BORDERLANDS
2 GAME PLAY

Walkthrough (Prefix--M=Mandatory; O=Optional)

SECTION 1: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY <sec01>

<m001> FRESH OFF THE BUS
<m002> THE DOCTOR IS IN
<m003> SKAGS AT THE GATE
<m004> CLAPTRAP RESCUE
<m005> FIX’ER UPPER
<m006> BLINDING NINE TOES

SECTION 2: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY <sec02>

<m007> NINE-TOES: MEET T.K. BAHA
<m008> NINE-TOES: T.K.s FOOD
<m009> GOT GRENADES
<m010> NINE-TOES: TAKE HIM DOWN
<m011> NINE-TOES: TIME TO COLLECT
<m012> JOB HUNTING

SECTION 3: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY <sec03>

<m013> CATCH-A-RIDE
<o014> T.K. HAS MORE WORK
<o015> T.K.s LIFE AND LIMB
<o016> BY THE SEEDS OF YOUR PANTS
<o017> WHY ARE THEY HERE
<m018> BONE-HEAD’S THEFT

SECTION 4: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS <sec04>

<m019> THE PISS WASH HURDLE
<o020> HIDDEN JOURNAL: THE ARID BADLANDS
<m021> RETURN TO ZED
<o022> GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON YOUR TIRES
<m023> SLEDGE: MEET SHEP
<o024> GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE

SECTION 5: THE ARID HILLS/THE LOST CAVE <sec05>

<m025> SLEDGE: THE MINE KEY
<o026> BRAKING WIND
<o027> SHOCK CRYSTAL HARVEST
<o028> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: THE LOST CAVE
<o029> THE LEGEND OF MOE AND MARLEY
<o030> SCAVENGER: SNIPER RIFLE

BADLANDS SECTION 6: SLEDGE’S SAFE HOUSE/THE ARID BADLANDS <sec06>

<m031> SLEDGE: TO THE SAFE HOUSE
<o032> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: SLEDGE’S SAFE HOUSE
<m033> SLEDGE: BATTLE FOR THE BADLANDS
<o034> WHAT HIT THE FAN
<o035> SCAVENGER: COMBAT RIFLE
<o036> INSULT TO INJURY

SECTION 7: THE ARID BADLANDS <sec07>

<o037> SCHEMIN’ THAT SABOTAGE
<o038> FIND BRUCE McCLONE
<o039> PRODUCT RECALL
<o040> CIRCLE OF DEATH: MEAT AND GREET
<o041> CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND 1
<o042> CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND 2
<o043> CIRCLE OF DEATH: FINAL ROUND

SECTION: 8 THE DAHL HEADLAND/NEW HAVEN <sec08>

<m044> LEAVING FYRESTONE
<m045> GETTING LUCKY
<m046> POWERING THE FAST TRAVEL NETWORK
<m047> ROAD WARRIORS: HOT SHOTS
<m048> ROAD WARRIORS: BANDIT APOCALYPSE
<m049> POWER TO THE PEOPLE
<o050> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: NEW HAVEN

SECTION: 9 THE DAHL HEADLAND <sec09>

<o051> FUEL FEUD
<o052> DEATH RACE PANDORA
<o053> WELL THERES YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT THERE
<o054> GHOSTS OF THE VAULT
<o055> SCAVENGER: REVOLVER
<o056> BIG GAME HUNTER

SECTION: 10: THE ARID BADLANDS/RUST COMMONS WEST <sec10>

<o057> IS T.K. OKAY
<o058> LIKE A MOTH TO A FLAME
<o059> UP TO OUR EARS
<m060> SEEK OUT TANNIS
<o061> HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS WEST

SECTION 11: RUST COMMONS WEST/EARL’S SCRAPYARD <sec11>

<o062> SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS
<o063> FIREPOWER: ALL SALES ARE FINAL
<m064> MEET CRAZY EARL
<o065> SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN
<o066> FIREPOWER: MARKET CORRECTION
<m067> GET OFF MY LAWN
<o068> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: EARL’S SCRAPYARD
<m069> TODAY’S LESSON: HIGH EXPLOSIVES

SECTION 12: TETANUS WARREN/SCRAPYARD/WEST COMMONS <sec12>

<o070> CORROSIVE CRYSTAL HARVEST
<o071> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: TETANUS WARRENS
<o072> KING TOSSING
<o073> JACK’S OTHER EYE
<o074> FIREPOWER: PLIGHT OF THE MIDDLE MAN
<m075> HAIR OF THE DOG

SECTION 13: RUST COMMONS EAST  <sec13>

<o076> MISSING PERSONS
<o077> MIDDLE OF MOWHERE NO MORE: INVESTIGATE
<o078> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: FUSES
<o079> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SMALL FAVOR
<o080> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SCOOT ON BACK
<o081> ALTAR EGO: BURNING HERESY
<o082> HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST
<o083> SCAVENGER: SHOTGUN

SECTION 14: KROM’S CANYON   <sec14>

<m084> THE NEXT PIECE
<o085> EARL NEEDS FOOD BADLY
<o086> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: KROM’S CANYON
<o087> TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT

SECTION 15: RUST COMMONS EAST/NEW HAVEN  <sec15>

<m088> JAYNISTOWN: SECRET RENDEVOUS
<o089> GREEN THUMB
<m090> JAYNISTOWN: A BROTHERS LOVE
<o091> RELIGHT THE BEACONS
<o092> ALTAR EGO: THE NEW RELIGION
<o093> A BUG PROBLEM
<m094> JAYNISTOWN: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
<m095> JAYNISTOWN: SPREAD THE WORD
<m096> JAYNISTOWN: GETTING WHATS COMING TO YOU
<o097> DUMPSTER DIVING FOR GREAT JUSTICE
<o098> ALTAR EGO: GODLESS MONSTERS

SECTION 16: TREACHER’S LANDING/ JAYNISTOWN   <sec16>

<o099> WANTED FRESH FISH
<o100> IV’E GOT A SINKING FEELING
<m101> JAYNISTOWN: CLEANING UP YOUR MESS

SECTION 17: THE TRASH COAST   <sec17>

<m102> ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE
<o103> HOUSE HUNTING
<o104> BAIT AND SWITCH
<o105> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: TRASH COAST
<o106> EARL’S BEST FRIEND

SECTION 18: OLD HAVEN/DAHL HEADLAND   <sec18>

<o107> SMOKE SIGNALS: INVESTIGATE OLD HAVEN
<o108> SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN
<o109> BANDIT TREASURE: THREE CORPSES
<m110> NOT WITHOUT MY CLAPTRAP
<o111> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: OLD HAVEN
<o112> BANDIT TREASURE: X MARKS THE SPOT

SECTION 19: RUST COMMONS WEST   <sec19>

<o113> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: MEAT AND GREET
<o114> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: ROUND 1
<o115> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: ROUND 2
<o116> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: FINAL ROUND

SECTION 20: THE SALT FLATS   <sec20>

<m117> THE FINAL PIECE
<o118> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: SALT FLATS
<o119> SCAVENGER: MACHINE GUN

SECTION 21: THE CRIMSON FASTNESS/CRIMSON ENCLAVE   <sec21>

<m120> GET SOME ANSWERS
<o121> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: CRIMSON FASTNESS
<m122> FIND THE ECHO COMM CONSOLE
<m123> ACTIVATE THE ECHO COMM SYSTEM

SECTION 22: DESCENT/THE ERIDEAN PROMOTORY/THE VAULT/WEST COMMONS<sec22>

<m124> FIND STEELE
<m125> DESTROY THE DESTROYER
<m126> BRING THE VAULT KEY TO TANNIS


Update-Version: 1.1, January 10, 2010
I have added bookmarks to all 126 missions. Cleaned up the procedure
for SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS. Additional details have been added to the
weapons section; and I have added extensive details and alternate
strategies throughout the document.





                           BORDERLANDS

There is a legend, the legend of the “vault;” and it is rumored that it
exists somewhere in the Borderlands of the planet Pandora. It is of
alien construction, and is said to contain ancient artifacts of awesome
power and value. You, a Bounty Hunter, depart the bus in Fyrestone and
are immediately propelled into the quest. A disembodied voice, the
ephemeral Guardian Angel, will request your help; and she will offer
you information and encouragement as you progress through the
wasteland, blazing your way toward the fabled vault.

The massive campaign takes place amid a backdrop resembling a post-
apocalyptic ramshackle wild west, but one with high-tech weapons; and
its missions will guarantee you days of addictive game play. This is an
awesome game with highly varied battlefields, a plethora of baddies,
Humanoid and alien, a truckload of loot and the most extensive and
spectacular array of weapons conceivable.

Borderlands, with its awesome arsenal, allows multiple approaches; but
the fact that you have four playable characters, each with a specific,
potent action skill, makes it more like four games in one. This
walkthrough chronicles the game as Roland, the soldier, whom I believe
has the best action skill for solo play. The Scorpio Turret is exactly
as he says, “like havin’ another soldier on the field,” and his class
mods are awesome for solo play as well. That being said, most of the
approaches and game details will adapt to the other characters as well.

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              GAME PLAY: LOOT, WEAPONS, MODS AND SHIELDS

LOOT:
Acquiring loot like cash, weapons, shields, class and grenade modules
and health packs is accomplished during game play by raiding weapons
chests, lockers, safes, etc. and by enemy drops, and there is a ton of
them. This can be augmented by making discreet purchases from Marcus’s
or Dr Zed’s vending machines, and by restarting the game and then
revisiting the re-spawned “gimmes” like RED and SILVER CHESTS. The game
seems designed for this purpose, so exploit it-or not.

You can often get the weapon you are looking for in this manner, and
can raise huge sums of cash by selling what you don’t require. Opening
a chest, especially in the game’s final stages, is much like rolling
the bars on a slot machine-sometimes you get red sevens, like a 4X
incendiary sniper with 350 firepower, a 2.7 scope, an extended magazine
and auto ammo regeneration-you never know. This can be an addictive
pursuit.

ACTION SKILL:
The action skill is available when you reach level five and is
activated by selecting it on the skills screen. Roland’s Scorpio Turret
is an excellent perk, and as you upgrade the firepower and then the
cool down time it becomes highly effective, especially when you acquire
elemental artifacts during game play. The first tier is available as
soon as the skill is unlocked and the next tier when five action points
are spent in the prior tier. For a percentage of your cash you can also
have the points refunded at any New-U Station, allowing you to
reallocate them however you wish.

CLASS MODIFICATION MODULES:
Class modules (mods) are specific to your character, and are given as
bounty, found in chests or even skag piles; and random mods are offered
and may be purchased from Dr. Zed’s health vending machines. They are
equipped in your class module slot by clicking on the desired mod in
your inventory. Only one can be equipped at a time, but they can be
very important items. The soldier, for example, has mods that
regenerate ammo, sometimes at prodigious rates. Others regenerate
health and/or shields at varying rates, or increase weapon damage,
magazine size, lessen weapon recoil, or improve sniper stability, etc.
Do not discount these items. As mods become available, and your
inventory slots grow, mods should claim some of those slots. A good
health regeneration module, for example, will allow you to not carry
health packs in inventory; or you won’t need to carry a weak shield
because it has health regeneration capabilities. The ammo regeneration
mods become readily available as the game progresses; and keep an eye
out for the electrocute and electrocute resistance mods later in the
game to help with the Guardians.

SHIELDS:
Shields are also an immensely important item and can be purchased,
picked-up off the ground and found in containers and skag piles. Get
the highest you can with the fastest recharge rate, but perks like auto
health regeneration and elemental resistance are also important
considerations. As the game progresses shields of all types and
strengths are available quite frequently. Again you can maintain as
many as you wish in inventory but can equip only one at a time.

MISSIONS:
Missions are most often acquired at the local bounty boards or from
individuals whom you will be directed to. Oftentimes the voice of a
local Claptrap will announce new missions. You can have as many
missions in your queue as are available. While some missions are
mandated, may are user choice, but oftentimes your level may make some
of these too taxing. The level of each mission is displayed when
highlighted but is not always a good indication of its difficulty. Some
missions are procedural-like meet Shep Sanders, which is simply a
vehicle to dole out additional missions. At other times your present
level, if above the level of the highlighted mission, may assign it a
trivial level when, in fact, it isn’t trivial at all. There are 126
missions, but only about a third are mandatory. I will list whether the
mission is optional or not.

WEAPONS:
With over 15,000,00 weapons possible, no one can tell you what you’ll
have let alone what to use; but a good mix is essential to success. A
good array of snipers, with a gradually improving incendiary-the first
elemental available-leading the way is essential. A fast firing
incendiary SMG or combat rifle, or rather two, one scoped and one not,
is an awesome combo. The same can be said for a caustic SMG or combat
rifle, scoped and not. A well-aimed burst from a good elemental will
allow an enemy to bleed down while you wait under cover, your shield
recharging, to finish him of. Conventional weapons will dominate early
play and they progress rapidly in strength and, even with the advent of
the elementals, they will remain a key part of your arsenal. They are
essential for certain boss battles and against other foes impervious to
elementals as well.

Without getting into a long expose on weapon capabilities I will give
some general things to consider. Firepower, accuracy, speed, ammo
count, elemental properties, or not, and an array of other perks like
recoil reduction and burst fire count are displayed when a weapon is
acquired and can be compared to those you have. High is almost always
good-high accuracy, high firepower, high elemental properties, large
magazines; but you must sometimes do a balancing act since all of these
qualities will not be high. Elementals, for all weapons, are tricky
because a very low firepower weapon at 4X may not be as good as a
higher-powered weapon at 1X. This applies for all the weapon types.

A shotgun with high firepower better be really high, because if it’s
got low accuracy or, equally important, a slow rate of fire, it will be
having you using that “horrific death and dismemberment insurance” all
too often. A scope on a shotgun, a point and shoot weapon is generally
a nuisance; and a shotgun with 50 FP x12 (meaning 12 projectiles
capable of 50 damage) is not so good if its accuracy is only 15%. Small
magazine size is also a major handicap.

A combat rifle with decent firepower and high accuracy and speed may be
better than one of higher firepower and similar speed and accuracy
because it has a much larger magazine size. High elemental level combat
rifles, meaning greater than 1X, are rather rare and can be devastating
when coupled with high firepower. As the game progresses, potent combat
rifles become common and one with good accuracy and an extended
magazine can be formidable.

Revolvers, especially the scoped revolvers, are not only fun weapons
but show extremely high elemental effects even at 1X. While not so
great in an in-your-face firefight, they can act as mini-snipers in
many situations and the elemental effects are striking.

Repeaters will be useful early on in the game, but in the later stages
only the highly elemental are worth the trouble. I generally keep a
high level incendiary or caustic with a good scope to take advantage of
the ammo slot. The 4X Firehawk, an incendiary repeater, however,
probably shows the highest elemental effect of any weapon in the game,
and is a treasure, especially one with a scope.

Sniper rifles in all elemental flavors, plus a heavy hitter
conventional is a must as your inventory expands; and these weapons
become frequently available as the game wears on. Just assign a sniper
to the down spot on your controller. These will be primary killing
machines throughout the game. An incendiary rifle is supreme against
flesh and is a must from the early stages of the game to the very end.

Submachine guns (SMGs) progress rapidly in quality from the game’s
start, and highly elemental ones, 4X aren’t uncommon. They become
available fairly early, and some rival the combat rifles as
conventional weapons as well in the later stages. The 4X Combustion
Hellfire SMGs are awesome incendiary weapons.

Rocket Launchers seem to lack the “punch” one associates with the type.
While certainly useful, they are not game-changers-even the 4x
elementals.

The Eridean weapons (alien) that you will eventually acquire are, in my
opinion, woefully lacking. While useful in some situations, they seldom
equal the conventional weapons in that same situation. They require
frequent recharging, lack good scopes for distant work, some have
extremely slow projectiles and they will generally sit idle because of
it, all the time hogging an inventory slot, where something more useful
can reside. If you can’t part with one, the cannon with its massive
firepower but pokey projectiles is probably the best of the bunch.

Grenades start off a bit weak, but are still effective against the
weaker foes; but they will get progressively more powerful and expand
to include elemental types and become a major part of your arsenal as
various mods become available. The incendiary MIRV or Bouncing Betties
are awesome against personnel.

ELEMENTALS and CONVENTIONALS:

You will quickly see in this document that I prefer elemental weapons
over the conventional weapons; but both are necessary to success in the
Borderlands. I find the incendiary weapons to be, by far, the best in
the game. Since most of your targets will be “flesh” and since
incendiary is designed for defeating flesh it is your best choice for
most enemies. A single burst from a good incendiary will begin to burn
down your victim and, as he burns, you can duck into cover only to pop
out and finish him off. These weapons are offered early in the game,
oftentimes as soon as Marcus’ store re-opens. Buy an incendiary sniper
and an incendiary SMG as soon as you have the funds to do so. They work
equally well on both Humanoid and on skags and other native fauna.
These weapons continue to improve throughout the game, and if a
powerful Combustion Hellfire becomes available, don’t pass it up.

Caustic weapons are the next best against most enemies, working much
like an incendiary; but they will not start to appear until well into
the game, with an occasional caustic weapon showing up just prior to
exiting to the Dahl Headland. A “Pestilent Defiler” is a potent caustic
revolver that is an awesome weapon and a Caustic sniper is also a must
weapon.

Static weapons will mostly lie idle in your inventory; but whenever
facing the Guardians or certain heavily shielded bosses, like Sledge,
they are an absolute must. The endgame would be next to impossible
without a good static sniper and static shotgun. Acquire a static
sniper and a shotgun and either an SMG or combat rifle for those times.

The explosive weapons, in my opinion, are the least valuable of the
four. This is strange since the explosive artifact used on the Scorpio
Turret is devastating, even to the Guardians. The elemental effect, for
small arms, however, just doesn’t measure up to the others. The most
useful are the shotgun and SMG, but only when they become more potent
later in the game.

Conventional weapons will obviously dominate early in the game and are
absolutely essential in defeating foes that are impervious to elemental
effects. Sledge, for example, is best taken down using static fire to
break his shield and a fast-firing conventional to take him out. They
can be used against all enemies and against boss types like the
Destroyer or the Rakk Hive, they are your best option. A powerful
conventional shotgun is an absolute must and will occupy a slot most of
the time. Keeping a pair of potent combat rifles and a pair of potent
SMGs, scoped and not, is recommended and necessary for success.

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                    BORDERLANDS WALKTHROUGH

Note: The details in this walkthrough were achieved by playing parallel
games on the Xbox 360 and the PS3 and from five additional
playthroughs. The game play is identical on both consoles. Actual game
play, however, unfolds, not because of any system difference, but
because of a limited randomness in the game itself. For example, during
SLEDGE: TO THE SAFE HOUSE, one system provided minimal opposition
during the initial rooms of the mission-a few Bandits and Psychos. The
other provided massive resistance in the form of a rocket launching
Badass Bruiser covering the only approach to the next area. This random
factor is within the game itself. Oftentimes I will say six hostiles-
there may be only five or there might be seven-this again varies
slightly. Skags and scythids numbers and types vary even more than the
Humanoid opponents, so expect some surprises. I have included RED and
SILVER CHESTS that can be accessed during the game play as outlined;
but have not given the location of the ones that are not-I don’t even
know where they all are. So exploration can yield many that are not
included in this document.

