and conquering Rush the Gate, you unlock tougher gameplay and better loot potential. With preparation and strategy, it’s a rewarding step deeper into the endgame.
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