In the Borderlands 4 side mission “Meat Is Murder,” you’ll need to track down several clues to move forward. Here’s how to complete the mission step by step.
This guide gives you a detailed walkthrough for the side mission “Meat Is Murder” in Borderlands 4. The quest unlocks fairly early at the Coastal Bonescape, but features tough fights and a few tricky puzzles. We’ll cover everything in detail and share extra tips so you can finish it without detours.
- Note: If you complete every side mission during your playthrough, you’ll unlock a silver trophy.
Quest Start: Harper’s Hideaway at Coastal Bonescape
- Location: Coastal Bonescape, northwest of the hideout (look for the “house icon” on the map)
- Quest Giver: Byron (NPC hidden inside the stables at Harper’s Hideaway)
To even talk to Byron, you’ll first need to clear out all the Rippers on the farm. Be careful: enemies spawn here in multiple waves. Once it’s quiet, you’ll see debris glowing red at Byron’s door. Shoot it to break him free.
- Tip: Bring a shotgun or SMG. The tight stable corridors are perfect ambush spots for Rippers. Grenades also help thin out the waves quickly.
Search for Clues
Byron wants to track Harper’s trail. Look for four clues inside the stable. They’re marked green and fairly easy to spot. The fourth clue is grim: parts of Harper’s body lie near a slaughter machine.
Also check the radio, where the mysterious Grin Reaper contacts you. Afterward, you’ll find Harper’s corpse hanging over the meat grinder. Byron asks you to shut down the machine.
Shutting Down the Meat Grinder
- Head upstairs on the left and pull the lever – no effect.
- Byron then suggests sabotaging the cooling supply.
Exit the barn through the back door, where more Rippers are waiting. Once cleared, move on to the fuel station. You’ll see two round hatches with handles. Use your grapple ability to pull them open and shoot the glowing red coolant regulators. Back in the barn, you can now lower Harper’s body and listen to more story dialogue.
- Extra Tip: Watch out for snipers positioned above during the outdoor fight. They can be a real nuisance while you focus on the regulators.
Enemy Waves & Heading to Plungeford
As soon as Harper is down, another wave of Rippers attacks at the barn’s entrance. Once you beat them, Byron points you to your next destination: Plungeford.
On your way, you’ll meet Otis, a shopkeeper in a small village. He mentions missing tools and hints at a cave behind a waterfall. From there, head north, cross the “Fishin’ Spot,” and keep moving toward Plungeford.
Also worth checking out:
Plungeford – Cave of Madness
The bandit camp is crawling with Rippers and Psychos, so bring your strongest weapons. Fight through the base until you reach the waterfalls. To the left, you’ll spot a boarded-up cave. Shoot the planks and head inside.
Here you’ll face Zeke, a brainwashed servant of the Grin Reaper. After a short dialogue, he’ll attack. Defeat him – patience and cover help, as he’s quite aggressive. Once he’s down, the radio brings another message from your mysterious rival.
Quest Completion & Rewards
The trail ends here for now. Report back to Byron over comms to complete the quest. Your rewards include:
- Experience Points
- Cash
- Eridium
- Bonus inventory item: a weapon (rare to epic)
- Vault Hunter Skin
- Tip: Don’t forget to check your inventory afterward. The cosmetic reward is stored in a separate loot chest.