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<sec01>    SECTION 1: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY

<m001> FRESH OFF THE BUS: (Mandatory)
Level 1
Mission: Follow the Claptrap into the “peaceful” town of Fyrestone.

Marcus, the arm’s dealer and bus driver, will fill you in on the planet
Pandora-a wasteland, dangerous and barren and with a mysterious past;
and somewhere in its vast borderlands there is purported to be a vault
of alien construction whose contents will convey great power and wealth
to its discoverer. As Marcus insults one and all, you will select your
character to pursue the quest for the vault. This walkthrough’s details
were achieved using the character Roland, the soldier; but should adapt
to the other characters as well, especially Mordecai.

The ephemeral Guardian Angel will enlist your aid as you step off of
the bus. Take the ECHO device and HUD from Claptrap, but before
following him to the gate, head for the red motel building beyond him
and scavenge the many containers, dumpsters, lockers, safes and skag
piles in the area, which display a green beacon.

Go up the stairs in back of the motel. Jump onto the platform and then
to the corrugated roof. From there jump onto the roof to find your
first RED CHEST. It is possible that the items acquired there may
require you to level up before you can equip them, but take them
anyway. Scavenge the entire area for money and ammo before moving on
with Claptrap.

Interact with the New-U Station, which is the ultimate “horrific death
and dismemberment insurance policy,” to activate it. Change your name
and clothing colors if you want. Claptrap will fill you in on the New-U
Stations functions.

Follow Claptrap toward the “peaceful” town of Fyrestone. Near the gate
a swarm of Bandits will enter the area and after Claptrap opens the
gate you must take out an initial wave of six Bandit Thugs, usually
coming in two groups of three, after which Claptrap will point out a
“one time” RED CHEST. Take the weapons and when the next gate won’t
open he will lead you through a hole in the metal barrier.

Continue toward Fyrestone, scavenging all the way. Jump over the short
metal fence and eight more Bandit Thugs and Raiders will attack you
before you reach the “ugh” peaceful town. Killing the eight hostiles
will level you up to level 2, increasing your health bar from 100 to
115. This health bar progression will happen each time you “level up.”
Claptrap’s announcement of the raiders decline and Dr. Zeds advent
completes, FRESH OFF THE BUS.

<m002> THE DOCTOR IS IN: (Mandatory)
Level 2; 48 XP
Mission: Open Building 03 in Fyrestone, and meet Dr. Zed

Note: I have experienced an occasional “glitch” on both console systems
at this point. If the Claptrap remains unresponsive and doesn’t
announce the demise of the Bandits to the citizens of Fyrestone, exit
and start a new game. Do not restart the existing game as this
condition will not go away. This seems to happens perhaps once every
five or six starts during playthrough 1. Luckily, I have not had this
happen in playthrough 2.

Claptrap will fill you in on the workings and details of your mission
log and on the purpose of the waypoint. Talk to Dr. Zed to complete the
mission, and he will give you the mission: SKAGS AT THE GATE. Take note
of his medical vending machine and raid his place for cash and ammo.

<m003> SKAGS AT THE GATE (Mandatory)
Level 2; 144 XP; $313
Mission: Kill five skags and return to Dr. Zed.

Follow the Claptrap toward the gate. Before the Claptrap gets to the
gate, a Bandit raiding party blasts him. It is now up to you to take
out the four Bandit Raiders and Thugs who pour over the metal barrier,
two on each side, near the locked gate.

<m004> CLAPTRAP RESCUE (temporarily intervenes) (Mandatory)
Level 2; 72 XP
Mission: Perform a diagnosis on Claptrap by interacting with him, then
find a repair kit and return to him to do the repairs.

The Guardian Angel will ask you to help the injured Claptrap. Interact
with the Claptrap to do a diagnosis and then do an about face and go to
the waypoint, as is indicated on your map, to find the repair kit. It
is in plain view sitting on a makeshift table under the ragged red
awning across the street from and southwest of Dr. Zed’s place. Take it
and return to Claptrap to complete the mission.

SKAGS AT THE GATE (continued)

With the gate now open, head that way and open fire on the skags below
to lure them out of the low area. You must take out five. If you have
procured a shotgun, use it. Pressing the right analog stick initiates a
melee attack that is highly effective against these initial weak skags.
Quick kills here, 5 in 7 seconds, will net you the “Relentless”
challenge which can gain you 500 XP. These challenge items will allow
you to level up more quickly if achieved and can be viewed on your HUD.
Return to Dr. Zed to complete the mission. This initiates the mission,
FIX’ER UPPER.

<m005> FIX’ER UPPER: (Mandatory)
Level 2; 192 XP; $188
Mission: Obtain a power coupling, repair the med vendor, and buy your
first shield.

IF you haven’t done so already, scavenge the Fyrestone area for money,
ammo and health packs. There is an ammo chest and money safe on the
corrugated platform below the water tower across from Dr. Zeds.  A
large boulder in back of the water tower can get you to it via the
shack’s roof.

Go out the main gate that Claptrap opened for you and turn left. You
will see the green sparkle of the power coupling at the end of the
path. Grab the power coupling and four skags will attack. Kill them and
return to Dr. Zed’s place and interact with the glowing green cylinder
on the med vendor to get it up and running. You can also just grab the
power coupling and sprint back into Fyrestone and only one or two skags
will follow you in.

Interact with Dr. Zed’s Med vending machine to purchase your initial
shield for 245 dollars. A blue bar with your shield strength will now
appear above your heath bar. The shield will now absorb damage until it
is depleted, after which you will begin to absorb damage. You can now
sell off surplus weapons here at the vending machine. Talk to Dr. Zed
to complete the mission and he will give you, BLINDING NINE-TOES.

<m006> BLINDING NINE-TOES (Mandatory)
Level 2; 480 XP; $313
Mission: Nine-Toes is a constant threat to Fyrestone and his Bandit
gang has a stronghold near the town’s gate. Kill eight of the Bandits
of his local crew and return to Dr. Zed.

Head out the main gate and go toward the waypoint to the southwest of
Fyrestone. The Guardian Angel will give you a pep talk as you exit Dr.
Zeds. You will have to kill a couple of low-level skags en-route. You
must then take out eight of the dozen or so assorted Bandits to satisfy
the mission specs, but if you clear the compound you can safely access
a RED CHEST near the middle of the compound. You will likely level up
to 3 here, extending your health bar to 130.

Open the RED CHEST and then scavenge the area for cash, health and ammo
and note the entryway to the Fyrestone Coliseum. This particular
compound’s bad guys will not re-spawn so you now have access to a RED
CHEST with little opposition for future weapons harvesting. Waste a
skag or two as you make your way back to Dr. Zed to complete the
mission, BLINDING NINE-TOES. Dr. Zed now gives you the mission, NINE-
TOES: MEET T.K. BAHA.

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<sec02>    SECTION 2: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY

<m007> NINE-TOES MEET T.K. BAHA (Mandatory)
Level 3; 90 XP
Mission: Talk to T.K. Baha at T.K.s claim.

Head toward the waypoint, southwest of Fyrestone, to meet T.K. Baha. A
couple of skags will be in your path and a Humanoid assailant; likely a
Mutant Midget Psycho, will pursue you from the west. If you linger a
Bandit Thug or a tougher Bandit Killer will show as well. Interact with
T.K. to complete the mission; and T.K. will offer you the mission:
NINE-TOES: T.K.s FOOD

<m008> NINE-TOES T.K.s FOOD: (Mandatory)
Level 2; 480 XP; $313
Mission: Skags have made off with T.K.s victuals. Recover T.K.s four
stolen food packs and return them to him.

Head west from T.K.s, after scavenging the area, to get the first of
the food bundles. The waypoint on this mission will change as you pick
up each food bundle, directing you to the next. You will likely level
up to 4 as you dispatch the six or seven skags near the first food
bundle that is plainly visible on the ground. The second bundle is just
north of the first one.

The third bundle is further north and another half-dozen skags, some
the tougher Whelps, will challenge your approach. If you have a sniper
rifle you can target the charging skags to prevent close-in combat. The
fourth bundle is just a short distance from the third. Now with the
area cleared, forage among any skag piles for loot. Return to T.K. Baha
to complete the quest. T.K. will now offer the mission: GOT GRENADES.

<m009> GOT GRENADES (Mandatory)
Level 2; 48 XP
Mission: Marcus has re-opened his weapon’s vendor in Fyrestone. Before
going after Nine-Toes, you will need some grenades. Head on over to
Fyrestone and buy some. Then return to T.K.

You will probably have leveled up to level 5 by now, so unlock your
action skill by clicking on, for Roland, the Scorpio Turret; or on your
character’s action skill. Take out the ever-present skags along the
route to Fyrestone and eliminate the Bandits, now sporting shields,
that prowl west of the gate or they may follow you into town. Head into
Marcus’ newly opened store. Interact with Marcus’ ammunition vendor to
purchase your 3 grenades, and then check what’s for sale in the
adjacent brown vendor.

Many of the weapons available there will require a higher level to use
than your present level. Sell anything you can spare and buy anything
that strikes your fancy. An incendiary sniper is usually offered quite
early for all of the characters and is a must weapon. It will usually
require you to be at level 7 to use it, however. Incendiary SMGs are
also offered quite early, and an incendiary SMG at FP 15 or above will
be an excellent addition to your arsenal. During this walkthrough, I
purchased both early on, acquiring enough cash by re-starting several
times and looting lockers, skag piles, weapon chests, etc.

Return to T.K. Baha to complete the mission and he will offer the
mission, NINE-TOES: TAKE HIM DOWN. Remember to also check Dr. Zed’s
vending machine, where you may find a stronger, health-regenerating
shield available. This can be a key item and should be one of your
first investments. As Dr. Zed says, “You won’t regret it.”

<m010> NINE-TOES: TAKE HIM DOWN (Mandatory)
Level 4; 2,880 XP
Mission: Destroy T.K.s barricade, find the gun stash and kill Nine-Toes
and his minions in their lair.

Note: At this time-or anytime-if you exit the game and restart the RED
and SILVER CHESTS, moneyboxes, safes, toilets etc. will re-spawn. So
you can revisit the RED CHEST atop the hotel to improve your arsenal or
your money supply, if you sell what you don’t want. The RED CHEST just
before Fyrestone was a “one-shot” affair and will not be there, but the
RED CHEST in the Bandit camp will re-spawn and the Bandits will not. So
if you kill a few skags and a few Bandits in route, you can raid that
same chest again, gaining XP as well as weapons and cash. You can do
this again and again if so inclined to better your position.

Furthermore, if you exit and restart while in the Bandit camp, you will
find yourself back in Fyrestone, unscathed and ready to do it again and
again-or not-your choice. Doing this will also allow you to complete
numerous “challenges” (as can be seen on your ECHO device) to level up
more quickly, as well as providing you with additional funds for
purchasing a shield and weapons. You can easily complete the 50 skags
killed challenge, 50 items looted challenge-even 250 items looted
challenge and many others allowing you to hit level 7 before taking on
Nine-Toes. Level 7 is a key point, allowing the use of more potent
weapons, which are readily available at Marcus’ shop-if you have the
cash.

You will encounter three skags before the turn to the east of the
waypoint and another three just beyond. Use the detonator to demolish
T.K.s barricade and proceed into Skag Gully. You’ll encounter about
seven or eight routine skags as you enter the gully and another three
near T.K.s wife’s grave. You will acquire the Lady Finger, which is an
ordinary repeater, so you likely won’t be fulfilling T.K.s deceased
wife’s wish that you use it to take down Nine-Toes. There are another
six slightly tougher Whelp skags near the mine entrance and a couple of
Midget Psychos will charge from the mine entrance.

Enter the mine and two Bandits will greet you east of the vending
machines. Three more Bandits, one of them possibly tougher, will next
block the way near the turn to the north. The Scorpio Turret is useful
here, so deploy it. Make the final approach to Nine-Toes lair via the
metal ramps and drop down; making sure the Turret is available.

Immediately hit Nine-Toes with your most powerful fast-firing weapon. I
used a combat rifle; FP 21; Accuracy 82.4; Rate 7.9 with a magazine of
24. When he comes at you deploy the Scorpio Turret and retreat to the
right and toss a couple of grenades in front of him, and then keep the
heat on Nine-Toes with your machine gun so he goes down before the
skags are on you. The Turret and grenades should damage the skags, so
finish them off with the fast-firing weapon. A shotgun will work
against the skags but if its fire rate is slow you will take
substantial damage and might require a second wind. Take “The Clipper”
probably your first elemental weapon and scavenge the area. The
“Scavenger Achievement” leveled me up to level 7 while looting the
area. There is a RED CHEST on the north end and a SILVER one near the
east wall.

The Bandits will not have re-spawned but those prolific skags are back
in numbers. A half-dozen near the cave’s exit. Give “The Clipper” a try
to see the effects of even a weak incendiary weapon, but keep your
shotgun slotted in case you miss with the scope-less repeater. Six or
eight more skags appear just past the rock arch. Exit the gully and
eliminate the six skags along your route to see T.K. Interact with him
to complete the quest. T.K. will give you the mission: NINE-TOES: TIME
TO COLLECT.

<m011> NINE-TOES: TIME TO COLLECT (Mandatory)
LEVEL 7; 108 XP; $2,210; a grenade module
Mission: Go to Fyrestone where Dr. Zed owes you for services rendered.

Gun down the four or five gate skags and then talk to Dr. Zed to
complete the mission, NINE TOES: TIME TO COLLECT. He will offer the
mission: JOB HUNTING. Accept it.

<m012> JOB HUNTING (Mandatory)
Level 7; 108 XP
Mission: Check the Bounty Board in Fyrestone for available jobs.

Exit Dr. Zeds and bear left to the Fyrestone Bounty Board where the
Claptrap hangs out. Interact with the Board to complete the mission.
Two new missions are presented, CATCH-A-RIDE and T.K. HAS MORE WORK.
Click on both to put them in your mission log.

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<sec03>     SECTION 3: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS/SKAG GULLY

<m013> CATCH-A-RIDE: (Mandatory)
Level 7; 108 XP
Mission: Find and check out the Catch-A-Ride station outside of
Fyrestone.

The Catch–A-Ride station is across the street and north of the
Fyrestone gate. The gate skags and western Bandits will fight you, and
each other, as you make your way to the waypoint. Interact with the
Catch-A-Ride pole to complete the quest. You will be given BONE HEADS
THEFT. Click on it to put it into your log, and then go up the hill to
see T.K. Baha. Make T.K. HAS MORE WORK your active mission.

<o014> T.K. HAS MORE WORK; (Optional)
Level 10; 359 XP
Mission: Go to see T.K. BAHA, who has more jobs.

Talk to T.K. to complete the mission and receive both, BY THE SEEDS OF
YOUR PANTS and T.K.s LIFE AND LIMB. Click on both to put them in your
mission log.

Note: The game’s internal difficulty indicator is presented for each
mission, and as the game progresses, if you have leveled up, it will
change. Mission difficulty is hard to access due to these level
discrepancies so use the game’s internal assessment with that in mind.
Leveling up does not yield a huge leap in ability, so being a level or
two above a mission’s assigned level does not necessarily make it any
easier. At this early stage having good weapons is extremely important
to success.

<o015> T.K.s LIFE AND LIMB: (Optional)
Level 7; 4,320 XP; $2,210; T.K.s Wave (a shotgun)
Mission: Kill Scar in Skag Gully and return T.K. Baha’s prosthetic leg.

<o016> BY THE SEEDS OF YOUR PANTS
Level 9; 1,979 XP; $1,386; sniper rifle
Mission: Gather Bladeflower seeds and return with them to T.K. Baha.

Go east to Skag Gully. You will encounter three small groups of low-
level skags along the way, about ten in all. Enter Skag Gully and, just
past the vendors; you will see a glowing green item just before exiting
to the main path. It is a broken data recorder and it initiates the
mission WHY ARE THEY HERE. It is initiated when you interact with it,
but must be turned in at the Fyrestone Bounty Board.

<o017> WHY ARE THEY HERE
Level 7; 1,944 XP; $1,658; a shield
Mission: You have discovered a damaged data recorder but there are two
more somewhere in Skag Gully that might shed light on the Bandit’s
activities in the area. Search for them and return them to the
Fyrestone Bounty Board.

You now have 3 missions in Skag Gully and we will pursue all three,
swapping missions when needed to locate the various waypoints.

For the purpose of comparison, the following are in inventory.

Hunters Shotgun 26x7; 69.9; 0.5; magazine of 6
Frantic Machine Gun (CR) 21; 82.4; 7.9; magazine of 24
Violent SMG 7; 77.5; 12.1; magazine of 28; 1.7 scope
Burning Sniper 60; 95.7; .6; incendiary 3X; magazine of 6; 1.0 zoom
Purchased for $2034
Burning SMG 16; 78.7; 6.9; incendiary 3X; magazine of 36; 1.7 zoom
purchased $1834
Nasty Repeater 15; 83.3; 3.1; magazine of 16; 1.8X zoom
Long Sniper 67; 97.2; 0.4; magazine of 5; 1.5X zoom; 150% critical hit
Healing shield 74/10 auto health regeneration; purchased for $624
Explosive MIRV Grenade module 11

Select WHY ARE THEY HERE to get the waypoint for the first data
recorder and head out into the gully. Eight or nine low-level skags
prowl the area before the rock archway and require killin’, as T.K.
would say. Go under the arch and begin the long clockwise trek that
will get you to the first waypoint far to the east. Six or more regular
skags will prowl near the mine entrance and another ten will be in the
low area north of the mine and will come at you when provoked.

Near the 11 o’clock position in the big looping pathway, a new
adversary will attack-flying rakks. About eight or ten will announce
their presence with a shriek and will swoop in on you. A shotgun blast
into their formations will thin them out and a few well-aimed blasts
will eliminate the threat.

A couple of regular skags will emerge from their burrows as you descend
the slope toward the rock bridge. As you move onto the rock bridge, you
will see a large number of skags, over a dozen with tougher varieties
like Corrosive Spitters among them. Down a couple with a sniper and as
they charge, deploy the Scorpio Turret. Back off so you’re not knocked
off the bridge if any get past it-it’s a long walk back. Take on any
survivors of the Turret. Pick-up the first of the two data recorders,
and help yourself to the RED CHEST to the north of the recorder.

Switch to BY THE SEEDS OF YOUR PANTS and then jump off of the rock
bridge and start north. The first waypoint is far to the north and
indicates the position of the first Bladeflower. As you enter the
valley, a half-dozen skags including the corrosive-spewing Spitters
will block your way. As the “first” red-plumed Bladeflower comes into
view, there will be four skags roaming near it.

The next waypoint is to the northwest. As you approach the “second”
Bladeflower, be prepared for a rushing onslaught of about a dozen skags
including Spitters and some tough Adults. Hit one or two with sniper
fire from well to the east of the Bladeflower, and when they charge,
deploy the Scorpio Turret and supplement it with incendiary fire (if
you have any such weapons), which are amazingly effective against the
skags.

