How to Get Golden Keys for Free in Borderlands 3
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The quest for powerful loot is a core element of Borderlands 3, and Golden Keys are a highly sought-after resource for securing top-tier gear. These keys unlock the Golden Chest located on Sanctuary III near Marcus Munitions, often yielding powerful purple-quality equipment. The great news is that you can obtain these valuable keys without spending a dime. You get them by redeeming SHiFT Codes, which are provided by the official Borderlands channels. Here’s how you can secure those precious Golden Keys for free:
Understanding SHiFT Codes and Golden Keys
What are SHiFT Codes?
SHiFT Codes are unique alphanumeric codes distributed by Gearbox Software, the developers of Borderlands 3. These codes can be redeemed in the game to unlock a variety of in-game rewards, most notably, Golden Keys. They can also occasionally grant Diamond Keys and cosmetic items, making them a very useful way to enhance your Borderlands 3 experience.
How Do SHiFT Codes Work?
Once you have a valid SHiFT Code, you’ll need to redeem it through the game’s menu. Here’s a quick guide:
- Launch Borderlands 3.
- Navigate to the Social menu.
- Find the SHiFT tab within the Social menu.
- Enter the code in the provided field, paying close attention to capitalization.
- If the code is valid and has not expired, your Golden Keys will be sent to your in-game mailbox.
Where to Find SHiFT Codes for Free?
Finding SHiFT Codes is the first step to obtaining free Golden Keys. Here are some reliable sources:
- Official Gearbox Social Media: Follow the official Borderlands and Gearbox Software accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. These channels frequently post time-sensitive SHiFT Codes.
- Randy Pitchford’s Twitter: Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox, is known for sharing codes on his personal Twitter account, often on Fridays.
- Borderlands Subreddits: Dedicated Borderlands subreddits often compile and share newly released codes, providing a convenient source of information.
- Borderlands Community Forums: The official Borderlands forums and various fan sites are another excellent place for codes.
- Promotional Materials: Keep an eye out for codes hidden in promotional content, such as trailers or special event broadcasts.
Time-Sensitive Nature of SHiFT Codes
Most SHiFT Codes are time-sensitive, meaning they have an expiration date. You’ll need to redeem them before they expire to get your rewards. However, some SHiFT Codes for Golden Keys are known to have a longer lifespan or never expire, so it is always worth trying older codes.
Specific SHiFT Codes to Try
Here are a few non-expiring SHiFT Codes that are known to provide free Golden Keys which you can use now:
- ZFKJ3-TT3BB-JTBJT-T3JJT-JWX9H – 3 Golden Keys
- HXKBT-XJ6FR-WBRKJ-J3TTB-RSBHR – 1 Golden Key
- ZFKJ3-TT6FF-KTFKT-T3JJT-JWX36 – 1 Golden Key
- 9XCBT-WBXFR-5TRWJ-JJJ33-TX53Z – 3 Golden Keys
Maximizing Your Golden Keys
Once you’ve accumulated a good number of Golden Keys, knowing how to use them wisely can make a significant difference.
When to Use Golden Keys
While you can use Golden Keys at any level, it’s generally more beneficial to save them for later levels where the gear they provide is more impactful. Here’s a popular approach:
- Mid-Game (Level 40-50): Many players find this level range to be the sweet spot for using Golden Keys. The gear from the Golden Chest is more likely to provide a noticeable boost at this point in the game.
- When You Need an Upgrade: If you are struggling with specific enemies or bosses, using a Golden Key for the chance to get better gear may be a worthwhile risk.
Why Avoid Using Keys Early?
Early-game gear is easy to find and usually outleveled quickly. Thus, using golden keys at lower levels can be wasteful. The rewards from the Golden Chest scale with your level, so waiting until you are higher leveled allows the rewards to be more useful to your current build.
