Borderlands 3 Shift codes: Every active Shift code and how to redeem them

Calling all vault hunters: If you need some fresh loot, we've got some Borderlands 3 Shift codes to help you get it. If you're looking for loot in the latest game, make sure to check our Borderlands 4 Shift codes page instead.

With every instalment in the Borderlands series, Shift codes have been Gearbox's chosen way to dole out post-launch loot and rewards. On a pretty consistent basis, Gearbox gives away these freebies through chunky 25-digit codes redeemed at shift.gearboxsoftware.com.

Active limited-time Borderlands 3 Shift codes

Like Tiny Tina's Wonderlands Shift codes, Borderlands 3's Shift rewards revolve around different types of key, which are used at a chest in Sanctuary to unlock shiny new guns. It's quite a bit like loot box systems from other games, except these are free. The main catch is that a good number of these Shift codes expire, and sometimes pretty quickly. That's why it's handy to keep a guide like this bookmarked.

We're keeping a living log of every Shift code as it comes in, as well as its reported expiration, and the occasional permanent code (our faves). There's usually at least a few codes going around that'll work at any given time.

Permanent Borderlands 3 Shift codes

These Borderlands 3 Shift codes unlock Golden Keys, and should never expire, as far as we know.

These Borderlands 3 Shift codes unlock visual head cosmetic options, and also seem to be permanent.

How to find the newest Shift codes before they expire

Borderlands 3 Shift codes usually arrive nowadays in the form of multi-use codes that can be redeemed for Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 3, and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands. To find them as they appear, be sure to check Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford's Twitter account, where codes tend to show up first nowadays. If there aren't any active codes there, try the official Borderlands account. In the past, codes have dropped there first.

Expired: Borderlands 3 VIP codes

The Borderlands 3 VIP program officially ended on May 18th, 2020.

Prior to Borderlands 3's launch, Gearbox gave out Vault Insider Program keys that worked similarly to Shift Codes. You earned them by doing things like watching trailers or following its social media.

Now that Borderlands 3 is well past launch, the program has been discontinued. You are no longer able to redeem any of the old codes.

Borderlands 3 Shift codes and Golden Keys: How they work

Borderlands 3 Shift codes come in two forms. Here's the gist:

• Golden Keys will unlock a special chest that is guaranteed to give you an item (usually a gun) of a high rarity. Shift codes often grant a batch of a few golden keys to use. It's sort of like playing a free slot machine, except you're guaranteed to get a rare item—just not necessarily one that you want.
• Cosmetics: Some Shift codes unlock special skins for Borderlands 3's vault hunters. In Borderlands 2, these were often tied to special events, and getting a Shift code was the only way to unlock the skin.

The redemption process is the same no matter what, and it's pretty straightforward—the easiest way is to use the website Shift.GearboxSoftware.com, after you've linked up your Epic Games Store, Steam or console account.

Here's how to redeem Shift codes:

• In-game through the menu. You'll copy the 25-digit Shift code, tab into your game and paste it in. Voila, guns or cosmetics for you!
• Online via Shift.GearboxSoftware.com. Create an account or login, and make sure you've linked up your Epic account so you can redeem codes for PC. From the menu, click "Rewards" and then paste your Shift code and click "check" to register it. Important note: if you use a multiplatform code and it doesn't work, try redeeming in-game before giving up.

How to use your Golden Keys

In-game, your golden keys should be delivered to you via Borderlands mail. But how do you use 'em? That's simple: Head to the big golden chest in Sanctuary, near the fast travel point. Here's where to find it, and what it looks like:

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Pop your key into the chest, cross your fingers, and ask the gun gods for a legendary. Good luck!