Note: I purchased an incendiary sniper from Marcus’ vendor, even though
I could not use it until I leveled up to level 7. Elemental weapons, in
this case incendiary, are a force multiplier and they are extremely
effective against flesh, including alien fauna. Only a few of the
enemies you face are impervious to elementals. It is a “gift” that
keeps on giving-a short burst will oftentimes start a burning reaction
that will continue for many seconds.

The “third” Bladeflower’s waypoint is to the north, and getting it will
require a short jump from the rocks on its north side. Go north again
and there will be a low valley with another dozen or so skags including
the tougher ones like Adults, Elders and Spitters. Snipe as many as
possible from the high area before jumping down. A Badass type may make
an appearance here as well. Most of the skags can be taken out from the
high ground. The “fourth” Bladeflower is plainly visible to your right
as you overlook the valley. Go up the slope to get it.

The waypoint for the “fifth” is to the northeast. It will likely be
unopposed. The next, the “sixth”, is to the south and six or more
assorted skags roam the low area and the terrace ahead. Sniper them
until they charge your position and then deploy the Turret. After that
skirmish, it is clear to Bladeflower number six.

Number seven is around the loop to the south and east. As you round the
bend a dozen skags will charge possibly including a Badass type. The
Turret and a good incendiary will make short work of both him and his
crew. Grab the “seventh” and continue around the loop to the south. As
you approach the eighth Bladeflower, several skags, both Adult and
Spitter, will attack. Take the “eighth” flower and help yourself to the
RED CHEST south of it.

There is a good chance of acquiring a shock or incendiary weapon here.
Activate T.K.s LIFE AND LIMB and look out over the cliff south of the
RED CHEST. Kill any skags below and then drop down. The shortcut, the
ramp way just to the southeast as is shown on your map, cannot be used.
You must take the long loop to the east, traveling counterclockwise to
the objective. There are five or six skags at the lower part of loop
and another three or four just beyond. At the central east edge a group
of four or five skags attack and then about a dozen rakks a bit farther
north. Have your shotgun handy.

After clearing the rakks, reactivate WHY ARE THEY HERE, the waypoint
for the second recorder is just ahead under a makeshift tent.

Re-activate T.K.s LIFE AND LIMB. Just up the slope there is a jutting
promontory where you can view the area beyond and below. Scar is big
and tough but he is woefully slow, but he has six or eight buddies.
Snipe Scar or any of the skags below to get them coming to your
position. (With an incendiary sniper, a singe shot, actually bled Scar
out before he could get to my position) They will come at you ahead of
Scar, so eliminate them first and deploy the Turret as the slower Scar
arrives. Hit him as he reels from the Turret fire to finish him off,
and dodge his slow attacks and lunges if needed. Take T.K.s leg to
fulfill the mission.

Four more low-level skags will emerge from their burrows as you
approach the RED CHEST in the lower area. The former “shortcut”
platform is now extended, so you can descend and be rather near the
exit or you can re-start and be there without pain. If you hoof it, a
few skags will need killin’ near the base of the ramp and a few more
near the exit, although you can just run past them. Either way, return
to T.K. Baha, killing the half-dozen skags, on the way. Turn in both
T.K’s LIFE AND LIMB and BY THE SEEDS OF YOUR PANTS to complete the
missions.

Activate WHY ARE THEY HERE and head into Fyrestone, killing the usual
suspects along the way. Turn in WHY ARE THEY HERE at the Fyrestone
Bounty Board. BONE HEADS THEFT is now your only available mission and
it can be quite difficult if you haven’t got a good sniper rifle. Once
again an incendiary sniper rifle works well on this mission and will
allow you to stay out of range of his Bone Shredder SMG while burning
down, first his shield and then him with little pain to yourself.

<m018> BONE HEAD’S THEFT (Mandatory)
Level 10; 4,319 XP; $1,552
Mission: The Catch-A-Ride station is not working because Bone Head has
stolen its Digistruct module. Kill him and his crew, regain the module
and install it in the Catch-A-Ride station.

Bone Head’s lair is to the west of Fyrestone and he is tough. He has a
stout shield that seems to regenerate rather quickly and he has a crew
of toughies with him. Oftentimes this bunch will include a Bruiser or
even a Badass Bruiser or Psycho. How hard he is depends on how good
your weapons are. I easily took him down using a 60 FP incendiary
sniper rifle at 3x, and most of his crew with a combination of SMG
incendiary fire and Turret fire.

Make your approach from the large skag infested area to the west of the
narrow path. Make sure you have eliminated both the western Bandits, as
you have many times already, and the skags outside the narrow entry to
Bone Head’s lair. This will keep your ”six” clear of opposition.  You
will have to get their attention, so move forward and when they take
notice, deploy the Turret, and then back off to a safe sniper distance,
out of effective range of their weapons.

Bone Head is brash and he will usually stay in sight, allowing you to
pick away at his shield. Usually he will stand firing at you and allow
you to pummel him, but he may also scamper back and forth. Don’t let
up; keep pouring it on, relenting only to take cover against the rock
face to recharge your shield. If there is a Psycho in the compound, he
will come charging, but the Bandits will usually stay put and make you
come to them. Once Bone Head is down you must eliminate his buddies to
get the module. Sniping may or may not get the job done, so move in if
necessary and use the Turret as well as your other weapons.

The module is in a SILVER CHEST at the back of the lair. Return to the
Catch-A-Ride to complete the mission. You now have wheels. The mission:
PISS WASH HURDLE will become available as soon as you turn in BONE
HEADS THEFT. Accept it.

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<sec04>      SECTION 4: FYRESTONE/THE ARID BADLANDS

<m019> THE PISS WASH HURDLE (Mandatory)
Level 10; 719 XP
Mission; Sledge’s boys have closed the gate on the road to the west of
Fyrestone and you must get to the other side by jumping the Piss Wash
Hurdle with your runner, allowing you to kill his boys and open the
gate.

Claptrap will inform you that new missions are available at the
Fyrestone Bounty Board. Generate your first “ride,” drive to the gate
at Fyrestone and accept both: GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON THE TIRES and
HIDDEN JOURNAL: THE ARID BADLANDS at the Bounty Board.

With THE PISS WASH HURDLE your active mission drive west and when you
see the gate, bear south and then west toward the waypoint. Run over
the skags and Bandits in the area and align yourself with the metal
ramp. Drive onto it and hit the “turbo boost” to jump Piss Wash gully.
The new waypoint is the gate, so head north and turn east toward it.
Use the vehicle’s rocket launcher or machine gun, whichever you
generated with the runner, to eliminate the three sentries at the gate
and the skags scampering around the area; or, even better, run them
down with the runner. Dismount and use the switch on the right side of
the gate to open it and to complete the mission THE PISS WASH HURDLE.
RETURN TO ZED is activated as the mission is completed.

<o020> HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID BADLANDS (Optional)
Level 13; 2,700 XP; $5,454
Mission: Patricia Tannis has hidden five of her journals in and about
the Arid Badlands, and now she needs the information on them. She wants
you to find them and send the information to her via the Fyrestone
Bounty Board.

<m021> RETURN TO ZED (Mandatory)
Level 10; 719 XP; $1,552; a third weapon slot
Mission: With the road open and the Catch-A-Ride operational, Dr. Zed
is obligated to give you a little reward.

Before doing anything climb the tower on the southwest side of the gate
and take the first of the five “Hidden Journals” “Day 119.” Listen to
them-they are oftentimes quite amusing.

<o022> GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON YOUR TIRES (Optional)
Level 10; 1,151 XP; $2,329
Mission: You got wheels. Why not run over some bad guys and/or things.
Run over ten of anything living to complete the mission.

Note: Because you have accepted the missions GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON YOUR
TIRES and HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID BADLANDS you have fulfilled at
least some of the specs without making either your active mission. You
have probably completed GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON YOUR TIRES already.
Selecting a mission as active will yield a waypoint, but selecting it
is not necessary to fulfill its requirements.

Drive back to Fyrestone and talk to Dr. Zed to complete RETURN TO ZED.
Upon completion, Dr. Zed will give you the mission: SLEDGE: MEET SHEP.
Accept the mission and then visit the Fyrestone Bounty Board and take
the mission Claptrap announced is available: SHOCK CRYSTAL HARVEST.
Select GET A LITTLE BLOOD ON YOUR TIRES and, if you have sent ten
baddies to meet their maker, accept your bounty at the Bounty Board; if
not, go kill the required number and come on back to complete the
mission.

<m023> SLEDGE: MEET SHEP (Mandatory)
Level 10; 143 XP
Mission: Shep Sanders has a vendetta with the top Badlands Bandit Boss-
Sledge. He murdered Shep’s family and Shep may be able to help you in
your quest to find and kill him. The Guardian Angel will also inform
you that Sledge has something she needs you to procure.

Drive west to the waypoint and stop when you see the health station
with the medical vendor. Shep is standing in the shack there. Interact
with him to complete, SLEDGE: MEET SHEP. Shep has three missions:
SLEDGE: THE MINE KEY; GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE and BRAKING WIND. Accept
all three and then make HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID BADLANDS your active
mission.

The waypoint for the next Hidden Journal is in familiar territory-Bone
Head’s lair. If you have re-started since his recent demise, he and his
crew will have resurrected, but this time you have a runner. If you
haven’t re-started the compound should be clear.

If you have re-started, enter the compound and fire to get everyone
moving around. Take care as they can quickly destroy your runner. Back
off if necessary to recharge its shields and then either shoot or run
down the hostiles. When cleared, follow the waypoint to find “Journal
Day 1.” It is plainly visible on an “I” beam on the north side of the
compound. As an added bonus, if you have re-started since Bone Heads
first death, you get another Bone Shredder and any other weapon or
grenade mod drops from his horde, which you can peddle at Marcus’
store.

Off load your bounty in Fyrestone and, for once, ignore the waypoint,
which is far to the southwest; instead go to the Bandit camp just
southwest of the Fyrestone gate. “Journal Day 43” sets near the RED
CHEST that you have probably been routinely raiding. It was the green
light that couldn’t be picked-up.

The next Journal is marked by that waypoint we momentarily ignored and
is southwest of Fyrestone. It requires another jump of Piss Wash Gully.
It also takes you past Shep’s rakk hive so you can do that mission on
the way.

<o024> GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE: (Optional)
Level 10; 2,879 XP; $2,329
Mission: Shep plans on regaining control of the wind farm from the
Bandits, and he is afraid the rakks nearby are doing damage to their
blades. Kill the rakks and report back to Shep.

Jump the Piss Wash gully and change your active mission to GET THE
FLOCK OUTTA HERE. Drive to the waypoint. Make a close approach to the
hive to flush the rakk. You can simply run forward and back and they
will dive into the vehicle doing minimal damage to the vehicle while
killing themselves in the process, or you can back away, man the
gunner’s seat and use the vehicle’s turret on the swooping rakk. This
will satisfy the mission specs of ten kills.

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<sec05>       SECTION 5: THE ARID HILLS/THE LOST CAVE

<m025> SLEDGE: THE MINE KEY (Mandatory)
Level 10; 1,439 XP
Mission: In order to get into the Headstone Mine you will need a key.
It is at the Zephyr Substation in the main office.

Change your active mission to SLEDGE: THE MINE KEY and enter the
outskirts of the Zephyr Substation. Begin eliminating the locals, which
will include assorted Psychos, Bruisers and an assortment of Bandits.
After clearing the first half-dozen. Work on the guys on the roof of
the central building.

When the area is secure go into the central building and interact with
the document on the counter to complete SLEDGE: THE MINE KEY and to get
SLEDGE: TO THE SAFE HOUSE. Put it into your mission log and re-select
HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID BADLANDS. Exit the building and turn right on
the deck. Jump onto the crate with the small moneybox; then jump onto
the tank and then to the metal roof and from there to the roof of the
building. The “Journal Day 76” is in the dumpster on the southeast side
of the roof.

<o026> BRAKING WIND: (Optional)
Level 10; 3,023 XP; $2,329; a shield
Mission: The Bandits have set the brakes on the three wind turbines,
cutting the power to the area. Shep wants you to release those brakes
and restore the power.

Raid the RED CHEST and select BRAKING WIND. The first waypoint is
northwest of your position. Go up the wooden stairs on the west side of
the rock outcropping and release “Turbine Brake A”. The next waypoint
will lead you to a round storage unit to the southeast. Release
“Turbine Brake B.” A second wave of four or five Bandits will likely
occupy the area and may include another Bruiser. “Turbine Brake C” is
to the east on an identical round storage unit. It seems that the “A,
B, C’ designation and their respective locations may change depending
on your location, so use the waypoints given if different.

Once again change your active mission to HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID
BADLANDS and head for the waypoint far to the west. Approach the
objective from the south and prepare for a bit of a skirmish. The area
is heavily defended with possible high-level enemies and swooping rakks
that can easily damage your runner. Use the runner’s turret to kill all
comers and back away when necessary to allow its shields to recharge.
The last “Journal Day 172” is sitting on the ground among a group of
barrels on the southwest side, just outside the main complex.

Select GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE to generate a waypoint and return to
Shep Sanders to complete both GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE and BRAKING
WIND. He will not have any new missions.

Drive back into Fyrestone and turn in HIDDEN JOURNALS: THE ARID
BADLANDS at the Fyrestone Bounty Board. Three new missions will be
offered there, CIRCLE OF DEATH: MEAT AND GREET; THE LEGEND OF MOE AND
MARLEY and SCAVENGER: SNIPER RIFLE. Put them in your mission log.

You are probably currently at level 12 or maybe even lower and all the
missions available are at or above your current level. Select SHOCK
CRYSTAL HARVEST as your active mission and head for the waypoint to the
west.

<o027> SHOCK CRYSTAL HARVEST (optional)
Level 15; 3,672 XP; a Shock artifact
Mission: Collect 50 shock crystals from the Lost Cave.

Use the ammo vending machine to top off your ammo, you’re going to need
it on this quest. The crystals will be scattered along your path and
will be the least of your problems as you work your way deeper into the
cave. Just shoot them with a shotgun or melee them and pick up five
from each location. You will need 50 in all. The first wounded Claptrap
mission will be offered within the Lost Cave and it will yield three
extra inventory slots.

You will encounter the first of perhaps a dozen purple goo-spitting
Larval Crab Worms just past the first crystal cluster. Their weak spot
is their glowing eye and a single sniper bullet can net you nearly 1000
XP for each kill when you are at level 12 or 13. If they get close,
retreat before them and switch to a shotgun and aim for that eye.
Dangerous but lucrative-you can easily level up a level or two killing
them, and the Alpha Skags that prowl the dead-end side path that loops
to the north. Static fire is good against the Crab Worms but it is
unlikely that you will have any static weapons at this point.

Seven Alpha Skags, four in the first group and three straggling in
later will come out if you coax them to do so; or you can just walk
past their lair, leaving them undisturbed. They can yield over 8000 XP
for a level 12 player; so, if you want that perk, take them on. If
you’re game, stay well outside their lair and snipe the first one you
see, preferably with an incendiary sniper. The first group will charge,
so immediately deploy the Scorpio Turret and hammer the tight milling
group with an incendiary SMG. The second group will stay well back
roaring their defiance. Hit them in their exposed mouths with
incendiary sniper or SMG fire.

Note: You can restart and repeat this process over and over again if
you want, gaining major XP and leveling up rapidly, though this will
decrease the XP a bit each time you level up. You can also re-harvest
the same crystal cluster over and over, though getting the crystals is
not difficult as you move deeper into the cave to find the wounded
Claptrap.

As you move deeper into the cave more Larval Crab Worms, and after them
a group of mixed Skags, which will include Spitters and sometimes a
Badass Corrosive Skag-a real toughie-will appear. There is also a RED
CHEST in the large bulge south of the path, and Alphas and maybe a
Badass type protect it as well.

Just north of that big southern bulge, as depicted on your map, there
is another RED CHEST, sitting on a platform along the north wall. If
you walk along the north wall going west it will lead you up to it.

If you look ahead you will see the thrashing, whimpering Claptrap on
the edge of a major Bandit encampment. (see “NOTE” below) The Bandits
have good cover, but yours is not so good. Begin sniping, either from
the platform where you found the RED CHEST or from the edges of the
narrow passage leading into the camp. The opposition includes a tough
bunch, including Bruisers and rushing Psychos with a Badass Psycho
usually among their charging ranks. They will also throw grenades. Have
your shotgun available and be ready to back pedal and retreat if
needed. To make matters tougher, the purple Larval Crab Worms will
begin to re-spawn and hit you from behind if you take too long to clear
the camp.

Once you have cleared the area interact with Claptrap to initiate
CLAPTRAP RESCUE: THE LOST CAVE. Its waypoint is deep inside the cave.
Before departing, go south into the narrow passage where you will find
a RED CHEST and then pilfer all the ammo you can from the empty camp.
Continue gathering crystals until you have the required 50.

NOTE: A bold approach to this first Bandit camp is to dart past the
skags east of the camp and sprint, with full shields and health, into
and out the north exit. You will have to go back for Claptrap, but the
defenders will battle the half dozen or so skags and you can take up
position near the metal barricade at the north exit and utilize the
Turret and other weapons against the survivors.

<o028> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: THE LOST CAVE (Optional)
Level 15; 1,020 XP; three storage slots
Mission: Find the repair kit and return to Claptrap.

As you travel the loop counterclockwise toward the waypoint for the
repair kit you will encounter a group of skags, which may include
Corrosive Spitters, Alphas and Badass types, possibly even an elemental
Fire or Shock Dog. This varies greatly and can prove taxing.

The railway tracks mark the outskirts of another Bandit camp. This
bunch is tough as well, with two groups of about six each. Work your
way through carefully as they again have better cover than you do. It
will likely include several Bruisers. When they are down, take the
repair kit, in plain sight, at the waypoint and replenish your badly
depleted ammo supply.

There are two RED CHESTS northeast of the repair kit, and they are
guarded by a colony of eight or more Alpha Skags, that will come in
small groups. If you want the contents of the RED CHESTS move east on
the platform where you found the repair kit and then look north where
you will see the two RED CHESTS, and the first of the skags. Use your
incendiary weapons and the Turret to take them down, staying in the
high area as long as possible. Good luck!

Return to the east and jump down from the platform to put yourself near
the first Bandit camp. As you approach it, the camp re-spawns, so you
must clear it again to get to Claptrap for your three additional
inventory slots. Use the narrow chokepoint north of the camp, ducking
behind the metal barricade when needed. Many of the hostiles will come
at you, so deploy the Turret and duck for cover. The enemy will include
at least one Badass type. Interact with the Claptrap to get your
inventory slots. This concludes CLAPTRAP RESCUE: THE LOST CAVE. I hope
you got the fifty crystals along the way. Had enough. Just reset to go
to the entrance, or fight your way back through the skags and the
Larval Crab Worms.

Return to Fyrestone and turn in CORROSIVE CRYSTAL HARVEST to complete
the mission. You will receive a “shock” artifact that will be helpful
in your imminent campaign against Sledge. The Lost Cave has likely
leveled you up to 15 or even higher; so select THE LEGEND OF MOE AND
MARLEY and then drive west to the Arid Hills where you will be pursuing
three missions.

