In Borderlands 4, weapons are the lifeblood of your Vault Hunter. The series has always been known for its chaotic gunplay and absurd loot variety, and this latest entry pushes that identity even further. Whether you prefer laser rifles, explosive pistols, or heavy shotguns, one truth remains the same: better weapons mean faster kills, smoother progress, and more fun.

During the early stages of Borderlands 4, you'll find yourself constantly swapping out guns as you discover stronger ones. The game world of Kairos is enormous, and it rewards exploration with loot at nearly every turn. Still, if you want to optimize your loadout early on, you'll need to know the best farming methods. This guide will break down the most reliable ways to farm weapons in Borderlands 4's early game.

Why Farming Matters in the Early Game

Weapons in Borderlands 4 scale with your character level, meaning that guns you pick up at level 5 won't be nearly as effective once you hit level 10. Early farming is less about keeping one weapon forever and more about maintaining a steady flow of upgrades. A fresh weapon with higher stats can make a huge difference in clearing enemies, especially during tough quests or open-world ambushes.

The good news? Borderlands 4 doesn't hold back when it comes to loot drops. Guns practically rain from the sky compared to most shooters, but if you want the best weapons as early as possible, there are smarter ways to target farm them.

1. Moxxi's Big Encore - Repeat Boss Fights

One of the fastest and most consistent methods for farming weapons is Moxxi's Big Encore. This system allows you to replay bosses you've already defeated, turning them into reliable loot fountains.

Here's how it works:

·After beating a story or side boss once, you can revisit Moxxi's Big Encore terminal.

·For a small fee that scales with your character level, you can re-summon that boss for another fight.

·Each victory rewards you with randomized loot drops, including rare weapons.

Because there's no cooldown timer, you can farm bosses repeatedly as long as you have the money. Early-game bosses often drop solid gear, and the repeatable nature of Big Encore makes it one of the best farming methods when you're still climbing levels.

Pro tip: Focus on bosses with more manageable mechanics so you can run the encounter quickly. Speed and repetition are the keys to farming efficiency.

2. Weapon Vending Machines

Another reliable early-game option is checking out the weapon vending machines scattered throughout Safehouses and Faction Towns.

·These vending machines refresh their stock regularly, offering weapons that scale with your current level.

·The higher your level, the better the rarity of items available for purchase.

·You can sell older gear directly to the machine to free up space and generate cash for new weapons.

While vending machines rely on RNG, they're a great way to supplement farming runs. Sometimes you'll find an unexpectedly strong gun without ever firing a shot. Players who buy Borderlands 4 Items can also skip the grind entirely and focus on the fun part: blasting enemies with new gear.

3. Rift Events on Kairos

Exploration in Borderlands 4 introduces Rift events, which are white glowing bubbles scattered across the world of Kairos. These function as mini-endgame challenges even in the early game.

When you enter a Rift, you'll face a Rift Champion, a tough boss encounter that drops high-quality loot upon defeat. Weapons from Rift bosses are often better than standard drops and can be farmed if you're willing to take the risk.

·Warning: If you leave the Rift bubble before finishing the fight, the encounter immediately ends.

·Defeating Rift Champions can take time, so make sure your build is prepared before entering.

For adventurous players, Rifts are one of the most rewarding ways to gear up quickly in the early game. If you're low on consumables or ammo, investing in Borderlands 4 Items beforehand can make these battles much smoother.

4. Progressing Through the Campaign

Finally, don't underestimate the power of simply playing the main story campaign. As you complete missions, you'll earn weapons as guaranteed rewards.

·These rewards range from uncommon to rare items during the early stages.

·While not always the fastest way to collect loot, it ensures you're always at least moderately geared for the content ahead.

·Side missions often provide unique weapon rewards as well, making them worth pursuing.

We don't recommend rushing through the campaign just for gear, but completing quests naturally will keep your inventory stocked while you explore other farming options.

Which Method Is Best Early On?

If you're strapped for time, Moxxi's Big Encore is the most efficient method for farming weapons in Borderlands 4's early game. You can pick a boss you're comfortable defeating and farm them repeatedly for fast loot.

Pair this with occasional Rift farming for higher-quality drops and regular visits to vending machines for upgrades, and you'll always have a strong rotation of weapons. Meanwhile, continuing the campaign ensures you're never underpowered for the story's challenges.

Final Thoughts

Borderlands 4 is designed to shower players with loot, but smart farming ensures you're always ahead of the curve. Whether you're replaying bosses with Moxxi's Big Encore, diving into Rift challenges, checking vending machines, or simply pushing the story forward, there are plenty of ways to fill your arsenal in the early game.

With a little effort, you'll constantly have access to better, stronger weapons, making the chaotic battles of Kairos all the more enjoyable. Farm smart, gear up, and let the bullets fly.