Borderlands 4 gives you a wide range of skills and build paths to explore, but it’s easy to misplace a point or realize a certain ability doesn’t work with your playstyle. Thankfully, the game includes a flexible respec system that lets you reset your skill points and experiment with new builds without starting over.
When You Can First Reset Skills
You won’t have access to respeccing right from the start. The option unlocks after completing the third main story mission, “Down and Outbound.” Once this quest is done, you’ll arrive at The Launchpad, where you encounter your very first Respec Machine. From that point on, any Respec Machine you discover can be used to reset your skills.
How Respec Machines Function in Borderlands 4
Respec Machines appear in settlements and safehouses throughout Kairos. On your map, they are marked with a symbol resembling a recycle icon around a Vault Hunter outline.
When you interact with a Respec Machine, you’ll see your skill tree mirrored inside its menu. You’ll then have two options:
- Respec Tree – Resets only the skill tree you currently have open.
- Respec All – Wipes every tree, refunding all points you’ve spent.
Once inside the menu, you can shuffle skill points around as much as you like without paying extra. However, as soon as you leave the machine, your build locks in. If you want to change again later, you’ll need to pay another fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Respec in Borderlands 4?
Resetting skills is not free. The respec fee is tied to your cash stack—a percentage of your current money is charged each time you use a machine. The exact cost scales with your level and wealth, so higher-level Vault Hunters will naturally pay more.
Additionally, these machines aren’t just for skills. If you want to reassign Specialization Points, you’ll use the same terminal but spend Eridium instead of cash.
Where to Find Respec Machines in Borderlands 4
You’ll find more Respec Machines as you progress through the story and visit new hubs. Here are the key locations known so far:
- The Launchpad – The first machine, unlocked during “Down and Outbound.”
- Carcadia – Located inside the main hall alongside vending machines and the bank.
- Belton’s Bore – Positioned near the entry point for easy access.
- Bones of Sanctuary – Found outdoors, east of the teleporter.
- The Lockaway – Close to the large open door northeast from the teleporter.
- The Sumpview – Accessible later in the campaign, southeast of the teleporter.
- The Food Court – Located in the northwest of the district safehouse.
Each hub’s map will highlight the machines, so you won’t have to wander too long to find one.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Respec
- Plan before paying – Experiment inside the machine menu until you’re certain of your build. Leaving early forces another fee.
- Use respecs to test synergies – Some abilities shine only when paired with specific weapons or action skills. Resetting lets you fine-tune those combos.
- Save Eridium – Specializations are more costly to reset, so consider them carefully before spending points.
- Level first, tweak later – Sometimes it’s better to earn a few more skill points before adjusting, since you’ll have a clearer picture of what works.
Respeccing in Borderlands 4 ensures you’re never locked into a build you don’t enjoy. Whether you’re chasing peak damage, experimenting with new synergies, or preparing for a tough boss, the system gives you the freedom to adapt. Just keep an eye on your wallet—or your stash of Eridium—before making the switch.
With so many skill trees and playstyles available, don’t hesitate to experiment. That flexibility is part of what makes Borderlands 4’s chaotic world so much fun to explore. Play Now!