Guns/items in inventory after CORROSIVE CRYSTAL HARVEST: (level 16)
Combat rifles:
Pearl Machine Gun 40, 74.4; 6.9; magazine of 27
Repeaters:
Burning Repeater 15; 83.3; 3.1; incendiary 3X: magazine of 16; 1.8 zoom
Revolvers:
Raw Revolver 97: 83.9; 1.3; magazine of 3
Shotguns:
Raging Shotgun 27x7; 61.1; 1.5; magazine of 9
Static Sweeper 20x8; 6.7; 1.4; Static 1X; magazine of 5
SMGs
Lightening Stinger 17; 78.7; 12.5; static 3X; magazine of 39
Double SMG 28x2; 78.3; 10.8; magazine of 33
Burning SMG 16; 78.7; 6.9; Incendiary 3X; magazine of 36; 1.7 zoom
Sniper rifles:
Solid Sniper 139; 96.7; 1.4; magazine of 9; 1.0 zoom
Burning Sniper 125; 97.8; 0.6; incendiary 4X; 1.8 zoom
Grenade mods:
Explosive MIRV grenade module 11
Shields:
Healing Shield 80/10

<o029> THE LEGEND OF MOE AND MARLEY (Optional)
Level 15; 6,119 XP; $4,105; an incendiary artifact.
Mission: There is a bounty on Moe and Marley, two of the toughest skags
to walk Pandora and you’re out to get that bounty.

As you enter the Arid Hills, six or eight skags will block the route,
and three or four more near the metal shack. As you head north a tall
platform with two guard shacks, one on each side of the path, overlooks
the area. Snipe both sentries on the opposing platforms. Just around
the rock face, there is a small Bandit encampment of six, with Psychos,
Bandits and possibly a Bruiser to tend to.

Follow the north rock face and when you hear the rakks, ready your
shotgun and take them out. Snipe the skags to the northwest and deploy
the Turret when they come to call. You will probably catch a glimpse of
Moe the Fire Skag in the distance. Equip a conventional or static
weapon and head west after the Turret is again available.

Near the waypoint-you will encounter several skags, and then, in all
likelihood, Moe the more aggressive of the pair. He is aggressive but
slow, use the Turret equipped with the static artifact and conventional
or static fire to pepper him and his minions that will be joining in
the action. Marley is shy and will spit shock bolts at you, and he is
quite accurate; dodge them as best you can and use an incendiary weapon
to burn him down.

<o030> SCAVENGER: SNIPER RIFLE (Optional)
Level 12; 1,932 XP; a sniper rifle.
Mission: Retrieve the four parts of a sniper rifle from the Arid Hills.

Change the active mission to SCAVENGER: SNIPER RIFLE and begin the trek
to the northeast. As you approach the opening in the metal barricade, a
complex of tall structures appears ahead. Take out anyone in sight and
then hit the barrel high and to the right, to eliminate the sentry.
Move forward to the narrow entrance through the metal barrier and snipe
all visible hostiles, including those on the upper walkways.

The waypoint is a general marker on this mission and does not mark the
location of any of the Rifle’s parts. With your sniper scope you can
see two of the parts; one on a high structure to the right the other on
the ground to your left. Move carefully toward the part to your left
Take the rifle’s “sight.” Some of the hostiles may now move toward you.

Continue north up the dirt path and curl around to the south and go up
the thin metal ramp. Hop onto the rusty tank and from it to the rooftop
to get the “stock.” Watch your back. A hostile or two may be lurking
near the shack to the north, or coming up from the low area. Jump back
down over the rusty tank, go right onto the platform and then left past
the storage barrel to find the rifle’s “barrel” on a table near the
edge of the platform. Head east past the barrel and take the diagonal
ramp southeast and then curl right when off of the ramp to the shack
ahead. The rifle’s “body” is behind the shack. There are only minor
pick-ups in this area. No RED or SILVER CHESTS.

//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////

<sec06>     SECTION 6: SLEDGE’S SAFE HOUSE/THE ARID BADLANDS

<m031> SLEDGE: TO THE SAFE HOUSE (Mandatory)
Level 14; 5,760 XP;
Mission: The mine key is at Sledge’s safe house and you need it to get
into the Headstone Mine.

Change the active mission to SLEDGE: THE SAFE HOUSE and go north from
where you found the “body” and jump down. Go up the hill toward the
waypoint, but continue up the slope past the entrance to find a RED
CHEST. Enter Sledge’s Safe House and top off your ammo. Buying a better
shield is also a good idea; since the ones offered start to improve
here.

Enter the left doorway. You will probably be spotted and a hostile will
taunt you and may advance. Quickly enter and deploy the Turret on the
narrow walkway. Retreat into the doorway and take out the three or four
hostiles in this first area. Advance down the walkway to the first
doorway on your left. Look around and snipe anyone in the area, which
will get the attention of its other occupants. Use the cover of the
doorway to hit and duck, but watch for grenades and charging Psychos
coming in from the north. Occasionally you will get a Badass Bruiser
with a rocket launcher who will pummel the doorway-that’s bad.

Move through the cleared room and up the stairwell on the opposite
side. Turn right, ready to fire and, if activity in the previous room
was light, the bad guys will probably be in here. Move eastward,
clearing hostiles, to the base of the incline and check for hostiles at
the top of the stairs. Go up the ramp and move around the mesh fence,
continuing east, and be prepared for action. About now you will hear a
whimpering Claptrap. Move around the crates toward the graffiti-ed
passage to the right of the white and red skull banner. Go down the
stairs and quickly deploy the Turret around the blind corner and then
step back through the doorway. Clear the chamber of the random bad guys
and go west to find a RED CHEST and a defunct Claptrap. Accept the
repair mission.

<o032> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: SLEDGE’S SAFE HOUSE (Optional)
Level 14; 950 XP; three inventory slots
Mission: Find the repair kit and return to Claptrap.

Retrace your route back up the stairs to the incline leading to the
lower area, but don’t go down it. Turn left toward the opening to the
New-U Station and turn right and right again through the opening behind
the mesh fencing. Jump onto the small box and look up to see the repair
kit. Take it and return to Claptrap to complete CLAPTRAP RESCUE:
SLEDGE’S SAFE HOUSE. Follow Claptrap and he will unlock a door leading
you to a RED CHEST.

Exit the RED CHEST chamber and go straight ahead, and then go left down
the hallway. Step into the large chamber to the right. This will
trigger an onslaught of Midget Psycho chargers and Psychos. Deploy the
Turret near your narrow entry point and use your shotgun on any
survivors.

Go east through the long room and then left down the stairs. At the
base of the stairs turn left to access a RED CHEST and ammo cases. Exit
and turn left up the stairs and be prepared for Midget Psycho chargers
and perhaps a Psycho or two, if they didn’t attack while you were
looting. The narrow stairwell is a good point to tackle the next wave
of chargers. Continue east along this upper walkway and top off at the
ammo chests. Follow the walkway east and turn south. Check the area
below for a hostile or two and then drop down over the railing; turn
east and go down into pit.

Use the two crates to climb out into the arena-or not. The area is
defended by a tough but lethargic Roid Rage Psycho who wields a rocket
launcher, and a swarm of about a dozen Midget Psychos will join in once
the battle is on.

If you have a good incendiary SMG you can use it on the Roid Rage
Psycho without exiting the pit. Locate him to the east of the circular
arena while standing on the highest crate. Pummel him. An incendiary
weapon works wonders on this guy. If you stay in the pit he won’t move
and the Midget Psychos won’t begin to swarm. He will go down without
firing a single rocket. You can then exit the pit, climb the short
incline just south of the pit putting your back to the wall and deploy
the turret to eliminate many of the Midget Psychos. Clean-up with your
shotgun.

If you do exit the pit, run left and right to avoid the Psychos’ rocket
launcher salvos. Hammer the massive Roid Rage Psycho with a fast firing
incendiary SMG or combat rifle.  Little Midget Psychos will quickly
join the fray so watch for them. They will even continue after the big
guy goes down. Position yourself near a wall so they can’t come in
behind you.

Use the controller to raise the platform, jump onto the platform and
take the key to Sledge’s place. If you retrace your route going out, be
prepared to face a horde of Midgets Psychos and a host of re-spawned
bad guys; or, treat yourself, restart and be at the entrance with the
RED CHEST re-spawned instead.

You now have to make it out of the Arid Hills intact. You can fight
your way back, or you can actually sprint south past the sniper rifle
mission platforms, through the lower area and then bear northwest where
you can jump from the rock arch to the ground below. You will have to
take out a flock of Rakks and a possible pursuer or two before the
jump, but if you can absorb a little punishment you can make it to the
exit alive.

Grab a “ride” near the Arid Hills entrance and drive back to Fyrestone.
Turn in SCAVENGER: SNIPER RIFLE and THE LEGEND OF MOE AND MARLEY.
You will receive an incendiary artifact for killing Moe. No new
missions are offered in Fyrestone at this time.

With SLEDGE: TO THE SAFE HOUSE as your active mission, drive to the
waypoint to the southwest.

Interacting with the entry to the Headstone Mine completes SLEDGE: TO
THE SAFE HOUSE and gives the mission: SLEDGE: BATTLE FOR THE BADLANDS

<m033> SLEDGE: BATTLE FOR THE BADLANDS (Mandatory)
Level 17; 9,802 XP; $6,866; a class mod.
Mission: Infiltrate the Headstone Mine, kill Sledge and get the Eridean
Artifact.

Enter the area and use the corner of the first structure with the
vending machines to snipe the hostiles. The five or six may include a
Bruiser or Psycho, so have your shotgun handy for any chargers. Top off
your ammo if needed. Move to the next building to the west and clear
the four or five hostiles in the area. Use your sniper on the sentry on
the elevated tracks to the northwest and then move across the roadway
to check out the SILVER CHEST.

Depart the structure and go right and up the stairs. Open the gate
after getting to the top of first stairwell. The switch will glow
green. Follow around and go up the second stairwell and into the
building on your left. Check out the SILVER CHEST and go to the south
side windows. Snipe any visible hostiles, but watch your back for the
cackling Psychos you can hear. When opposition wanes move out and loop
counterclockwise along the north side of the map, passing through the
structures and eliminating any hostiles. Your path will take you past a
RED CHEST.

The area to the south may seen rather empty but is manned by numerous
hostiles, as many as a ten, and some will come up the stairs to pay you
a visit. As you look across a Turret Gatling Gun on a low platform is
visible between the second and third support beams for the tracks. You
can easily find a sheltered spot in the structure and take out the
gunner.

When quiet reigns, move cautiously forward because new hostiles will
pop up, and a Badass type is likely. Take refuge in the isolated shack
on the west side where you will find another SILVER CHEST. When clear,
go up the stairs on the south end and man the Gatling Gun, if needed,
to clear any leftover hostiles in the lower area. Raid the lockers and
ammo chests in the area because ammo pick-ups are slim in the coming
areas. Go up the stairwell and continue into the narrow passage to your
right, following the tracks. Several hostiles will intervene.

Continue down the metal ramp past New-U Station and move up the rocky
slope to snipe the hostiles beyond, which will usually include a Badass
type. Continue forward and the gate to the left will lift. Use the
covered bundle as a shield to snipe hostiles through the gate. Use the
Scorpio Turret or shotgun on any chargers. Move ahead through the gate
and up the stairs into the tall structure and begin sniping the
compound below. Watch your back for flankers. Exit the structure and
check below to the right for a stray Bandit or two and then move down
the stairs and around the corner and be prepared for half a dozen more
hostiles.

Once the upper area is secure advance to check out the lower. It will
be swarming with about ten tough Bandits. Use the rocks and derelict
equipment to snipe away. When clear advance and another six or so will
be in the lower area. A good long-range sniper is extremely useful
here. For a better view go up the long stairwell where the overhead
track runs to easily snipe into the area below. Follow the track way
and jump down southwest of the large building. Before you reach the
elevator up to Sledge’s place, another four or five will guard the
final approach. Take them down, raid the RED CHEST and use the elevator
to get to Sledge’s lair.

Top off your ammo and advance to the entrance. Equip the Turret with
the static artifact to attack Sledge’s shielding, and because Sledge is
resistant to most elementals, equip your strongest quick-firing
conventional weapons or a static weapon, which seems to work against
him. A static weapon of some type is essential to breaking his potent
shield. Without a static weapon you will likely run out of ammo before
you can deplete his shield and kill Sledge and his companions.

Open either door-I prefer “or”-and advance to the lever to trigger
Sledge’s entry. Get back to the door where you entered and get out.
Open the door when you hear Sledge and if he is in sight deploy the
Turret and begin hammering him, ducking when he goes for the hammer
slam or when he knocks out your shield. Back away to close the door. If
Sledge doesn’t come to you, step out to lure him and then step back in.
He won’t go far, and you can alternate opening the door to pepper him
with allowing it to close to avoid his attacks or to reload. Always
open the door when your shield is at full strength. A continuous attack
by Turret or by your weapon inhibits his ability to retaliate. Sledge
will also have several buddies who will need killing, and they
oftentimes shoot at you when the door opens.

Note: Sledge’s shield will regenerate if you take too long to re-open
the door after first knocking the shield out. Will he come through the
door after you? Yes, but he will not be able to leave the doorway,
after which you can hang along the wall, pop out, pepper him and duck
back to the safety of the wall. I have only seen this one time in many
battles with Sledge. If his shotgun penetrates the closed door, do not
approach it-wait until it retracts before approaching the door.

After Sledge and his boys are down, take his powerful but inaccurate
shotgun and the Eridean artifact. A doorway on the east side of
Sledge’s place will allow you to drop down and bypass the long loop to
the south. Jump down and enter the metal building on the right for a
RED CHEST. Then go north through the building, taking out any locals in
your path. Go out onto the long metal walkway, clear the area to the
east with sniper fire, drop down to the stairwell, and sprint for the
exit.

As you get a “ride,” Claptrap will announce that new missions are
available from Shep Sanders and from the Fyrestone Bounty Board as
well. Drive northeast and stop by the Med Vendor’s Shop to see Shep
Sanders. He will offer you: WHAT HIT THE FAN. Accept the mission and
head into Fyrestone. First head over to Dr. Zed’s place to turn in
SLEDGE: BATTLE FOR THE BADLANDS. He will also inform you that you now
have access to the Dahl Headland and New Haven. He will give you the
mission: LEAVING FYRESTONE. He will also give you your first “class
modification mod.” It will likely be an ammo regeneration mod. Put
LEAVING FYRESTONE into your mission log, and make WHAT HIT THE FAN your
active mission. Go to the Fyrestone Bounty Board and accept all four
missions offered: SCAVENGER: COMBAT RIFLE; FIND BRUCE McCLONE; INSULT
TO INJURY and SCHEMIN’ THAT SABOTAGE.

<o034> WHAT HIT THE FAN (Optional)
Level 13; 2,700 XP; $4,363
Mission; The wind turbine in Howling Defile is plastered with rakk
droppings and Shep wants you to shoot them off.
.
Just drive west from Shep’s hangout to the waypoint. The droppings are
easily shot off the turbine by manning the gunner seat of your runner
and using the rocket launcher or machine gun-I guess bullets don’t hurt
the blades. Six droppings removed satisfy the mission specs; but, for
fun, pick a fight with the rakks by bumping their hive with the runner.
They will flock up and fly into your sights real pretty-like. Before
you return to Shep, activate SCAVENGER: COMBAT RIFLE.

<o035> SCAVENGER: COMBAT RIFLE (Optional)
Level 15; 2,345 XP; a combat rifle
Mission: The four parts of a custom rifle are missing and you’re being
asked to find them.

Drive west from Shep’s hangout and as you approach the waypoint run
down the assorted skags in the roadway-just because-because you won’t
have them on your back during the sniping to come. Park and before
entering the complex begin sniping-you can drastically reduce the
opposition before entering the maze of ramps and platforms. The enemy
will include about six hostiles and may include a Bruiser and/or a
Badass type. Carefully snipe the upper platforms before moving forward
onto the long metal ramp. Advance and take the “stock” in plain sight
atop a crate on the long walkway. Be aware that several additional
hostiles may appear out of nowhere while you are getting the rifle
parts.

Go right down the first ramp near the south end of the walkway and take
the “barrel” near the base of the ramp. Restock your ammo, if needed,
and go back up the metal ramp and turn right up the ramp and go through
the first shack, then up the second ramp into the next shack. You will
be taunted by hostiles while collecting the parts and one of them will
likely be near this second shack. The RED CHEST here often contains
some high quality weapons, oftentimes requiring a much higher level
than your present one to use. Oftentimes you may acquire your first
corrosive weapon here. The “sight” is behind this shack on the metal
walkway.

Go back down through the lower shack and up the steep ramp ahead. The
“body” is on a crate to the right at the top of ramp. In is quite
possible that you may encounter another hostile on this platform. Exit
back to your car which-since you did “skagicide”-won’t be surrounded by
the lil’ fellas. Change the mission to INSULT TO INJURY, and drive west
toward the next waypoint.

<o036> INSULT TO INJURY (Optional)
Level 15; 4,079 XP; $2,736; a shotgun
Mission: The Bandits at Titan’s End have murdered ten archaeologists
and mounted their skulls as trophies. Go there, kill the dastardly
group and take the skulls.

The waypoints for this mission changes and marks the actual location of
each skull. The “first” skull is at the entry gate. Start by sniping
the Bandit or two on or near the tower to the left of the entrance.
Move forward toward the next waypoint and prepare for an onslaught of
charging Psychos, Bandits and possibly a Badass type. Pick up the
“second” skull. As you move forward be aware of flanking Bandits, but
once you have cleared this area, it will remain free of opposition.

The next waypoint is to the south. Go up the metal ramp for skulls
“three” and “four.” Move off the walkway and jump down into the low
area below this ramp and raid the RED CHEST. Take the “fifth” skull
from the post near the shacks north entrance. Climb out of the pit on
the northwest side and loop around to the southeast side of the pit.
Take the “sixth” skull from the pole near the round hut.

The “seventh” is southwest of it on the observation platform, at the
end of a long pole. Exit the platform for the “eighth”-to the north on
a pole near a round hut. Skull “nine” is on a pole to the north, at
ground level near the arching ruins of a roof; and the “tenth” is on an
observation platform north of the same ruined structure. Exit to the
north and make SCHEMIN’ THAT SABOTAGE your active mission.

//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////

<sec07>    SECTION 7: THE HEADSTONE MINE/THE ARID BADLANDS

<o037> SCHEMIN’ THAT SABOTAGE (Optional)
Level 18; 4,800 XP; $7,689; a grenade mod
Mission: Infiltrate the Headstone Mine, place three explosive charges
and destroy the pipeline.

Drive southeast to the Headstone Mine. Opposition here will largely
depend on whether or not you have re-started the game since killing
Sledge. If you have not restarted, opposition in the first area will be
light and the RED and SILVER Chests will not have re-spawned. If you
have re-started, enter the area and use the corner of the first
structure with the vending machines to snipe the hostiles. The five or
six may include a Bruiser or Psycho. Have a shotgun handy for any
chargers. Top off your ammo if needed. Move to the next building and
begin clearing some of the four or five hostiles in this area. Use your
sniper on the sentry on the elevated tracks to the northwest and then
move across the roadway to check out the SILVER CHEST. Watch out for
Psychos and incoming grenades while in this shack.

