Borderlands 4: SHiFT Codes and Performance Analysis
Borderlands 4 is here, bringing with it the familiar SHiFT codes system. These codes unlock valuable in-game loot, including Legendary Weapons and Gear, as well as cosmetic skins. This guide provides a list of active SHiFT codes and an initial assessment of the game's PC performance, tested on both minimum spec and high-end systems.
What Are SHiFT Codes?
SHiFT codes in Borderlands 4 are unique codes redeemable for Golden Keys. These keys open the Golden Chest located in major Faction Towns, such as The Launchpad, Carcadia, Belton’s Bore, and The Lockaway. Opening the Golden Chest gives you a chance to acquire rare loot, including powerful weapons, gear, and cosmetic customizations.
All Active SHiFT Codes in Borderlands 4
| SHiFT Codes | Reward | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|
| T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 | 1 Golden Key | Permanent |
| THRBT-WW6CB-56TB5-3B3BJ-XBW3X | 1 Golden Key | September 30, 2025 at 7:00am |
How to Get SHiFT Codes
The primary source for SHiFT codes is online via Gearbox's social media channels and Randy Pitchford's Twitter account. Keep an eye on these platforms for new code releases.
Remember that each SHiFT code can only be redeemed once per SHiFT account.
How to Redeem SHiFT Codes
To redeem SHiFT codes, you must first create a free SHiFT Account and link it to your gaming platform. You can then redeem codes in two ways:
- Via the "Rewards" tab in your SHiFT account settings on the Gearbox website.
- Directly in-game by opening the Pause Menu, selecting SHiFT, and then Rewards.
Borderlands 4 PC Performance: Initial Impressions
Like previous installments, Borderlands 4 exhibits some performance issues at launch. Testing was conducted on both a minimum specification PC and a high-end system to assess the game's optimization.
Testing on a High-End PC (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, GeForce RTX 5090)
On a top-tier gaming rig featuring a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and GeForce RTX 5090, running at 4K with the "Badass" preset (maximum settings) yielded disappointing results. Average frame rates hovered around 40 fps in indoor environments without DLSS. Using DLSS Performance mode significantly improved frame rates, but introduced some visual fuzziness. Even with DLSS Performance, the game appeared CPU-limited. Outdoor performance saw frame rates dip into the low 80s, with occasional stutters and crashes.
Testing on a Minimum Spec PC (Core i7 9700K, Radeon RX 5700 XT)
Testing on a PC slightly exceeding the minimum specifications (Core i7 9700K, Radeon RX 5700 XT) at 1080p with the "Low" preset surprisingly yielded playable results. Engaging FSR Quality upscaling further improved performance. However, the game felt somewhat laggy, and outdoor environments caused significant CPU strain, leading to frequent and severe stutters. It's clear that a Core i7 9700 is indeed the absolute minimum CPU for Borderlands 4.
Comparison with Previous Borderlands Games
The minimum spec PC handled previous Borderlands titles at maximum settings without issue. However, the performance difference between Borderlands 3 and Borderlands 4 is substantial. The new game demands significantly lower settings and upscaling even on the older hardware.
Conclusion
Borderlands 4 suffers from performance issues at launch. While the game is playable on both minimum and high-end systems with adjusted settings, optimization needs improvement. Gearbox is aware of these issues and is likely working on patches to address them. Randy Pitchford acknowledged the challenges of running new AAA games on older hardware.