Borderlands fans have something new to look forward to while they wait for Borderlands 4 to drop on September 12, 2025. Gearbox has announced that players can already claim a free in-game cosmetic, similar to how skins work in Fortnite. But getting it isn’t quite as simple as just downloading it.
How to Get the Hazard Pay Weapon Skin
Gearbox shared that the Hazard Pay Weapon Skin is free for anyone who plans to play Borderlands 4. However, there’s one condition you’ll need to meet first.
1. Make a SHiFT Account:
- Players need to either create a SHiFT account or log into an existing one on the official site: shift.gearboxsoftware.com.
2. Sign Up for Emails:
- To claim the skin, you have to agree to get newsletters and promotional emails from Gearbox and 2K. This is the part that might turn some fans off.
3. Link Your Gaming Accounts:
- Once you’re in SHiFT, you’ll need to connect your gaming accounts—like Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox—so the reward can be delivered to the right platform.
4. Log Into Borderlands 4 After Release:
- Finally, after Borderlands 4 launches, you’ll have to log into your SHiFT account inside the game to receive your free Hazard Pay skin.
See also: Ranker’s Utopia Brella in Fortnite for another example of cosmetic rewards in popular games.
No Rush to Claim It
The good news is there’s no huge hurry. Players have until December 31, 2030 to claim the Hazard Pay Weapon Skin. So even if you’re planning to buy Borderlands 4 later instead of at launch, you’ll still have plenty of time to grab this freebie.
Other Free Rewards via SHiFT
While you’re signing up, it’s worth knowing that SHiFT accounts often come with extra perks. Gearbox sometimes sends out SHiFT codes in their emails, which can unlock:
- Golden Keys, which open special chests in Borderlands games for random loot
- Other cosmetic items or rewards
So, keeping an eye on those emails might be worth it for dedicated fans.
Pro Tips for Vault Hunters
Although free cosmetics are always nice, not everyone loves signing up for marketing emails. For some, it’s a small trade-off for a unique weapon skin. For others, it might be annoying enough to skip the offer altogether.
In the meantime, Gearbox is slowly revealing more details about Borderlands 4. They’ve confirmed the game will eventually have a Photo Mode, like the feature popular in games such as Elden Ring, although it won’t be available right at launch. Fans are also talking about some comments made by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford regarding the game’s price, which have sparked a bit of debate online.
See also: Minecraft June 2025 Update to explore how other games keep evolving with new content.
If you’re eager for more looter-shooter action while you wait, Borderlands 3 is currently available at a big discount on digital stores like Steam.
Quick Steps to Get the Hazard Pay Skin
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Create or log into your SHiFT account.
- Sign up for marketing emails from Gearbox and 2K.
- Link your gaming accounts in SHiFT.
- Log into Borderlands 4 with SHiFT after it launches.
Offer ends on December 31, 2030. You’ll need a copy of Borderlands 4 to redeem it.
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