Depart the structure and go right and up the stairs. Open the gate
after getting to the top of first stairwell. The switch will glow
green. Follow around and go up the second stairwell and into the
building on your left. Check out the SILVER CHEST and go to the south
side windows. Snipe any visible hostiles, but watch your back for
Psychos. Take out the Turret’s gunner to the south before he opens up
on you. It is easily located by looking south and it will be under the
ragged red awning on the platform. When opposition wanes move out and
loop counterclockwise along the north side of the map. Eliminate the
four or five mixed hostiles and go into the next structure to the
northwest and raid the RED CHEST.

The area to the south may seen rather empty, but, as you move down the
stairwell, about half-a-dozen hostiles will hop over the fence to the
east and will need killing-some will be charging Burning Psychos.
Retreat back into the structure to eliminate their threat. When the
first wave is down, head for the first waypoint to the south, this
seems to trigger the next wave of hostiles. Set the charge on the first
support column and head for the next column south of it marked by the
waypoint, Use the cover of the support beams and cargo containers to
eliminate the Bandits. Head for the last support beam and set the last
charge.

Move up the long stairwell dead ahead, go past the Turret Gun and up
the stairwell to the upper area. Turn left and the detonator will be
dead ahead as will several hostiles. Take them out. Interact with the
detonator to complete the destruction. If you haven’t played non-stop
since killing Sledge, the RED CHEST in the building on the southeast of
this area will be available, so check it out before heading north to
the shack there. Exit onto the long metal ramp. Jump down to the stairs
and sprint to the exit, leaving any opposition in your wake. Change
your active mission to FIND BRUCE McCLONE.

<o038> FIND BRUCE McCLONE (Optional)
Level 15; 3,059 XP
Mission: Bruce’s fiancée is worried. Bruce was running a scam on some
local Bandits and is now missing. She fears the worst and needs your
help to locate him.

Drive east toward the waypoint near Zephyr Substation and use the
vehicle’s turret to eliminate the three or four hostiles outside of
Bruce’s place. The entrance is on the east side, so enter and equip
your shotgun. Go down the rocky incline and kill the two Midget Psychos
that come screaming at you. Interact with Bruce’s remains to acquire
his Journal, completing FIND BRUCE McCLONE, and initiating, PRODUCT
RECALL. Raid the RED CHEST and then make PRODUCT RECALL your active
mission.

<o039> PRODUCT RECALL (Optional)
Level 15; 3,467 XP; $4,105
Mission: Bruce scammed the local Bandits and paid for it with his life.
You must round up the poisonous cigars he was peddling to prevent any
innocent deaths.

The waypoint is far to the west. Stop near the vendors and the New-U
Station and you will see a narrow path, indicated on your map, leading
to the waypoint. If you have disturbed the peace in the compound to the
east, rakks will attack as you exit your vehicle. Leap up the rocks
west of the vendors to find the first box of cigars on the rock ledge
unopposed. Raid the RED CHEST and abuse as many of the three hostiles
below with your sniper or rocket launcher as you can. A Badass type is
likely among their ranks. They may not all come out to play so move
into the low area by jumping down from your high perch. As you jump
down you can see both boxes. A half-dozen skags, with an Alpha and
spitters among them, will block the way. Grab the last two boxes
sitting in plain view on the wooden crates along the west wall.

Exit the box canyon through the narrow opening to the north; bear right
after exiting to get to your runner and head back to Fyrestone. Turn in
PRODUCT RECALL; SCAVENGER: COMBAT RIFLE; INSULT TO INJURY and SCHEMIN’
THAT SABOTAGE.

Select CIRCLE OF DEATH: MEAT AND GREET, the final mission in the
Fyrestone area-for now, at least-and drive west to the waypoint and
talk to Rade Zayben, the proprietor.

<o040> CIRCLE OF DEATH: MEAT AND GREET (Optional)
Level 12: 504 XP
Mission: Go west to the waypoint and talk to Rade Zayben, the
proprietor of the Circle of Slaughter.

Interacting with Rade Zayben completes CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: MEAT AND
GREET.

<o041> CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND 1
Level 12: 1,680 XP; $1,947; a shield
Mission: survive round one.

You will beset by a wave of skags, perhaps eight or ten, with an Elder,
an Adult and Spitters in the mix. Rather easy at level 20.

<o042> CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND 2
Level 15; 2,651 XP; $4,105: a grenade mod
Mission: survive round 2.

You will be beset by an initial wave of assorted skags led by an Alpha
Skag, and another wave with another Alpha or an elemental supported by
a small wave of lesser skags. Not as easy, even at level 20.

<o043> CIRCLE OF DEATH: FINAL ROUND
Level 18; 4,800 XP; $4,105: a combat rifle.
Mission: survive round 3.

First a swirling wave-a mix of Elders, Adults, Corrosives and lowly
Whelps in a relentless procession. Next, a trio of Alphas, accompanied
by an elemental, likely a Badass Fire Dog, will enter the mix.

All of these rounds are highly varied in what skags you draw and how
difficult it is because of it. I didn’t even use the Turret for the
final round, but at other times, it hasn’t been enough. Good luck!

Select LEAVING FYRESTONE and head west to the waypoint. Claptrap will
open the Dahl Headland gate and announce that you have a 94.3% chance
of a “horrific” death experience-he is being kind.

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<sec08>         SECTION: 8 THE DAHL HEADLAND/NEW HAVEN

<m044> LEAVING FYRESTONE (Mandatory)
Level 18; 1,200 XP
Mission: Find Claptrap and gain entrance to the Dahl Headland.
Locate Ernest Whiting who knows the area better than anyone.

Enter the Dahl Headland and drive up the hill to the waypoint and see
Ernest Whiting. This completes LEAVING FYRESTONE and initiates GETTING
LUCKY and BIG GAME HUNTER. Accept both and make GETTING LUCKY your
active mission.

<m045> GETTING LUCKY (Mandatory)
Level 18; 2,400 XP; $1,922; a grenade mod
Mission: The local Bandits have taken over The Last Chance Watering
Hole, Lucky’s place, and he is trapped inside. Your mission is to
rescue him.

As you approach Lucky’s from the north, two hostile runners will depart
the area. Take them out with your vehicle’s turret or you will be
fighting on two fronts as you take out the mandatory 15 bandits in
Lucky’s place. Hunt the second one down if needed.

Park your runner near the north end of Lucky’s compound and move toward
the waypoint. Take out the snipers on the tall structure ahead, on your
left, by sniping and hitting the volatile barrels. There will be
additional Bandits emerging onto the upper platform so take them out
and anyone on the platforms below. The hostiles may keep coming onto
the tall structure, so keep an eye on it. Burning Psychos may also come
toward you early in the fight.

The large garrison will include assorted Bandits, Bruisers and Badass
types. The Bruisers will be in the low area and Burning Psychos will
occasionally come at you from the low area. Stay on the north end until
you have your 15 kills, using the cover there to regenerate your
shield. Lucky is in the small building on the south side of the
compound; and the way in, for now, is through enclosed compound and via
the door on the east side.

Start into the seemingly cleared compound with a shotgun and the Turret
with either the shock or no artifact equipped. As you approach the
gate, near the SILVER CHEST, an explosion will release a horde of mixed
Psychos. Deploy the Turret and toss grenades into the path of the
charging Psychos. Use your shotgun to polish off any survivors. The
barrel near the gate can be helpful. Raid the SILVER CHEST and wait for
the Scorpio Turret to become available. As you approach the waypoint,
the east door, a Badass Bruiser will emerge gun blazing. Deploy the
Turret and back off. Supplement the Turret fire with an elemental
weapon and gain an easy 1500 plus XP. Retreat to the north if needed,
using the extensive cover there to take out the Badass Bruiser.

Open the glowing green barrier inside the building and locate Lucky, on
the pot-as always-and interact with him to complete GETTING LUCKY. He
will give you the mission: POWERING THE FAST TRAVEL NETWORK. Accept it
and go back out through the east door and locate the RED CHEST on the
west wall of the compound that you just cleared of the 15 bandits. Many
of the weapons in this chest may be a step up from what you now have
and may require leveling up to use.

<m046> POWERING THE FAST TRAVEL NETWORK
Level 20; 2,375 XP; $2,411
Mission: In order to get the fast travel network up and running, you
must close in the two open breakers and throw the master switch.

Select POWERING THE FAST TRAVEL NETWORK and generate a runner with a
rocket launcher. Drive south to the waypoint, dismount and climb on the
boulder behind the tower. Jump to the first platform, then to the next
and throw the first breaker. Scythids will make an appearance with
Bursting Scythids, Badass Poisonous Scythids, Giant Scythids, Desert
Scythids and others possible. Stay on the tower and reap some easy XP,
or just sprint to your runner and head for the next tower to the south.

Use the boulder to get onto the first platform, then jump onto the
higher one, crouch move under the support beams and look up to get the
next breaker thrown. A runner will likely attack you here, so use your
sniper, rocket launcher or an automatic weapon to destroy the runner.
Scythids, the same as before, will also assail you.

You must now throw the “Master Switch” which is located to the east.
Park near the entrance of the facility and use the runner’s rocket
launcher on anyone that will leave shelter; but most of them will have
to be rooted out and they include Bruisers, Thugs and a horde of mixed
Psychos. Go to the narrow entrance and deploy the Scorpio Turret when a
target becomes available. About a dozen hostiles must be taken out
before you can climb the three stairwells to the “Master Switch” on the
southwest side of the upper platform.

Note: Once you turn this mission in, the fast travel network will allow
you to instantly travel to any New-U Station that you have previously
visited. Just interact with any New-U Station and select any of the
available destinations.

Descend the platform after throwing the switch and another small group
of Bandits and Psychos will have arrived. Take them out and return to
Lucky’s, taking out any challenging runners as you drive north to
Lucky’s to complete this mission, POWERING THE FAST TRAVEL NETWORK.
Lucky, still on the pot, will give you the mission, ROAD WARRIORS HOT
SHOTS and the Claptrap will inform you that new missions are available
at Lucky’s Bounty Board. Step out of the west door and accept all five
missions at Lucky’s Bounty Board, FUEL FEUD; WELL THERE’S YOUR PROBLEM
RIGHT THERE; GHOSTS OF THE VAULT; SCAVENGER: REVOLVER and DEATH RACE
PANDORA.

Select ROAD WARRIORS: HOT SHOTS and equip the turret on your runner
with whichever weapon you prefer for taking out runners.

<m047> ROAD WARRIORS: HOT SHOTS (Mandatory)
Level 18; 2,400 XP; $1,922
Mission: Mad Mel has been terrorizing the Dahl Headland and has blocked
entry to New Haven. Take out eight of his runners to get his attention.

You’ll have to eliminate eight of Mad Mel’s patrol runners in the
northern area of the Dahl Headland. Find a high spot and when you spot
a runner fire on it to get the festivities going. Don’t “lock on” if
you’re using the rocket launcher. This makes it harder to target the
opposition. With the machine gun locking on, however, makes targeting
much easier. At times you will have to hunt down the prey and at others
you may be doing battle with three at one time. Return with eight kills
to Lucky’s place and interact with Lucky, still on the can, to complete
ROAD WARRIORS: HOT SHOTS and to get the mission: ROAD WARRIORS: BANDIT
APOCALYPSE.

Select ROAD WARRIORS: BANDIT APOCALYPSE as your active mission and
before leaving Lucky’s, stock up on rifle ammo.

<m048> ROAD WARRIORS: BANDIT APOCALYPSE (Mandatory)
Level 20; 10,559 XP; $9,646; a fourth weapon slot.
Mission: The elimination of most of Mad Mel’s runners has made him
angry and his men are questioning him. Seek Mel out and take him and
his companions down to release his blockade of New Haven and free the
Headland of his domination.

If you don’t have an ammo regeneration module, top off your ammo supply
before driving south to meet Mad Mel and his sidekicks. As you drive
into the large circular arena with the flaming center all is calm, but
drive to the opposite side and the gate closes, blocking your way. A
pair of runners enters the track and the fight is on.

Note: Truth to tell, I have never survived this ordeal by using the
vehicle to eliminate the runners and Mel-almost, but not quite. I’ve
always come up short, meaning dead, and used the procedure that follows
to make it into New Haven thus continuing the game. Good luck!! If you
also end up dead and give up, try the procedure that follows.

Once you have experienced that “horrific death’ as Claptrap says, don’t
re-enter the arena. You may actually end up at Lucky’s but you will not
be required to re-enter the arena to continue the mission. Stay near
the entry lip and either snipe or use a fast-firing incendiary,
explosive or caustic weapon to chisel away at the runners and Mad Mel
rolling around the track. Sometimes a single shot or burst will destroy
or heavily damage one of the vehicles including Mad Mel’s. Just duck
away when your shields bleed down, taking shelter alongside the open
gate to stay out of range of the axe throwers. You can even toss
grenades and deploy the Turret near the edge to help out. In a short
time Mel and his minions will be toast and you will be on your way to
New Haven. A happy Claptrap gives you access to New Haven. Drive into
town and see Helena Pierce at the waypoint. Interacting with her
completes, ROAD WARRIORS: BANDIT APOCALYPSE and initiates POWER TO THE
PEOPLE. You will also receive an extra weapon slot.

<m049> POWER TO THE PEOPLE (Mandatory)
Level 20; 2,375 XP; $2,411
Mission: Your task is simply to restore power to New Haven by turning
on five generators scattered about town.

The first waypoint is near Scooter’s hangout, close to your entry point
into New Haven. Fire up the first generator that will pulse red and
green. Exit through the nearby west city gate to find the next
generator alongside the road near a pile of tires. The third generator
is on the east central side of town alongside a building. The fourth is
on the rooftop of the building north of the New-U Station and Scooters
place. Climb the stairwell due north of the New-U Station to access it.
The last generator is on the north end of town near the metal
barricade. Go south to interact with Helena Pierce to complete POWER TO
THE PEOPLE. This will give you the mission: SEEK OUT TANNIS and the New
Haven Bounty Board will have new missions as well.

Go back north along the main street and as you approach the Bounty
Board you will hear a whimpering Claptrap. Interact with him to
initiate CLAPTRAP RESCUE: NEW HAVEN. Accept the mission.

<o050> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: NEW HAVEN (Optional)
Level 21; 1,379 XP; three inventory slots
Mission:  Find the repair kit and return to Claptrap to repair him.

Go south toward Helena Pierces place but go up the stairwell just north
of it. Turn left and jump onto the washer or dryer that sits against
the wall. Jump to get onto the roof. Raid the SILVER CHEST and turn
right. The repair kit is on a narrow ledge below. Drop gently off the
roof onto the ledge to get the repair kit. Drop down and return to
Claptrap to complete the mission. An exuberant Claptrap will open a
closed hatch to reveal another SILVER CHEST.

After raiding the chest and selling off unneeded equipment go to the
New Haven Bounty Board near where you found the wounded Claptrap and
accept the missions: SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN; LIKE A MOTH TO A FLAME;
HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST; KING TOSSING and CORROSIVE CRYSTAL
HARVEST. Head south to Scooters place, near the New-U Station, and
accept his missions, SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS; IS T.K. OKAY and UP TO
OUR EARS. Go to see Marcus Kinkaid. He is inside the store near the
vending machines and he will give you the mission: FIREPOWER: ALL SALES
ARE FINAL.

You now have fifteen missions in your queue, some of which could have
been done prior to entering New Haven; but there is a reason for coming
here. Two RED CHESTS that are game changers. They provide guns, shields
and class modification mods at twenty times (best guess) the rate of
most of those you have so far encountered; but, be careful, many of the
items will require you to be at a higher level than you are currently
at in order to use them.

There are two RED and four SILVER CHESTS that I know of, in New Haven
and near it.

The first SILVER CHEST is in the small building on the north end of New
Haven, north of the Bounty Board. Claptrap opens this after you use the
repair kit to repair him. It contains the normal gear you expect from a
SILVER CHEST.

Another SILVER CHEST sets on the roof of the building south of Helena
Pierce’s place on the south end. Go up the stairwell near the “dollar”
sign, turn left and jump onto the Washer. From there, jump to the roof
and turn left, go past the antenna to the SILVER CHEST. It contains the
normal gear of a SILVER CHEST.

You can find a third SILVER CHEST by going to the New-U pole, on the
north end, facing north and going up the rear stairwell dead ahead.
Continue north over the plywood “bridge” and north again to the plywood
”bridge.” Jump over the handrail and go north to find another SILVER
CHEST around the first corner. It will contain normal items.


The fourth SILVER CHEST is south of town and contains normal gear. Go
south past the yellow barrel, bearing slightly right over the low path
to the left of the fence. Go up the road ahead and go under the dingy
canopy on the left. The SILVER CHEST is under the canopy and contains
normal items for your level. This area is also crawling with scythids
that will gravitate to your position quickly.

The first of the lucrative RED CHESTS is on the south side of town. Go
south from the entrance to Helena Pierces place, past the shack with
four lockers and you will come to a yellow barrel near a metal fence.
Jump onto the barrel and from there make the long jump to the roof.
From there jump to the projecting metal wing and then to the buildings
roof. The RED CHEST is right there and will yield high quality items at
a prodigious rate.

The second of these lucrative RED CHESTS is on the north end of town.
Go to the north gate leading out of town, where you started the
generator, and face south. You will see a rusty blue “JAKOBS” fuel tank
near the corner of the building on the west side of the main avenue.
Jump onto the tank and then make a short jump forward to get to the
thin top of the rusty fence. From there jump and move the stick right
to get to the lower roof of the building. The RED CHEST is right there
and generates high quality merchandise equal to the one to the south.

It is up to you whether or not you want to take advantage of the bounty
provided by these two RED CHESTS. You can raid them and re-start and
raid them again and again-or not. If you do, just be aware that many of
the items procured there may require you to level up before you can
employ them. You can easily replace weapons that you need to continue
game play and end of with an awesome array of weapons that you cannot
use. As you level up, the items in these chests will not always exceed
the quality of weapons from other environmental pick-ups; but, for now,
they certainly will.

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<sec09>         SECTION: 9 THE DAHL HEADLAND


<o051> FUEL FEUD (Mandatory)
Level 18; 4,800 XP; $3,844; a grenade mod
Mission: The Bandit traffic in the Headland is extensive. If you can
take out their fuel supply, you can limit their presence and make
travel easier.

Select FUEL FEUD as your active mission and fast travel from New Haven
to Lucky’s in the Dahl Headland. Generate a runner with a rocket
launcher, which is the better choice since you will be facing both
hostile runners and numerous Bandits, and drive west and then south
toward the waypoint. You must pass through the building there to get to
the first “fuel tank,” and the building is full of assorted scythids.
Open the door and blaze away at the scythids which are not generally
much of a threat; but there are a lot of them. Go out through the back
door and shoot the first “fuel tank.” Locate the two tire piles on the
northeast side of that back area and use them to get to the roof to
access a RED CHEST.

