How to Level Up in Borderlands 4 – Fast XP Farming & Leveling Guide

Leveling up in Borderlands 4 is one of the most important parts of progression. A higher level means stronger weapons, access to new abilities, and better chances of surviving the chaos on Kairos. While XP naturally flows as you play, there are several strategies that can help you gain levels more efficiently.

Every enemy you defeat grants experience, but not all areas are equal. Settlements and regions crawling with bandits, wildlife, or hostile factions give you non-stop combat opportunities.

• Enemies close to your current level provide the most XP.
• Weaker foes give smaller rewards, while over-leveled enemies take too long to kill.

Take time to fully clear areas instead of rushing forward. This not only fills in your map and uncovers collectibles but also helps you gain steady XP along the way.

See also: Borderlands 4 Quick Tips – Beginner Guide to Survive on Kairos

Take Advantage of Co-Op Play

Playing with higher-level friends can give you a major XP boost. When someone in your party defeats an enemy, everyone earns experience.

• The killer may get slightly more XP, so coordinating finishing blows is a smart tactic.
• Teaming up allows you to tackle tougher enemies that would be overwhelming solo.

If you’re behind in levels, this is one of the fastest ways to catch up.

Prioritize Main Story Missions

The campaign offers some of the largest XP payouts in the game. Main quests are longer and more challenging than side activities, but their rewards justify the effort.

• Advancing the story also unlocks new areas, which opens even more XP farming opportunities.
• A steady run through the campaign can carry you close to level 40 on its own.

Don’t Ignore Side Quests

Side missions may not give as much XP per completion as the main quests, but they are quicker to finish and easy to stack up while exploring.

• Main quest markers are yellow, while side quests appear as blue diamond icons.
• Clearing every side quest you encounter builds momentum and adds up to significant XP.

See also: Borderlands 4: How to Tip Moxxi and Unlock Legendary Weapons

Use Bounty Boards for Efficient Farming

Once you’ve finished the campaign or are starting a higher-level character, bounty contracts become one of the best tools for grinding.

• Contracts reward XP, loot, Eridium, and cash.
• Prioritize Vile bounties, recognizable by enemies with crystal growths, since they pay out more XP and often drop legendary gear.

Farming Trick:

1. Check a bounty board for Vile contracts.
2. If none appear, grab the available ones and abandon them through the ECHO menu.
3. Quit to the main menu, reload, and check again.

At Safehouses, this method is especially convenient since you respawn near the bounty board.

Quick Tips for Faster Leveling

• Mix Activities: Rotate between story missions, bounties, and exploration to avoid burnout.
• Target the Right Enemies: Always fight opponents close to your level for the best XP return.
• Play Aggressively in Co-Op: Let high-level friends soften enemies, then land the final hit.

Every level boosts your survivability and unlocks new gear thresholds. Being under-leveled makes later regions much harder, while staying ahead ensures you can handle both bosses and mobs without frustration. Investing time in XP farming early pays off in smoother progression throughout Borderlands 4. Play Now!