Borderlands is renowned for its hidden references and nods to various pop culture elements, and Borderlands 4 continues this tradition. Although it may lack some of the infamous toilet humor and references to Skibidi Toilet and Hawk Tuah, this installment still contains several intriguing pop culture easter eggs worth exploring. Below, players can find a list of the most entertaining easter eggs in Borderlands 4 and tips on how to locate them in-game to show off to friends!
Pop Culture References in Weapon & Item Descriptions
Quotes from Halo, Mad Max, and More
Many Legendary firearms in Borderlands 4 contain amusing easter eggs, not just in their functionality but also in the descriptive red text. For example, the Lead Balloon Shotgun found in Riptide Grotto boasts the phrase «For a brick, he flew pretty good,», which is a direct reference to a quote by Avery Johnson in Halo 2. Another weapon, the War Paint Repkit from the Meathead Riders in The Old Scrape Drill Site, showcases the text «You shall ride eternal», a nod to Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Additionally, players will discover a mission keycard stating «It even has a watermark», referencing Patrick Bateman from American Psycho (2000). Be sure to inspect Legendary weapons and mission items closely to catch these humorous details!
Dunk Watson Makes His Comeback
An 11-Year Journey Comes Full Circle
- Location: «And Welcome to the Jam» in Camp Spinesquelch, Tonnage Peel, Carcadia Burn
For those unfamiliar with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, they might miss one of the most entertaining easter eggs in Borderlands 4, which marks the triumphant return of Dunk Watson. Dunk had a dream of executing the Ultimate Slam Dunk, even breaking free from Elpis’s gravitational pull. After drifting in space for over a decade, players can rescue him during the «And Welcome to the Jam» side mission, allowing him to finally complete his epic slam dunk without the need for sustenance or air. It’s time to celebrate this accomplished basketball player’s return after such a long absence!
Tediore Pokémon & Team Rocket
Gotta Catch Them All!
- Location: «Wayward Gun» in Dusk’s Advent, Cuspid Climb, Terminus Range
Players will discover a side mission centered around Pokémon within the Wayward Gun quest, where they must capture runaway pocket monsters that are hilariously transformed into deadly, legged Tediore weapons. Interacting with Bash (a play on Ash Ketchum) enables players to hunt for Catch-tainers (Poké Balls) to toss at these rogue firearms. This entertaining mission humorously parodies the Pokémon franchise, especially with the arrival of the Bomb Squad, reminiscent of Jesse and James from Team Rocket.
Shrek and Donkey
What Are You Doing in Their Swamp?!
Explorers venturing into the southern area of Idolator’s Noose within the Fadefields will discover a small swamp known as Mirehome Point of Interest. This area features warnings to keep out, but players will encounter Wreck and Burro as they venture deeper. Clearly, Wreck is a spoof of Shrek, while Burro translates to Donkey, the character’s loyal companion. Players can take out this pair and invade their swamp; however, there’s no specific reward involved–just a delightful easter egg waiting to be discovered in the expansive world of Kairos.
Gearbox’s Playful Nod to Their Journey with Take-Two
- Location: Embracer’s Buff, Lopside, Carcadia Burn
Gearbox Software embraces humor within its game design, making Embracer’s Bluff feel somewhat familiar. Players entering this area in Lopside, Carcadia Burn, will encounter a bleak environment. The name Embracer’s Bluff is likely a pointed reference to Embracer Group, who purchased Gearbox Entertainment (including Gearbox Software) in 2021 for a substantial $1.3 billion. Following their controversial acquisition and the subsequent closure of Volition–a move many viewed unfavorably–Gearbox may have opted to poke fun at their former owners through this rundown locale, depicting exploitation as locals scavenge while the mayor enjoys an extravagant lifestyle.
Iconic Movie Weapons
Unique Weapons Referencing Ghostbusters, Men in Black, and Game of Thrones
Aside from the quotable red text, Borderlands 4 also features weapons designed to resemble iconic movie arms, complete with their special gimmicks. Players lucky enough to nab the Ohm I Got from Bramblesong in the Bittervein Auger Mine will wield an actual Proton Pack bursting with ghost-defeating energy. Additionally, the small yet formidable Noisy Cricket from Men in Black can be obtained from Sidney Pointylegs at the Prospects Drill Site in Hungering Plains. Venture out to farm these Legendary weapons and find even more easter egg firearms!
Dr. Tannis on a Fish
A Familiar Easter Egg Featuring Handsome Jack
- Location: North West of The Howl, Fadefields. Activate explosive barrels in the following order: Corrosive, Cryo, Incendiary, Shock, and Radiation.
Returning easter eggs are always a delightful surprise, particularly when focusing on Dr. Patricia Tannis. Though she doesn’t physically appear in Borderlands 4, players can encounter a cardboard cutout of her riding a well-known fish. Head to the northwestern part of The Howl in the Fadefields, and shooting specific barrels in the correct sequence–Corrosive, Cryo, Incendiary, Shock, and Radiation–will reward players with a fun scene where the cutout of Tannis explodes a cutout of Handsome Jack. This returning easter egg also unlocks the Cut That Out trophy, so it’s worth giving it a try!