Swap your active mission to DEATH RACE PANDORA and jump down and get to
your runner.

<o052> DEATH RACE PANDORA (Optional)
Level 20; 5,279 XP; $4,099; a rocket launcher.
Mission: The old Ludicrous Speedway has been overrun by scythids and
they need to be cleared out if it’s to ever re-open. Kill fifty of the
vermin to complete this quest.

Just drive south past the waypoint. The “vermin” are dead ahead in
small groups. The easiest way to get 50 is to just run them down. Just
watch out for Fire Crawler Scythids that can damage the runner. You can
also jump out and kill them up close and personal for a lot of XP,
Badass types yield large XP and Fire Crawlers, Deserts and Giants are
worthwhile-and an elemental artifact is possible. This is the fun way
to do this, otherwise, ordinary mission.

With your fifty scythids down switch back to FUEL FEUD and drive north.
You will probably have to do battle with a runner or two along the way.
You will see the greenish shimmer of the objective from well out but
you won’t see the dozen or more hostiles infesting the small outpost.
Use the rocket launcher, targeting the enemies as they come through the
narrow gate. The enemy will include bruisers and Burning Psychos and an
additional runner or two will sometimes come out of nowhere to join the
action. You must sometimes drive toward the entrance to coax out the
reluctant hostiles. Enter and mop up any survivors. Take out the second
“fuel tank” and help yourself to the two RED CHESTS.

<o053> WELL THERES YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT THERE (Optional)
Level 18; 6,000 XP; $7,689
Mission: The water system is riddled with bullet holes, but it can be
repaired if you can close off three main valves so the repairs can be
made.

Switch your mission to WELL THERE YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT THERE and make the
short drive to the northeast. Enter the opening in the rock barrier and
sprint northwest to the water tower. Interact with the valve and then
generate a little XP by killing the few hapless scythids that attack.

Swap back to FUEL FEUD. Drive southeast, taking on the runners when you
cross paths and stop to the north of the waypoint. Use the rocket
launcher on anyone visible to stir up the hornet’s nest. About a dozen
mixed hostiles, including at least one Badass type will guard the last
“fuel tank.” You can, however, do it another way. Drive up the hill to
the northwest of the compound and shoot the fuel tank from there. The
remaining garrison is then rather easy pickins’, or you can be
benevolent and let them live.

Swap your mission to GHOSTS OF THE VAULT to generate a waypoint. It
will be just a short jaunt to the west.

<o054> GHOSTS OF THE VAULT (Optional)
Level 20; 5,279 XP; $2893, an artifact
Mission: Patricia Tannis’ excavation team got spooked when “ghosts”
invaded their work site. Head there and get the vault artifact that she
believes is there.

Drive up the steep hill and use the launcher on the guys near the left
hut and then turn it on the structure dead ahead. The garrison includes
a Bruiser and numerous Raiders and Bandits. Move cautiously onto the
long walkway, deploying the Turret against any advance.

When the area is clear, take the elevator down and another batch of
hostiles including another Bruiser will attack. Your position is quite
exposed, so be quick to respond as you reach the bottom. Deploy the
Turret and use its shield to quickly eliminate the attackers. You can
also stay on the platform and snipe over the sides.

Go to the waypoint with full shields and the Turret available and
equipped with a shock artifact. Approach the objective. At this point
several Guardians will attack and they are highly susceptible to static
weapons and will die easily when their shields are dissipated. Deploy
the Turret and use a static shotgun or machine gun to make short work
of them and gain some major XP. (Note: at close range, a static sniper,
used like a shotgun, will also do the trick) When you interact with the
blue crystal you will receive an explosive artifact for your Turret and
the mission GHOSTS OF THE VAULT will be completed and the mission, SEEK
OUT TANNIS is initiated

Exit the cavern and get back to your runner with no further opposition.
Make WELL THERE YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT THERE your active mission and drive
counterclockwise around the mountain to the waypoint. The small
installation is the home to a large garrison of Bruisers, Bandits and
assorted Psychos. Use the rocket launcher from well out to ravage the
compound and watch out for a hostile runner. Move in and interact with
the second valve and then take the green glowing boar off the spit. It
will serve as bait in the mission BIG GAME HUNTER.

<o055> SCAVENGER: REVOLVER (Optional)
Level 20; 3,035 XP; a revolver
Mission: Find the four scattered parts of a revolver.

The next waypoint is to the north near the Catch-A-Ride station. There
will be no opposition here unless a passing runner takes notice of you.
Change your active mission to SCAVENGER: REVOLVER. First pick-up the
revolver “body” lying on the floor of the structure north of the Catch-
A-Ride building. Do an about face and go to the wrecked car across the
road from it. The “barrel” is inside the derelict. You must jump onto
the wreck and crouch down to get it.

Go a bit north and then circle around to your left. You will see the
third valve for the prior mission inside a locked fence under the water
tower. Jump onto the roof of the north building, and then face north.
You will see the revolver “cylinder” on a platform there. Make a
sprinting leap to get to the platform. Jump from the platform back to
the roof and from there to the roof of the Catch-A-Ride. You will see a
metal fence ahead. Jump to the ledge in front of it. Use the boulders
as stepping-stones to get to the top. Jump to the platform where you
get the revolver’s “sight” and then drop down inside the locked fence
to turn the last valve. Use the barrels and crates to get out and get
back to your runner.

Select BIG GAME HUNTER and drive southeast to the entrance of the
arena.

<o056> BIG GAME HUNTER (Optional)
Level 20; 5,279 XP; $4,823; an elephant gun
Mission: Skagzilla is a mutant of his kind, immune to fire, caustic and
static weapons and he is big and aggressive. Set the bait to lure him
out and kill the big fella.

Since you already picked up the bait while turning the second valve,
drive southeast to the entrance of Skagzilla’s den. Park near the long
ramp entrance and make your way to the glowing objective at the far end
of the large compound. Equip the Scorpio Turret with the explosive
artifact and yourself with your most powerful conventional machine gun.
Set the bait. Drop the Turret and, as he enters, hammer him with
machine gun fire. He will roar as he enters so try to hit him in the
open mouth for a much quicker kill. Dodge his attacks by moving
laterally and when he is dead, exit to the east and follow the waypoint
northeast to Ernest Whiting’s hangout to complete BIG GAME HUNTER.

Drive south to Lucky’s Bounty Board and turn in SCAVENGER: REVOLVER;
FUEL FEUD; DEATH RACE PANDORA and WELL THERE’S YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT
THERE. Fast travel to Fyrestone from Luckys and select IS T.K OKAY as
your active mission.

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<sec10>     SECTION: 10: THE ARID BADLANDS/RUST COMMONS WEST

<o057> IS T.K. OKAY (OPTIONAL)
Level 21; 6,071 XP; $8,102; a grenade mod
Mission: Scooter is worried about his old buddy T.K. Baha and wants you
to check on him.

Head up to T.K.s place and you soon find that he isn’t okay. Go out
onto T.K.s back porch to find a RED CHEST. As you exit a group of
Psychos will attack from the near T.K.’s outhouse. Deploy the Turret in
the doorway and shotgun any survivors.

<o058> LIKE A MOTH TO A FLAME (Optional)
Level 21; 8,279 XP; $8,102: a shotgun
Mission: An enormous fire-spitting rakk, called Mothrakk by the
terrified locals, is believed to be attracted to flame. Light the
torches near his feeding ground and kill him when he comes to call.

Select the mission LIKE A MOTH TO A FLAME and go down to the New-U
Station in Fyrestone. Fast travel to the Lost Cave and exit to the Arid
Badlands. This puts you right where you need to be. Grab a “ride” and
head to the waypoint and light the three torches.

Immediately return to the covered building at the Catch-A-Ride for
shelter. Equip a fast firing shotgun or machine gun and wait for
Mothrock to come into your sights. Hit him and duck under the roof to
avoid the deadly fireballs. A 1X blast shotgun at 31x7 with a fire rate
of 1.9 took him down in about 50 shots over 10 or 12 pass-overs. Always
have your shield at full charge before ducking out between the support
beams near the Catch-A-Ride pole. Hit him and duck under cover.
Re-enter the Lost Cave where you can fast travel back to New Haven.
Turn in the mission, LIKE A MOTH TO A FLAME at the Bounty Board there
and then turn in IS T.K. OKAY to Scooter near the Catch-A-Ride station.

Guns/items in inventory:
Combat rifles:
Caustic Rifle 42; 87; 15; caustic 1X; magazine of 12; 1.4 zoom
Incendiary Rifle 27; 87.5; 10; inc. 1X, magazine of 12; 1.4 zoom
Glorious Havioc 76; 68; 11.4; magazine of 72; 2.1 zoom
Revolvers:
Incendiary Revolver 161; 88.8; 1.3; inc. 1X; 1.6 scope
Shotguns:
Caustic Shotgun 53x9; 50; 0.9; caustic 1X; magazine of 12
Terrible Matador 42x12; 39.8; 1.3; magazine of 6; 3 projectiles
Crimson Shotgun 31x7; 62.7; 1.9; exp. 1X, magazine of 7
Static Shotgun 27x7; 45.3; 1.0; static 2X, magazine of 7
SMGs:
Malevolent Thumper (SMG) 82; 90.2; 4.0; 1.7 scope, magazine of 18
Lightening Stinger (SMG) 17; 78.7; 12.5; static 3X, magazine of 39
Incendiary Thumper (SMG) 36; 85; 2.8; incendiary 2X, scoped
Burning SMG 14; 78.9; 8.3; inc. 3X
Sniper Rifles:
Fearsome Gamble (SR) 225; 88.0; 1.1; magazine of 6,1.0 zoom
Burning sniper 125; 97.8; 0.6; inc. 4X; magazine of 3; 1.8 zoom
Detonating Sniper 18; 96.7; 0.6; exp. 3X, magazine of 3; 2.4 zoom
Static Sniper 183; 95.6; 0.6; static 2X, magazine of 6; 1.0 zoom
Caustic Sniper 110; 95.6; 0.6; caustic 2X; magazine of 6; 1.5 zoom
Shields/ grenades mods
Symmetrical healing shield 271, 60 quick health regeneration
Explosive MIRV 50


<o059> UP TO OUR EARS (Optional)
Level 21; 5,519 XP; $8,102
Mission: Since the Bandit’s stranglehold on the East Commons has
tightened, the piping has been gathering all manner of debris and is
now blocked. Go there and clear the clogs.

Select, UP TO OUR EARS, generate a runner and drive east toward the
waypoint. A small guard post, near the New Haven exit, will challenge
your exit. An assortment of hostiles, which can include anything from
Midget Shot Gunners to Badass Bruisers will come out to play. You must
get clearance from Claptrap to enter Rust Commons East this first time,
so either wipe out the guard post or get the clearance quickly and get
out as soon as possible.

Drive east and then cut north toward the waypoint. A pair of assorted
hostiles will walk into the road, run them down and look ahead, a
number of rakks roost on the metal work. Use the vehicles turret to
take them out and continue on. You can normally just speed through this
area, leaving all the enemies behind, but this time you will be
conducting operations in this vicinity.

You need to take up a position on the high ground east of the target,
but more rakks, likely including Corrosive and a deadly Badass Fire
Rakk will swoop in. Target them with your vehicle’s turret, and when
they are down, drive onto the ground overlooking the target. A few
spiderants will swarm, so run them over. As you look west toward the
waypoint, you will see the green glowing obstructions in the two pipes.
Target them either with the turret or a potent sniper rifle to satisfy
the mission specs. Select SEEK OUT TANNIS as your active mission.

<m060> SEEK OUT TANNIS (Mandatory)
Level 21; 2,759 XP; $2,700
Mission: Talk to Claptrap and he’ll open the gate so you can enter Rust
Commons West to see Patricia Tannis.

Drive south and then cut north past the facility where you just cleared
the pipes. You can stop to take out its six or more assorted bad guys
and raid the RED CHEST on its upper walkway but it probably won’t be
worth the effort although you can gain major XP by doing so. You can
also clear this facility, raid the RED CHEST and take out the clogs
from the rear ground level area instead of using the high ground and
dealing with the nasty rakks.

Continue north through the spiderant infested area and cross the river
again. Go up the hill and turn east, crossing the bridge. A lone Badass
type always guards the east end of this bridge and if you stop and take
him out, you can get major XP and access to the RED CHEST just west of
his hut. Go east and stop at the vendors near the entrance to Rust
Commons East. This will add “The Underpass” to the fast travel network.

Continue north to the objective. Use your sniper to pick off a bunch of
the spiderants, who don’t normally come up the slope, for some easy XP-
Queens, Kings And Badass types like the Zapper are worth a few bullets.
Equip your shotgun and enter the rock passage. Use your shotgun on the
fifteen or so low level spiderants and deploy the Turret if overwhelmed
or against a tougher type that is possible.

With the initial spiderants under control and your shield recharged,
continue the final lap, shotgun in hand. A second wave of spiderants
will attack including a Badass variety, deploy the Turret and work on
his buddies. Rakks will appear on the overhead arches, hanging bat-
like. Use your sniper to take them out. Stand your ground in the east
approach and eliminate them as the dozen or so swoop at you. Go to
Tannis to complete SEEK OUT TANNIS. As this mission is completed,
Tannis will give you MEET CRAZY EARL.

There are two RED CHESTS in the area. The first is to the north atop
the gray rock structures. Jump onto the low rocks and move west toward
it. You can see it. Make the final jump across the gap. The next is
west of it and is the lair of several rakks. Sniper them and have your
shotgun ready as you move in. Raid the RED CHEST.  The spiderants near
the exit will have re-spawned. Plant the Turret in the narrow entry
passage for some easy XP after sprinting past the spiderants.

<o061> HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS WEST (OPTIONAL)
Level 23; 6,000 XP; $20,328
Mission: Locate five of Patricia Tannis’ Journals scattered around the
West Commons and turn them over to the New Haven Bounty Board.

Swap your active mission to HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS WEST. The
first Journal is in the top center of the Rust Commons West map-to the
northwest of “The Underpass.” “Day 224” is sitting on a box between two
circular huts and you can simply grab it and run, get in your runner
and speed off. “Rakkinishu”, a giant fire spitting rakk, will attack
you if you linger. If you want to take him out, you can duck into
either hut to shotgun it, ducking for cover into the hut just like you
did for Mothrack. He is good for several thousand XP if you kill him,
and his drops can include both weapons and shields.

The next waypoint is well to the south and is well defended. There will
likely be seven defenders and a Psycho or Bruiser will be among them.
Begin eliminating them with your vehicle’s rocket launcher from either
the riverbed or from the hillside to the north of the structures. Watch
out for low-level spiderants just before the hill area. There is a RED
CHEST on the top level of the tall structure. “Journal Day 321” is on
the south side of the stream, sitting a crate on the low platform.
Numerous lockers and ammo cases make this a good spot to loot for money
and ammo.

“Journal Day 457” is south of these structures. Drive south in the
river. The swooping rakks can be taken out with the rocket launcher and
the few spiderants that infest the area are easily killed, just avoid
the explosive barrels lying in the river. “Day 457” is in the metal
shack near the three giant dandelion-like plants.

Journal “Day 481” is atop a tall observation tower to the southeast.
Continue southeast from “Day 457” to intersect the road. Go east,
continuing east when the road ends. This will put you in the far
eastern corridor. Avoid the explosive barrels-they will take you out.
As you make the turn due south, an initial wave of rakks and assorted
spiderants will erupt. Near the dam a long stairwell leads to a SILVER
CHEST, but your advent triggers a second horde of assorted spiderants.
Take the trouble to clear them out or they will worry your back as you
take on the hostiles ahead. There is also a good chance of acquiring an
artifact here as well.

Continue south and when you see the huge overhead rock arch, stop and
man the gunner’s seat. Take out the hanging rakks and then any others
that come at you. Dismount and move forward until the Gatling Turret’s
laser betrays its position. Use your incendiary or caustic or blast
sniper to take out the gun from the relative safety of the east rock
face. If you can find a good spot where you cannot be targeted you can
also take out the Gatling with the vehicle’s rocket launcher. Four
additional hostiles must also be put down as you approach the tower.
Climb the three long stairwells to the top for the Journal “Day 481.”

The last Journal “Day 493” is laying on a table under a red awning not
too far north of the east corridors entry point, but it is defended by
four hostiles, and one is likely a Badass type. You can actually drive
in, take the Journal and git’ without a fight if so inclined.

//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////

<sec11>    SECTION 11: RUST COMMONS WEST/CRAZY EARL’S SCRAPYARD

The last three Rust Commons missions in your log; SCOOTER’S USED CAR
PARTS: SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN and FIREPOWER: ALL SALES ARE FINAL
take place in the southern area and will be pursued concurrently.

<o062> SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS
Level 21; 4,140 XP; $10,803
Mission: Collect seven parts of a runner for Scooter.

Select SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS and drive south, entering the west
passage northwest of the Catch-A-Ride, as is seen on your map, through
the narrow opening. Drive forward and backwards to decimate the low
level spiderants. Continue past the Catch-A-Ride and park your vehicle.

Advance toward the large open area to the south and use the cover of
the metal barrier to snipe the guys ahead. They will include assorted
Bandits, Psychos, Bruisers and probably a Badass type. A Gatling Gun,
up high and to your left, will open up as you advance. Use your sniper
rifle on it from near the entrance, using the cargo container for
cover. Clear the compound of visible hostiles and move toward the first
waypoint.

You will see a glowing green item near a wooden crate at the base of a
tall billboard. Interact with it to get the “front fender.” The next
waypoint is to the east where you will find the “rear fender” near a
metal shack near two item lockers. There is a SILVER CHEST just
southwest of your position. The first “fuel cell” is near a pipeline
support column north of the store with the vending machines.

Switch to FIREPOWER: ALL SALES ARE FINAL to generate a new waypoint.
Pick up the invoice from the table under the red canopy near the
vending machine.

<o063> FIREPOWER: ALL SALES ARE FINAL (Optional)
Level 21; 5,520 XP; $10,803
Mission: Marcus wants to know who is supplying the Bandit’s munitions.
Find the invoice and return it to him.

Switch back to SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS and jump onto the nearby
support column and then jump onto the roof of the store to find the
second “rear fender.” From the rooftop, looking south, you can see the
second “front fender” near a large shipping container.  You will likely
encounter resistance here, so use the high area to snipe the enemy
below. Clear all opposition before moving to the waypoint.

Yet another Gatling Gun will now open up, this time from high on top of
the canopy to the west of the store. It can be taken out from right
there where you picked up the “front fender”.  Four or five incendiary
or caustic sniper rounds will do the trick and from there the gunner
cannot target you. The second “fuel cell” is in a pool of scum below
the Gatling perch on the west side of the store.

The “rusty engine” is on top a cargo container near the center of area
and south of the store. Jump from the south container to the north to
get to it.

<m064> MEET CRAZY EARL: (Mandatory)
Level 22; 2,880 XP; $3025
Mission: Go to the scrap yard and blast your way in to see Crazy Earl.

