There are an endless number of side quests and objectives in Borderlands 3. Some are worth completing for the rewards, and others provide a compelling or interesting story that players will not want to miss. However, not all side quests are created equal, and many will essentially be a waste of time.
For the best experience outside of the main story, there are a select few quests that gamers will want to complete. Yet, some of these great quests are easy to pass by. There is a ton of content in Borderlands 3, and people will want to invest time in the quests that matter.
Updated on March 31, 2022, by Stephen LaGioia: There are seemingly endless stretches of terrain to explore when it comes to the lush worlds of Borderlands 3. With this naturally comes many unique and memorable side quests to get lost in, from simple scavenger hunts to malicious revenge plots.
The recent release of the DLC packs and various events has further added to this already extensive pool of side quests. With almost an overwhelming amount of tasks to knock out, it's easy for many to fall under the radar. And with so many great ones to highlight, it seemed fitting to revisit this list and add some more fun, fruitful side quests in Borderlands 3 that are easy to miss.
18 For The Story: Cannonization
This colorful side quest is given by the robotic NPC Grouse at Desolation's edge. Players will be sent to a Temple to "capture the Guardian energy," which initiates a showdown with Wraths and Spectres.
While there are a number of side quests that bring added lore and backstory, this one is more amusing for its references to the 1984 classic film Ghostbusters. This extends even to the potent SMG players are given after completing it, the "E-Gone." Charming homages aside, Cannonization is also just a classically-fun shoot-out; with a creative twist.
17 For The Reward(s): Circle Of Slaughter
Those who favor the tons of action and fountains full of loot will want to lock and load for Circle of Slaughter tournament. It can be found in the aptly named Slaughter Shaft in Konrad's Hold (Pandora), and is initiated by the skull-faced Boney. Though Borderlands often thrives on silly dialogue and amusing plots, this simple arcade-style chaos and wealth of loot is really the series at its best.
Being essentially a more epic version of Fink's Slaughterhouse from BL2, players will have their hands full, with countless pursuing foes. It can really be a grind to survive the increasingly-tough waves of enemies, but the plentiful rewards are well worth it.
16 For The Story: Childhood's End
Those who have played Borderlands 2 know of Angel's rather tragic tale of abuse and exploitation at the hand of the sadistic Handsome Jack. This side quest delves into the interesting, somber details of the Siren's youth, and sheds some light on what happened to her mother.
While there's not much in the way of gameplay here, the narrative and sound bites really carry the experience, keeping players engaged as they scour Konrad's Hold on Pandora. It really feels like exploring an interactive tale as gamers listen to emotional recordings of her memories.
15 For The Reward: Capture The Frag
This action-packed mission, triggered by Clay in Eden-6's Floodmoor Basin, doesn't present anything tangible as a reward, unfortunately. However, it does grant the player a decent chunk of cash and XP (for how simple it is), and litters the mission area with ample loot.
It's also quite satisfying to partake in a shoot-out for sport while helping "Team Tyreen" and "Team Troy" take out each other's minions.
14 For The Story: Ratch'D Up
This memorable romp features one of the weirdest and most bizarre stories in the game. Vault hunters will pick up the quest from Rhys in the Atlas HQ on Promethea. Without providing too much detail, the quest involves removing wretch from a lab on the planet.
The quest features plenty of action, and a memorable storyline as well. Players will make their way into the infested lab and save whoever or whatever remains.
13 For The Reward: Swamp Bro
Gamers that complete the Swamp Bro mission in Floodmoor Basin are rewarded with the awesome-looking Hangin' Chadd. Incredible name aside, this pistol is an amazing pickup from a side quest. Although the Swamp Bro mission can take some time, the Hangin' Chadd is worth it. Considering the only real tasks involve the gathering of a few fuel cans and critter-hunting, it's well worth the time.
The main advantage of the pistol is that it does not run out of ammo. This satisfying weapon just never gets old. The smoke does get in the way of the iron sights; however, an infinite clip makes this gun one of the top-side quest weapons available to players.
12 For The Story: Sell Out
The Sell-Out quest is a continuing storyline from Borderlands 2. In that quest, the iconic villain Handsome Jack asks vault hunters to kill themselves. Sell Out is essentially a modified version of the same quest, in which Tyreen asks the player to enter the death chamber and put an end to their virtual life.
However, there is another option that allows gamers to ignore her requests. While perhaps not the most fleshed-out side quest in the game, those that enter the death chamber will get a solid pistol bearing the same name as the quest. Play the quest for the continuity and BL2 nostalgia.
11 For The Reward: Malevolent Practice
The Dead Chamber epic pistol that drops during this quest is better than many would expect. It may not have reliable damage numbers or a large clip, but it packs a punch. The pistol has a chance to provide a 2x+ buff to damage after a reload. With a few critical hits thrown in, the Dead Chamber will decimate any enemy.
Gamers will notice that the bullet tracers turn purple while the buff is active. A small magazine limits the weapon's potential, but it is incredible nonetheless. Those interested can initiate the quest at the Anvil on Eden 6.
10 For The Story: Life Of The Party
With a name like that, it's tough for curious Vault Hunters to pass this one up. After capturing Boomtown in the Boom, Boom, Boom side quest in Devil's Razor, this quest becomes available. Players are supposed to celebrate the birthday of one of Mordecai's friends; however, as one might expect, the celebration never happens.
The friend of Mordecai is actually a dead woman named Grace. To complete the mission, gamers will have to beat several of Grace's hard-earned records on some random obstacles games; in charming arcade fashion. Destroy her score, and Mordecai will not be pleased.
9 For The Reward: Homestead
Vault hunters need to complete all three parts of the Homestead side quest to get the Po's Rifle manufactured by Jakobs. This is a fun and easy rifle to use, which ricochets three additional bullets after a critical impact. The gun has good base damage and is a rewarding item for completing the short series of quests.
Po's Rifle is quite effective against enemies with high shield levels. The simplicity and accuracy of the rifle make it a great weapon to have in the arsenal. Visit Ma Honeywell in the Splinterlands to get the mission.