One of several side quests in Borderlands 4, Meat is Murder differs from the rest in tone. Rather than Borderlands’ signature humor, this mission is a dark murder mystery where players must investigate an attack on a farmstead and hunt down a serial killer. Not required to proceed with the main campaign, it’s an engrossing distraction that blends atmosphere, combat, and story tension.
Beginning the Quest
The quest is started when you save Byron from within the barn at Harper’s Hideaway, which is west of the first Safe House prior to the Launchpad. Byron is trapped behind a barricade in the corner of the barn—take it out to release him and initiate the mission. Here it’s helpful to have your first vehicle, since the quest then has you traveling around Kairos.
Investigating the Farmstead
Byron claims that Rippers ambushed him and his brother Harper, who has since gone missing. To unravel what happened, you’ll need to examine several clues scattered around the barn: severed limbs by the crusher, Ripper corpses near a drill, the body of a dead Wildhorn, and a sheet of metal leaning against a wall.
Once the evidence is inspected, interact with the nearby radio. Harper’s body falls from the ceiling, hanging over the crusher. To drop him, you have to destroy the coolant regulators on the outside of the barn. Grappling hook and open their hatches and blast the cores within them while fighting off waves of Rippers. Once destroyed, head back to Byron, cut Harper down, and examine the axe and radio nearby his body. The other attack is forthcoming shortly—clear out the foes and rendezvous with Byron, who directs you to a local tool shop.
The Hunt for the Killer
Travel east to the tool shop and encounter Otis, who gives a tip on the killer’s lair at a waterfall. The cave they are referring to can be found past Plungeford, a Rippers-infested town. Clear out the area, then search for the boarded-up entrance to the cave near the waterfall. Disabling the boards opens up Zeke, an unstable NPC who attacks when provoked. Kill him, then examine the radio within.
Here is the true villain: the enigmatic Grin Reaper, a dark voice who ridicules you before disappearing, leaving the quest dangling and setting the stage for future showdowns.
Rewards
Finishing Meat is Murder rewards:
- A decent package of XP, money, and Eridium (added automatically).
- A random pistol that can go up to purple rarity, available for collection from the Rewards tab.
- A chance to unlock the Tropic of Cairn Vault Hunter style cosmetic, usable across all characters.
If the cosmetic doesn’t drop, the mission can be replayed through the Missions tab in your character menu.
Why Play It?
While not connected to the outcome of Kairos, Meat is Murder provides a respite in pace—mashing together detective story, suspenseful combat, and a frightening villain reveal. New players receive benefits that are a nice early-game pick-me-up, while veterans will appreciate the atmosphere and lore hints in the quest on the Grin Reaper.