Before continuing the mission: SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN, select Meet
CRAZY EARL to generate a waypoint and enter the scrap yard to the
southwest. Five assorted skags, with low level, Corrosive and Adults
among them, prowl the entryway and will need killing each time you head
this way; and they will get progressively tougher and will eventually
include elemental types. You will find the way blocked at the narrow
passage-just shoot the red pressure cylinder to open up the path. This
action satisfies the specs for MEET CRAZY EARL, but go talk to the
cantankerous old coot to complete the mission and to initiate GET OFF
MY LAWN and TODAY’S LESSON: HIGH EXPLOSIVES. Accept both missions.

Switch to SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN to generate a waypoint and head
back out. Enter Rust Commons West, kill the few Bandits that get in
your way and go out the south gate.

<o065> SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN (Optional)
Level 23; 3,450 XP; an SMG
Mission: Find the four scattered parts of the submachine gun.

Sprint south toward the Catch-A-Ride, bearing west toward the waypoint.
Stop at the narrow opening between the shipping containers and start
sniping the hostiles. You can see three of the four parts from there–
one dead ahead, one on a shipping container and two high to the right.
After clearing the area jump from the rocky slope to the container to
get the “barrel.”

Several Bandits and Psychos will come through the gate to the west and
must be dealt with. Go through the gate on the west end and make a
right and go up the slope and go east across the metal ramp. Additional
Psychos may appear here as well. The “body” is on a narrow ledge on the
side of the building. Drop down to get it. Jump from that ledge to the
top of the gray column and then to the corrugated platform. From there
a tricky jump will get you to the roof for the “sight.” Jump parallel
to the roof past the beam, or the beam will just knock you to the
ground, and move the stick hard left to gain the roof. I find this jump
aggravating and usually repeat the procedure several times to get it
right. Drop to the ground and take the final piece, the “magazine.” It
is lying in a tire in front of the building.

Exit this area and make a side trip. Were going to put Treacher’s
Landing on the fast travel network. As you loop around and go south
into the extreme southeast lobe of the Rust Commons West map, numerous
spiderants, some of the Badass variety, will pop up. Use grenades, the
Turret and retreating tactics to survive the onslaught.

Once the spiderants are cleared, set up on the south end of the area
for a bit, using the Turret in the narrow opening and sniping the five
or six hostiles in the compound. If you have eliminated the spiderants,
this is an easy one front battle. The reward is a SILVER CHEST, atop
the observation platform, and the ability to reach Treacher’s Landing
via the fast travel network and a bunch of XP for the deceased,
Humanoid and not. There is also a fast travel New-U Station at
Treacher’s Landing; so, once inside, you can travel painlessly back to
New Haven to turn in FIREPOWER: ALL SALES FINAL to Marcus Kinkaid and
he will offer FIREPOWER: MARKET CORRECTION. Accept it. Turn in
SCOOTER’S USED CAR PARTS and UP TO OUR EARS to Scooter and turn in
SCAVENGER: SUBMACHINE GUN and HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS WEST at the
New Haven Bounty Board.

Notes: Any of the above, or any completed mission, can be turned in at
any time after it is completed. If you need to level up-to use a
weapon, for example, it may be best to take the time to turn in
missions when completed. My level after turning these in is now 26.

<o066> FIREPOWER: MARKET CORRECTION: (Optional)
Level 21; 5,519 XP; $10,803; an SMG
Mission: Marcus believes One-Eyed Jack is storing ammo at his
warehouse, and is destroying Marcus’ business. Take out the six ammo
caches to “correct” the situation.

Select FIREPOWER: MARKET CORRECTION and fast travel to The Underpass
Drive east over the bridge and cut south, crossing the river but
turning left before reaching the second river.

Begin targeting the hostiles with the rocket launcher. You can thin the
opposition and then finish clearing the lower area on foot. Bruisers
and a Badass type will be among them. The “first” cache is north of
your position and will most likely go down in the firefight from your
rocket fire. Be aware that blowing up the piles can damage you as well-
so stay back when taking them out. There is a SILVER CHEST near the
north cache. From that SILVER CHEST, look through the doorway on your
right. Take out the “two” ammo caches (two and three) there and check
out the SILVER CHEST across from them. The “fourth” cache is on the
gray building to your north in plain view, and is reached via the ramp
on the rear side of the building.

Head east and go north up the ramp for numbers “five” and “six.”
Several Bandits, sometimes a Badass among them, will come out of the
shack there to challenge you.

Drive back north to The Underpass and fast travel to Crazy Earl’s
Scrapyard. Select GET OFF MY LAWN.

<m067> GET OFF MY LAWN: (Mandatory)
Level 22; 4,320 XP; $3,025
Mission: Earl has trespassers crawlin’ all over his property, Humanoid
and non’ and he wants you to make em’ dead afore he’ll talk to you.
Kill 3 spiderants and 25 Bandits to make him happy.

Kill the skags on your way to Earl’s and go left into the northern part
of the scrap yard. The required three spiderants will go down even
before you enter the left, or north passage. As you move over the
staging and into the metal passage along the way you will see the first
Bandits and they you will see you. Begin sniping from the broken hulk
of the container. Continue a clockwise sweep. You will encounter small
groups of assorted Bandits; but when you cross the second long ramp
just beyond the 12 o’clock position, you will face at least two
Bruisers and an assortment of Bandits. Deploy the Turret and when you
have cleared the area go to the wounded Claptrap you can see thrashing
about under the reddish canopy.

<o068> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: SCRAPYARD: (Optional)
Level 22; 1,440 XP; three inventory slots.
Mission: Locate a repair kit and fix the Claptrap.

The repair kit is just a short distance to the southeast but is up
high, but, for once, there is a shortcut to it. Jump onto the
refrigerator (with the green light) and then onto the metal framework.
From there vault to the platform above. A half-dozen hostiles will
challenge, so deploy the Turret and take refuge behind the round hut.
Use grenades and elemental weapons to clear the area. Take the repair
kit and help yourself to the RED CHEST. Jump back down to complete the
repair and the mission.

Continue around the loop to get the required 25 kills, and be aware
that the next group usually contains a Badass and two Bruisers.

With 25 Bandit kills and 3 spiderant kills, return back toward Earl’s
but take the southern route. Activate the mission TODAY’S LESSON: HIGH
EXPLOSIVES

<m069> TODAYS LESSON: HIGH EXPLOSIVES: (Mandatory)
Level 22; 7,200 XP; $9,075; a grenade mod.
Mission:  The Bandits have stolen the C-charges. Show em’ what’s what.
Go there, set the charges and blow the place up.

You will encounter the first hostiles just before the narrow passage
widens, not too far from the SILVER CHEST on the right side of the
passage. As you cross the metal ramp way and enter the big area with
the many barrels, several Bandits, including a Bruiser, will attack.
Use the barrels and hope they don’t. Raid the SILVER CHEST. There is
another SILVER CHEST farther south on this same ramp at the lower end.

Make a long jump onto the corrugated iron platform to raid the RED
CHEST. Jump down and begin the long clockwise circuit around the north
perimeter of the area. Skags will populate this area. At the east end
you will encounter humanoid resistance, possibly including a Badass
type as well as three or four others.

Move up the long metal ramp after clearing the place and jump down near
the New-U_Station. Another group of Bandits will attack as you move
south. Use the metal beams in the water as cover to wipe them out.
Watch out for flankers, especially Psychos.

Look toward the waypoint. The higher area is swarming with about eight
or ten hostiles. Draw them out by hitting the red barrel or tossing a
grenade into their hideout.

Go up the ramp to get the C-charge. Check out the SILVER CHEST. You
must now go northwest and make a counterclockwise loop, as indicated by
a narrow ramp way on your map. As you go onto the ramp several Bandits
will challenge, and some will probably come in behind you even though
you have cleared the low area. Use the volatile barrel ahead if
possible. Continue around up the ramp, going left at “piss off”. You
will likely meet a few hostiles at the top of the ramp before you turn
left. They will emerge from the hut ahead to the south. If they don’t,
watch your back as you advance toward the objective. After turning left
onto the long walkway you will see hostiles on the high ground.

Begin sniping from the building. Several Psychos will periodically come
down the ramp from the high ground. Finish clearing the upper area.
Head to the waypoint and set the charge. Get back. The explosion will
open the way to a pair of RED CHESTS just to the north. Retrace your
inbound route or reset to emerge at the entrance to the scrap yard.
Turn in both TODAY’S LESSON: HIGH EXPLOSIVES and GET OFF MY LAWN to
Crazy Earl. Earl will give you the mission: HAIR OF THE DOG. Accept it.

//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////\\\\\\\\\\//////////

<sec12>    SECTION 12: TETANUS WARREN/SCRAPYARD/WEST COMMONS

<o070> COROSIVE CRYSTAL HARVEST (Optional)
Level 21; 5,519 XP; $2,700; a corrosive artifact
Mission: Go to Tetanus Warrens and gather 50 corrosive crystals.

Fast travel back to New Haven and generate a runner. Drive southwest
out of town until the road is blocked. Trek north on foot toward the
objective-Tetanus Warrens. A few scythids will pester you as you head
for the small Bandit camp ahead. Stay along the west wall and begin
sniping. Watch out for rushing Psychos. Continue north heading straight
for the waypoint.

Head into the cave and take your first five crystals without
opposition. A small group of normal spiderants will need killing before
harvesting the next ten. Take the next five and spiderants including a
Badass type will erupt, Deploy the Turret, equipped with the explosive
artifact. Talk to the wounded Claptrap and accept the repair mission.

<o071> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: TETANUS WARRENS: (Optional)
Level 21; 1,379 XP; three inventory slots
Mission: find the repair kit and return to Claptrap.

Take the next ten crystals and head up the west corridor. There is a
RED CHEST in the grotto bulging to the west of where you found the
wounded Claptrap. Take out the half dozen mixed Bandits and Bruisers.
The RED CHEST is on the platform in the rear of the grotto.

Continue north deeper into the west corridor. Take the next five
crystals from near the New-U Station and you can see the Bandit camp
just ahead. From your position south of the camp you can begin sniping
and deploying the Turret against any incoming Badass Psychos or other
chargers. The volatile barrel dead ahead can often be helpful.

When clear, move toward the waypoint and go up the metal ramp near the
boar on a spit. Walk onto the red canopy, face north, and take a
sprinting leap to next red canopy. Face southwest and locate the
protruding metal platform. Jump to the corrugated platform. Make a
short jump toward the kit. Quickly return to the Claptrap to complete
the repair.

There is another grotto on the northwest side of the Bandit camp.
Harvest your last fifteen crystals there and be prepared for the
spiderants. When they erupt, deploy the Turret and watch it to eat em’
up. Advance a bit when the first wave is history to coax another wave.
Help yourself to the RED CHEST.

Swap your active mission to KING TOSSING.

<o072> KING TOSSING: (Optional)
Level 21; 5,243 XP; $5,401; an SMG called The Spy
Mission: King Pee Wee is a drunken terror and he and his legions are a
real threat to New Haven. Kill him to end his reign.

King Pee Wee’s lair is on the far eastern side of the Warrens. A lone
Bandit camp lies between you and the King. Six or seven hostiles,
including a Badass Raider and Burning Psychos, will have to be killed
before the gate opens to allow you in. Equip the Turret with the
explosive artifact and have a fast firing conventional weapon in hand.

King Pee Wee isn’t very tough. He has some sort of melee device and
will broadcast a static ring periodically. If the Turret doesn’t kill
him outright, finish him off. On the extreme east side of the cavern
there is a lowered gate and inside there is a RED CHEST. On your way
out you can find another RED CHEST in the dead-end area east of the
Bandit camp just beyond where you jumped for the repair kit. It will be
occupied by at five hostiles, possibly including a Bruiser.

You can re-start and find yourself at the Tetanus Warrens entrance or
retrace your steps out. The Bandit camp will probably not have re-
spawned but the spiderants will have. You can usually sprint through
them, or you can score some XP on the spiderants during your exit.

Fast travel back to New Haven. Turn in FIREPOWER: MARKET CORRECTION at
Marcus’ place and he will give you FIREPOWER-PLIGHT OF THE MIDDLE MAN.
Accept it and head for the New Haven Bounty Board. Turn in KING TOSSING
and CORROSIVE CRYSTAL HARVEST. Go to Helena Pierces place and she will
give you the mission JACK’S OTHER EYE. Accept it.

<o073> JACK’S OTHER EYE: (Optional)
Level 223; 6,000 XP; $10,164, and The Sentinel, a combat rifle.
Mission: One-eyed Jack is livid about your treatment of his ammo caches
and has dastardly designs on New Haven. Kill him before he acts.

Select JACKS OTHER EYE and fast travel to The Underpass. The waypoint
is south of The Underpass and you’ve been there before destroying
Jack’s ammo caches. Drive east and cut south, crossing the first river
and turning back east toward the waypoint. Drive over the raised lip at
the entrance and open up on anyone in sight or run them down with the
runner. Sometimes you get lucky and it will be Jack. The compound has
about eight defenders and Jack’s sidearm, the Madjack, is an explosive
revolver that can deal you great bodily harm. Kill everyone and take
his “Eye.” Raid the two SILVER CHESTS if you have re-started since last
visiting Jack’s property.

Select FIREPOWER-PLIGHT OF THE MIDDLE MAN as your active mission.

<o074> FIREPOWER-PLIGHT OF THE MIDDLE MAN: (Optional)
Level 23 6,000 XP; $6,776; a combat rifle
Mission: Destroy some more of the now late One-Eyed-Jacks weapon caches
and get evidence of his activities.

Head back to The Underpass and fast travel to Treacher’s Landing. Exit
into Rust Commons West and annihilate the four or five Bandits in the
small guard station. Raid the SILVER CHEST on the platform, although
you have probably deduced that little of value comes out of them any
longer.

Sprint past the erupting spiderants, staying in the road and passing to
the north of the waypoint. The spiderants will not follow very far.
Take up a position near the metal barrier north of the structure on the
west side of the roadway. Face the waypoint and begin sniping the four
or five hostiles. Destroy the two caches outside the building,
remembering to stay clear of the explosions.

Enter the building and go up the ramps and look east across the long
walkway to the next building. Take out the cache with your sniper and
anyone coming to investigate the event. If all is quiet advance a bit
onto the ramp to draw out its defenders. Deal with the Bandits with
small arms and deploy the Turret when the Badass Raider or Bruiser
makes his appearance.

Take out the two visible caches below to your left before entering the
structure. Watch out for one or more Burning Psychos as you enter the
building and descend the ramps. Take out the fourth cache on the lower
level. Go left to the glowing box and take the “evidence” to complete
the mission specs.

Make HAIR OF THE DOG your active mission and re-enter the structure. Go
to the long walkway that extends between the two buildings and jump
down. Head back to Treacher’s Landing. You can sprint past the
spiderants and the Bandits should still be dead. Enter Treacher’s
Landing.

<m075> HAIR OF THE DOG: (Mandatory)
Level 23; 4,950 XP; $5,082
Mission: Earl likes the moonshine the Bandits brew out at Treacher’s
Landing. Kill 24 bandits to get 24 bottles of booze for Crazy Earl.

You can bag several hostiles before departing the area by the New-U
Station. Each deceased Bandit will drop a bottle of booze that you must
collect. You will need 24 bottles in all. There is a SILVER CHEST in
the first building to the left. Head toward the general waypoint, which
will not change during this mission, and take out the three or more
hostiles near the ramp to the high platform. Snipe from the high area.
Jump down, collect the booze and go straight up the long ramp way to
the top and snipe to the south. Watch out for assorted Psychos coming
up to you.

Make your way to your victims using the system of ramps to the east and
south to collect the bottles. Work your way to the bulging southern
area just before the long jetty. Harvest the boys and get their booze.
Go up the long ramp on the guard tower in the center of the bulge to
find a RED CHEST. If you still need more bottles of booze, harvest a
Bandit or two by sniping the Bandits on long southern jetty.

You should have your 24 bottles, so you can head back or re-start to
find yourself at the entrance of the Landing; but on the extreme
southeast side of the Landing, you will see a protruding boat dock on
your map. A boat is moored there. On it there is a RED CHEST. This is
not required but if you’re interested, use the heavily defended ramps
to the east to get to the southern shoreline, or take to the water,
following the shoreline to the objective with little or no opposition.
After raiding the RED CHEST work your way north. You will encounter
eight or more hostiles, with a Badass or two among their ranks. Another
RED CHEST sits atop the platform from which you must jump down from to
get to the exit. The hostiles will be back in this area, so be ready.

Use the New-U Station to fast travel to the scrap yard. Kill the five
skags and turn in HAIR OF THE DOG to Crazy Earl and he will give you
the missions: THE NEXT PIECE and EARL NEEDS FOOD: BADLY. Accept both
missions and use the scrap yard’s New-U Station to fast travel to New
Haven. Turn in FIREPOWER: PLIGHT OF THE MIDDLE MAN to Marcus Kinkaid.
Go to Helena Pierce’s place and turn in JACK’S OTHER EYE. Helena Pierce
will give you the mission: MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE… Accept it and
head over to the New Haven Bounty Board and accept the mission MISSING
PERSONS.

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<sec13>            SECTION 13: RUST COMMONS EAST

<o076> MISSING PERSONS (Optional)
Level 24; 1,560 XP; $3,794
Mission: Shawn Stokely, a New Haven resident, is missing, and it is
believed that he disappeared while searching for his wayward son Jed.
Try to locate Shawn.

The waypoint is at the extreme southwest end of the New Haven map. Take
a runner and go south, stopping at the ramp going up to the overhead
structures. Pick up the deceased Shawn’s Journal to complete the
mission on the spot and to get the mission: TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT.
Accept the mission, and drive back to New Haven.

Guns/items in inventory
Combat rifles:
Genocide Raven 87; 94.3; 13; magazine of 21; 1.4 zoom; 2 projectiles
The Sentinel 70; 90.3; 7.7; magazine of 12; caustic 1X
Incendiary rifle 27; 87.5; 10; magazine of 12; inc. 1X; 1.4 zoom
Support machine gun 86; 75; 4.5, magazine of 50
Repeaters:
Cruel Firehawk 82; 92.4; 2.5; magazine of 12; inc. 4x
Revolvers:
Lightning Justice 230; 96.4; 1.3; magazine of 2; static 3X; 3.7 zoom
Caustic Law 242; 90.0; 1.9; magazine of 2; caustic 2X; 3.7 zoom;
Swift Masher 43x7; 73.8; 1.9;magazine of 6; 3.7 zoom
Shotguns:
Incendiary Shotgun 39x9; 35; 1.4; magazine of 6 inc. 1x; 2.7 zoom
Caustic Shotgun 63x9; 50.0; 0.9; magazine of 12; caustic 1X
Blast Shotgun 43x7; 55.1; 1.0; magazine of 8; explosive 1X
Hunters Shotgun 65x7; 71.7; 0.9; magazine of 6
Lightning Shotgun 37x7; 61.1; 1.3; magazine of 5 static 3x; 1.7 zoom
SMGs
Lightning SMG 25; 92.3; 8.3; magazine of 36; static 3X; 2.4 zoom
Burning SMG 43; 87.2; 8.3; magazine of 36; inc. 3X
Incendiary SMG 47; 78.7; 6.9; magazine of 46; inc. 2X; 1.7 zoom
Caustic SMG 40; 85; 8.1; magazine of 46; caustic 1X
Caustic SMG 41; 76.3; 8.3; magazine of 46; caustic 2X; 3.0 zoom
Violent SMG 55, 75.3; 10; magazine of 46; 2.4 zoom
Sniper rifles:
Fearsome Volcano 277; 98.6; 0.8; magazine of 6; inc. 4X
Liquid Sniper 282; 92.3; 3.1, magazine of 5; 2.7 zoom
Static Wrath  195; 97.3; 1.5; magazine of 6; static 3X; 2.4 zoom
Detonating Sniper 188; 96.7; 0.6; magazine 3; explosive 3X; 2.4 zoom
Pestilent Sniper 179; 96.7; 0.8; magazine of 3; caustic 4X

Shield 449; 87
Exp MIRV 50
Mod: 10X ammo regeneration
Mod: 1x shield regeneration and 2x health regeneration
Mod: Plus 65% magazine size (all weapon types)

<o077> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE (Optional)
Level 24; 4,680 XP; $3,794, a class mod.
Mission: The Bounty Board in Rust Commons East has been down for a
while, and if you find Hudson Johns you may be able to get it up and
running.

