A Lot to Process is the fourth main story mission in Borderlands 4. It follows directly after Down and Outbound and sets you on the trail of an Order scientist who holds crucial knowledge about Idolator Sol’s dangerous bioweapon. Expect a mix of exploration, tough firefights, puzzle-like progression, and a boss encounter before reaching the next stage of the campaign.

Quest Details

• Quest Giver: Conway (Outbounders HQ, Kairos – The Howl)
• Unlock Requirement: Complete Down and Outbound
• Recommended Level: 5+
• Main Rewards:
  • XP, Cash, Eridium
  • Rare/Epic Shotgun
  • Vault Hunter Style: Fought the Law
  • Vehicle Paintjob: Gloss

Step 1: Reach the Scientist House

Head northwest of the Launchpad into The Howl. Your target is a forest clearing containing the scientist’s house. On the way, unlock the Kit Hole fast-travel station for easier returns later.

When you arrive, a barrier blocks the door. Nearby, a small shed holds the generator powering it:

• Climb onto the roof of the shed.
• Perform a ground slam (double jump + Circle/B/A on controller or CTRL on PC) to break inside.
• Destroy the generator to drop the barrier.

As soon as the barrier falls, auto-turrets activate from the windows. Use Corrosive weapons to quickly strip their armor and push forward.

See also: Oddman Borderlands 4 – Punch or Shoot Choice Explained

Step 2: Meet Zadra and Defend the House

Inside, fight through more ceiling turrets and reach the top floor. A cutscene introduces Zadra, the Order scientist. Almost immediately, Order troops attack:

• Armatures will arrive in waves, supported by Sightline snipers.
• Stay near cover around the house to counter ranged fire, or drop down for aggressive play.
• Later, Bulkhead robots and an elemental Badass Armature join in. Shock and Corrosive are again the most effective elements.

Once the area is clear, Conway informs you that Idolator Sol has captured Zadra and taken her to a meat processing plant on the far side of the Fadefields.

Step 3: Drive to the Processing Plant

The trip is long, but worth exploring for loot and side activities along the way. At the Watershed Gate dam, you may encounter Wranglers riding beasts. Use Incendiary damage here—they’re all vulnerable to fire.

Continue southeast to Idolator’s Noose, where the plant is located. Expect a bridge battle against Wardens, Watchmen, Armatures, and a wildhorn beast. Follow the creature if you’re unsure of the route.

Step 4: Infiltrate the Plant

The front gate is locked. Turn left to a side route filled with more Order enemies. Eventually, you’ll spot a scanner checkpoint. To pass:

1. Enter the small shower room nearby.
2. Activate the controls and grapple the overhead lever.
3. Stand beneath the spray to cover yourself in blood, disguising your scent.
4. Approach the scanner to be accepted as a wildhorn and launched into the next area.

Be ready to double jump at the end of the pipe to avoid falling into the grinder. Witness enemies spawn right after—clear them and climb the far wall.

Step 5: Rescue Zadra

Follow a hallway and grapple through a vent to reach Zadra’s holding cell. Collect the hidden Vault Symbol here if you’re hunting collectibles.

Zadra leads the way, but you must protect her through multiple firefights:

• Warden, Armatures, and Badass Engines appear in waves.
• Zadra hacks doors and elevators while you defend her.
• Clear each room completely; sometimes stragglers hide in corners.

Ride the elevator with Zadra to the roof.

Step 6: Teleporter Parts & Boss Fight

On the rooftop, stock up at vending machines before the largest fight yet. Together with Zadra, you must collect:

• 1 Control Circuit (dropped by Synths/Engines)
• 3 Transponder Packs (dropped by Pinheads)

Install the parts into the teleporter. Zadra escapes, leaving you to face the mission’s boss: The Oppressor.

Boss: The Oppressor

A flying robotic gunship with strong shields and armor. Bring Shock + Corrosive weapons for maximum damage.
Attacks to watch for:

• Yellow projectile rain: Strafe or sprint to dodge.
• Cluster missiles: Shoot them early or take cover.
• Direct missiles: Easier to sidestep.
• Bombing runs: Stay out of its path; bombs leave lingering AoE hazards.

Aim for the center mass between the wings for critical hits. Stay patient—this boss doesn’t change phases.

Defeating it causes a crash landing with loot scatter. Open the nearby red chest before leaving.

Step 7: Return to Zadra’s Lab

Follow the ECHO Location line toward a canyon waterfall. Inside a thresher-infested cave system lies Zadra’s lab. Clear out the worms (fire ammo works best) and reunite with her.

Zadra reveals intel about reaching the Timekeeper and the next three possible main missions: One Fell Swoop, Wrath of the Ripper Queen, and Shadow of the Mountain. You can pursue them in any order.

Rewards: A Lot to Process Quest

Completing A Lot to Process grants:

• XP, Cash, Eridium
• Rare/Epic Shotgun
• Fought the Law Vault Hunter Style
• Gloss Vehicle Paintjob

Quick Tips for A Lot to Process Quest

• Carry Corrosive and Shock weapons—they dominate against Armatures, Bulkheads, Engines, and The Oppressor.
• Incendiary damage is highly effective at the Watershed Gate encounter.
• Always double jump when sliding out of pipes to avoid instant deaths.
• If Zadra seems stuck and doesn’t open doors, backtrack for missed enemies or restart from checkpoint. Play Now!