What to Expect from the Golden Chest
The Golden Chest primarily provides purple (epic) quality weapons. While these aren’t the highest rarity, they are significantly more powerful than common or rare items and can be extremely valuable. You might occasionally get a legendary item, but this is not guaranteed. The potential for getting purple items is still worth it, and can sometimes be exactly what you need to push past a hard section of the game.
How the Golden Chest Scales
The items provided from the Golden Chest always scale with your level. This means that the gear you obtain will be suitable for your current character level, making it an effective resource at all stages of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Keys in Borderlands 3
1. What exactly do Golden Keys unlock in Borderlands 3?
Golden Keys unlock the Golden Chest in Borderlands 3, found on Sanctuary III near Marcus Munitions. Inside this chest, you’ll find a selection of weapons and gear that are of purple (epic) quality or better and scaled to your character’s level.
2. Are Golden Keys necessary to progress in Borderlands 3?
No, Golden Keys are not necessary to progress in the game. They are a supplementary resource that can help you obtain powerful loot faster. You can beat the entire game and reach max level without using golden keys at all.
3. Can I buy Golden Keys with real money?
No, Golden Keys cannot be purchased with real money. They are exclusively obtained through SHiFT Codes provided by Gearbox. The fact they are free makes them quite a popular resource for those wanting to acquire better gear without paying real money.
4. Do SHiFT Codes for Golden Keys expire?
Yes, most SHiFT Codes are time-sensitive and will expire. It’s crucial to redeem them as soon as you find them. However, certain codes are known to last for an extended period of time or indefinitely.
5. How often are new SHiFT Codes released?
The frequency of new SHiFT Codes varies, but you can expect them regularly, especially around updates, events, or on weekends. Randy Pitchford often posts new codes on his Twitter account every Friday.
6. Can I use the same SHiFT code more than once?
No, SHiFT Codes can only be redeemed once per account. Once a code is used, it is no longer valid for that particular SHiFT account.
7. Can I get Legendary items from the Golden Chest?
While the Golden Chest primarily provides purple (epic) items, there is a small chance of getting a Legendary weapon or shield. While not common, the chance is always there and worth using a Golden Key on.
8. What is the highest level gear I can get from the Golden Chest?
The gear from the Golden Chest scales to your current level, so there is no specific level cap for the gear you can get from the Golden Chest. This is another reason why its better to use the keys when your level is higher.
9. What is the maximum level in Borderlands 3?
The maximum level cap in Borderlands 3 is 72, which was increased with the game’s DLC releases. This is the same as the level cap from Borderlands 2, which is not a coincidence and allows both game’s character to achieve parity.
10. Can I farm the Golden Chest for infinite loot?
No, the Golden Chest can only be opened once per key. You must use a new Golden Key each time you want to open it. This is another reason that acquiring them for free is such an important thing for players to do.
11. Are there any other ways to get free loot besides Golden Keys?
Yes, the game offers a lot of free loot. You can do this by completing quests, killing bosses, or through various in-game events, such as True Trials or farming different named enemies.
12. Does Borderlands 3 have Diamond Keys, and how do you get them?
Yes, Borderlands 3 does have Diamond Keys. Diamond Keys unlock a Diamond Armory that guarantees a unique legendary item. Diamond Keys are usually distributed through official SHiFT Codes, similar to Golden Keys, but much less often.
13. Can I get skins from SHiFT codes?
Yes, sometimes SHiFT codes may provide unique skins for your character or weapons. Like all SHiFT codes, they are usually time-sensitive and expire within a few days of being released.
14. What is the point of SHiFT codes in Borderlands 3?
The main purpose of SHiFT Codes is to reward the players for being engaged in the community and following social media accounts for Borderlands. They provide a range of in-game items for free, including Golden Keys, Diamond Keys and character skins, enhancing the overall experience.
15. What is the purpose of SWIFT codes when talking about banking?
In the context of international banking, SWIFT codes, also called BIC (Bank Identifier Code), are used to uniquely identify a bank or financial institution. These codes are necessary when you want to send money from one country to another, and ensure funds are routed to the right place.