Fast travel to The Underpass. Generate a runner and head toward the
waypoint-Rust Commons East. Take the road east and then swing south,
going off road to arrive at the overhead complex that is the Middle of
Nowhere Bounty Board. Go up the ramps and interact with the broken
Bounty Board. Head to the shack north of the Bounty Board, crossing the
long ramp, to talk to the facilities custodian Mr. Hudson Johns.
Interacting with Mr. Johns will give complete the mission MIDDLE OF
NOWHERE NO MORE and activate the mission: MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE:
FUSES? REALLY? Accept the mission.

<o078> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: FUSES? REALLY? (Optional)
Level 24; 6,240 XP; $15,178
Mission: The Bounty Board isn’t working because its fuses are missing.
Find three fuses in the hopes that one is a good one.

You will find the fuses far to the north of the Bounty Board. Drive
north and then east on the broken roadway, turning north at the wind
turbine near Trashy Knoll. The waypoint does not give you the location
of the fuses; it only serves as a trigger point for the onslaught of
scythids that will pester you as you search the random scattered skag
piles for the fuses. You can actually gain at lot of XP by harvesting
the two-dozen or so scythids in this area. When you have the three
fuses, return to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board and interact with
Mr. Hudson Johns to complete the mission. He will ask a favor and give
you MIDDLE OF NOWHERE: NO SMALL FAVOR. Accept it and make it your
active mission.

<o079> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SMALL FAVOR: (Optional)
Level: 24; 6,240 XP; $15,178
Mission: Hudson has a problem, some nearby spiderants are causing a
ruckus and he asks a favor-kill em’ while he gets the Bounty Board up
and running.

The troublesome spiderants are just a short distance away to the
northwest. Take a runner, equipped with a rocket launcher or a machine
gun, and head for the waypoint. Back off when they erupt and begin the
carnage. You can oftentimes bag a Queen or a King spiderant for some
extra XP after the required five go down.

Turn the mission in by talking to Hudson John’s. He will give you the
mission, Middle OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SCOOT ON BACK. Accept it. There
will also be a number of missions available at the Middle of Nowhere
Bounty Board. The Bounty Board there will give you: ALTAR EGO: BURNING
HERESY; CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: MEAT AND GREET; SCAVENGER: SHOTGUN and
HUDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST. Accept all four missions.

Select MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SCOOT ON BACK and head for New Haven
via the New-U Station there at the Middle of Nowhere.

<o080> MIDDLE OF NOWHERE NO MORE: SCOOT ON BACK: (Optional)
Level: 24; 6,240 XP; $7,589; a shield
Mission: Report that the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board is back in
business to Helena Pierce and tell Scooter to come pay a visit.

Report to Helena Pierce to complete MIDDLE OF NOWHERE: SCOOT ON BACK
and then fast travel back to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board and
select ALTAR EGO: BURNING HERESY as your active mission.

<o081> ALTAR EGO: BURNING HERESY: (Optional)
Level 24; 6,240 XP; $7,589; a shield
Mission: A new Bandit “religion” is entering the region, and before it
is forced down the local’s throats, you need to destroy their three
scriptures.

The waypoint for the fist “Scripture” is in an isolated area far to the
northeast. Except for an assortment of spiderants, which erupt from the
lagoon near the altar, there is no opposition. The spiderants make for
good target practice; or, if you get in and out quickly, you can easily
avoid them.

Swing south and catch the road, veer north off road to the waypoint and
burn the second “Scripture.” Opposition will come in the form of
assorted Psychos from the nearby structures but you can be in and out
before they react-or you can kill em’ all and make “meat puppets” out
of em’. Their compound contains almost no worthwhile loot.

Drive west and then south, taking to the river to reach and burn the
last “Scripture.” A few scythids will arrive late but if you’re quick
about your business, you won’t even see them.

<o082> HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST: (Optional)
Level26; 6,720 XP; $28,560
Mission: Find the five Journals of Patricia Tannis that are scattered
about the East Commons.

Switch your active mission to HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST to
generate the first waypoint and head south. As you drive south in the
water take notice of the guy standing near a shack near the big
dandelion-looking trees. This is Stacy Von Kofsky, and he will have a
mission for you later on. Exit the water and make a sweeping turn and
stop at the closed drawbridge. Journal “Day 578” is in under a
cardboard box on the ground behind the southern structure.

Back north for the next. The waypoint is at a giant mushroom and
journal, “Day 616”, is under it. Scythids will quickly come at you, and
some will be of a higher level. Again you can just grab the Journal and
scoot if you wish.

Drive north in the river and then circle east to the waypoint. A host
of substantial spiderants will erupt as you reach the destination. Run
em’ down or use the turret on your vehicle. It is hard to get this one
without at least partially clearing the area. Journal “Day 653” is
behind a cot near the pile of boulders. Raid the nearby RED CHEST.

The fourth waypoint is to the north. Intersect the road and it will
lead you to the drawbridge. The Journal is atop the observation
platform on the west side of the drawbridge and a lone hostile will
need killing before you can go up and find Journal “Day 684” behind a
small piece of metal sheeting.

The last Journal “Day 718” is in the shack where Hudson Johns hangs out
at the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board. It is in a crack between a crate
and the shack’s wall.

Turn in both HIDDEN JOURNAL: RUST COMMONS EAST and ALTER EGO: BURNING
HERESY at the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board.

Select SCAVENGER: SHOTGUN as your active mission.

<o083> SCAVENGER: SHOTGUN: (Optional)
Level: 24; 3,588 XP; a shotgun
Mission: Find the four disassembled parts of the shotgun.

Hit the broken roadway north of the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board and
when you reach the drawbridge, go to its left down the steep hill and
then northeast to the waypoint. The waypoint on this mission doesn’t
point to the individual parts.

The “magazine” is on top of the gray support structure near the Catch-
A-Ride Station. Use the stair-like arrangement of crates and containers
just inside the fence to get to the top. It lies on top of the gray
column.

Cross the bridge to find the “stock” lying, in plain sight, on a crate
alongside the building. Jump up the crates where you found the “stock”
and to the next to gain the top of the building. The “barrel” is on the
roof.

To get to the shotgun “body” will require two sprinting jumps. From the
rooftop you’re on, sprint and leap to the circular building and from
there to the next where the “body” is visible. This will complete the
mission but stay atop the roof where you found the “body.’ Switch your
active mission to: THE NEXT PIECE.

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<sec14>                 SECTION 14: KROM’S CANYON

<m084> THE NEXT PIECE: (Mandatory)
Level 25; 6,479 XP; $8,500
Mission: Earl is finally happy-probably boozed up-and reveals that a
major Bandit boss, Krom, stole the Alien gizmo from him and has it
tucked away up in his Canyon.

Now do yourself a big favor. Face northeast and locate the two Gun
Turrets atop the tall structures-a Rocket and a Gatling Turret. They
will be betrayed by their laser sighting. Use your best long-range
elemental sniper to take them out. They will not be able to target you
on the rooftop, but they will have you in a crossfire if you move in
their direction.

Leap down and move northeast toward the new waypoint-the entrance to
Krom’s Canyon. Begin taking out the defenders while staying along the
eastern rock wall. A third Turret gun can be hit if you look toward the
waypoint while staying against the rock wall and using the tall metal
structure in the water to screen yourself from the bulk of its fire
while you take it out. You will meet about six or eight defenders but
some will be of a higher level, like Bruisers. Once the final turret is
down you can actually just sprint for the entrance to Krom’s canyon,
taking a hit or two but surviving without much difficulty.

There is a SILVER CHEST to the northeast of the entrance to Krom’s
Canyon in a small compound with an arching metal ruin. There is another
SILVER CHEST at the base of the ramps leading to Krom’s Canyon if
you’re interested.

Enter KROM’S CANYON and take the west corridor. It won’t take long
before you see the first hostiles. Snipe the volatile barrel and be
prepared for charging Psychos. Deploy the Scorpio Turret and deal with
the Psychos with you’re shotgun.

Continue forward and a few more hostiles will need killing, including a
clueless charger or two who need an introduction to your shotgun. Stay
along the west wall and you will see a side path to the left of the big
blue skull. Hostiles, four or five, from the encampment near the side
paths entrance will fire at you as you go north. Use the bend in the
passage for cover to clear them out or they will harass you from the
rear. On your way north you will find a RED CHEST.

When you come to the rock arch overlooking the route below, take out
anyone below but look up to encampment to the east. Hostiles will shoot
down at you if you linger here and flankers from it may come in from
behind you as you press forward. Watch your back. Jump down and use the
boulders as cover, since more lurking Bandits are just ahead.

A cutscene will roll as you turn left at the big blue skull. Use the
rock walls as cover as you snipe Krom at his Gatling Gun in the little
window of the tall tower just above the distant blue skull. A stout
incendiary or caustic sniper, with a good zoom, will do the trick in
four or five shots.

But just because Krom is dead doesn’t mean his buddies are. Don’t fall
off these ramps into the canyon. A pair of hostiles will attack as you
step onto the first ramp, and as you go up the long second ramp,
several others will need killing. Two or three more near the top of the
next ramp. Raid the SILVER CHEST.

The final three ramps have eight or ten defenders-so move cautiously.
Make your way to the top, and take the “Vault Piece” from the SILVER
CHEST. The Guardian Angel will address you. Take Krom’s sidearm if you
want. Raid the RED CHEST before heading back. You will probably
encounter a small group of Bandits-the first you fought on your way in.

<o085> EARL NEEDS FOOD: BADLY: (Optional now that Earl’s revealed his
secret)
Level 25; 9,720 XP; $21,250
Mission: Krom has stolen Earl’s entire supply of canned skag meat and
he wants it back. As a favor, pick some up when you’re in the area
sayin’ how-de-do to the Reaver and his boys.

Select EARL NEEDS FOOD: BADLY and head up the east corridor. Go up the
long ramp directly ahead of the New-U pole and snipe the two Bandits on
the high walkway ahead. There are no major items on the system of ramps
where you killed the bandits; but now they won’t worry your back as you
continue on.

Just before the first rock column you will encounter the first of the
spiderants. When they erupt, it’s the luck of the draw, with rather low
level being the norm-Workers, Soldiers and Gyros. As usual, targeting
the abdomen is devastating to their kind. It doesn’t matter which wall
you stay near during this passage. In fact, it’s best to check both
sides of the cavern. A bit tougher breed-like Queens or even an
Elemental or Badass variety-will erupt near the second rock column.

Take this part slow and make sure there are no lurking foes to your
rear. At the third column Humanoid foes will enter the fray ahead near
the fourth column. Charging Psychos are likely. As you come to the
fourth column, on its west side near the flaming torch, four or five
Bandits and Psychos will man the area near the large boulder ahead.

The first of Earl’s canned “skag meat” cans is just ahead below the
blue skull. Begin a cautious advance up the nearby metal ramp. Watch
your back here for Psychos, which may include a Badass Psycho. The
upper area, to the left of the ramp, will have several Bandits,
possibly including a Bruiser that must be taken out. Take the enemy one
by one using the ramp to allow your shields to recharge. Continue to
watch your back.

“Skag meat” number 2 is on a makeshift table near the roasting boar in
the upper area. It’s to your left. The Bandits have the high ground as
you look to the next ramp. Two or three hostiles will greet you as you
move toward the ramp and when they are down and you top the ramp
another tough group of three or four will likely make you retreat back
to the low area for lack of cover. Snipe them and move back up the
ramp. “Skag meat” can number 3 is dead ahead on the ground.

Turn left and five more Bandits will jump down into the area ahead.
Snipe them from near where you got the skag meat. When the area is
clear you will find a wounded Claptrap near the west wall. Take the
repair mission and make it your active mission.

<o086> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: KROM’S CANYON (Optional)
Level 25; 1,619 XP; three inventory slots
Mission: Locate the repair kit and repair the Claptrap.

Make sure your Scorpio Turret is available and go east up the ramp. A
horde of charging Psychos backed by Bandits will emerge ahead and forge
forward. Plant the Turret and gun down the survivors. At least two
other Bandits will have to be taken out farther ahead.

“Skag meat” number 4 is on your right near the west end of the walkway
and “skag meat” number 5 on your right as you exit the ramp on the east
end. Go north and look over the edge of the cliff. A skag meat can be
seen on a crate on the tall platform. Jump from the rocks to the
platform to get “skag meat” number 6.

The waypoint for the repair kit is just ahead. It is dangling high up
near an elevated platform below. From this perch jump onto the storage
barrels and then to the tilted platform below. Jump to the front
platform to get the repair kit. Get back to Claptrap before anyone
starts to re-spawn. Claptrap will lead you to a RED CHEST. Exit, turn
to the right and head for the waypoint to get “skag meat” number 7 at
the end of the long metal walkway to the north of the RED CHEST.

<o087> TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT (Optional)
Level: 25; 5,569 XP; $8,500
Mission: Eliminate Reaver and report back to New Haven.


Make TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT your active mission. Take the long ramp,
where the horde of Psychos met their maker, and continue east stopping
to snipe the four entrenched enemy in the next compound. Turn right or
south and use the lever on the low platform to the left of the gate to
lift it.

Immediately retreat to cover near the north rock wall. Take out the
first comers to prevent flankers. This first wave will be three or
four, with a Bruiser likely. Move forward cautiously toward the lip of
the low area and you can see skag meat under the red tarp ahead.
Advance far enough to snipe the enemy in the low area, and repeat,
advancing to lure out the latecomers who will usually straggle out one
by one. As you advance farther a wave of several Burning Psychos will
charge and may be followed by a final pair of Bandits. You should now
be nearing the glowing green of the Skag Meat cans.

Keep an eye on the crossed boards dead ahead. Reaver will come out
there. As he crawls out, toss down the Scorpio Turret equipped with
your strongest artifact and burn him down with any fast firing weapon.
Elementals work very well against him as do grenades.

“Skag meat” can number 8 is on the left, and “skag meat” number 9 is on
your right. “Skag meat” number 10 is to the left at the path’s end near
where Reaver came out.

Go southwest to find a RED CHEST and a shortcut out. You can also just
re-start to end up at the Canyon’s entrance; or you can drop down and
take on the spiderants-you can easily get 4-6000 XP as you retreat and
kill them off-if you live through it.



FAST travel to the see Crazy Earl at the scrap yard and turn in EARL
NEEDS FOOD: BADLY. Fast travel to The Underpass, generate a runner and,
with THE NEXT PIECE as your active mission, take the “Vault Piece” to
Patricia Tannis at the waypoint. Take out the spiderants and then the
rakks and turn in THE NEXT PIECE. Patricia Tannis will give you the
mission JAYNISTOWN: SECRET RENDEVOUS. Accept it and Claptrap will
inform you of new jobs in New Haven from Helena Pierce and at the
Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board. Raid the two RED CHESTS on the west
side of the area and exit to the west and return to the The Underpass.

Fast travel to New Haven and turn in TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT and then
go visit Helena Pierce. She will offer the missions, SMOKE SIGNALS:
INVESTIGATE OLD HAVEN and RELIGHT THE BEACONS. Accept both. Fast travel
to THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE BOUNTY BOARD and turn in SCAVENGER: SHOTGUN
and you will be given the missions: ALTAR EGO: THE NEW RELIGION and A
BUG PROBLEM.
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<sec15>       SECTION 15: RUST COMMONS EAST/NEW HAVEN

<m088> JAYNISTOWN: A SECRET RENDEVOUS (Mandatory)
Level 27; 3,840 XP; $5,331
Mission: Find and talk to Taylor Cobb, he might have a proposition for
you.

Select JAYNISTOWN: A SECRET RENDEVOUS as your active mission. Generate
a runner and drive south in the river. Stop near the shack with the
dandelion-like trees and talk to Stance Van Kofsky and accept the
mission: GREEN THUMB. Re-select JAYNISTOWN: A SECRET RENDEVOUS and
continue south to the bridge. Claptrap will make travel a bit easier by
lowering the drawbridge.

Take the road north and as you run over a few hapless spiderants, The
Cauldron will be added to the fast travel network. Dispose of the dozen
or so Spiderantlings and talk to Taylor Cobb. This will complete
JAYNISTOWN: A SECRET RENDEVOUS and will give you JAYNISTOWN: A
BROTHER’S LOVE. Accept it. Go up the hill behind his shack, just for
fun, to get insulted by an “evil Claptrap.” HILARIOUS!!!

<o089> GREEN THUMB (Optional)
Level 25; 7,440 XP; $20,062; a shotgun
Mission: Stance Von Kofsky is being overrun by the dandelion-like
plants that love water. Shut off the water so the leaking pipes don’t
feed them, “ugh” even though they live in a lake.

Make GREEN THUMB your active mission and take the road toward the
waypoint. Stop short and use the vehicle’s turret to take out the three
defenders. Take the valve from under the red canopy near the crate on
the opposite side of the roadway from the hut.


<m090> JAYNISTOWN: A BROTHER’S LOVE (Mandatory)
Level 27; 6,264 XP; $10,682
Mission: Taylor Cobb has exiled his brother Taylor and turned
Jaynistown into a hotbed of villainy. Go there and kill him to free the
town.

We now have serious business in Jaynistown. Make JAYNISTOWN: A
BROTHER’S LOVE your active mission and proceed toward the waypoint.
Stop in the town’s entrance and begin sniping the four or so hostiles
near the entrance. Move forward when calm reigns to trigger the entry
of Jaynis Cobb who will be near the center of the compound. You can
usually kill him with a sniper from the east side. A few well-thrown
grenades can also do the trick. His fellow Bandits will also begin
attacking from various directions, including the rooftops.

With Jaynis down and the opposition on the wane, switch to GREEN THUMB
and locate the glowing green orb where you must place the valve. You
will have to take a staircase up to get to it. In the meantime, a gate
will open on your left and a Badass type or a Bruiser will enter the
picture. With your mission fulfilled it isn’t necessary to clear the
compound of its seemingly endless attackers some of which will come
from opening overhead doors, but there are several SILVER and RED
CHESTS inside this area if you clean it out. The RED CHEST on the
platform on the compounds west side will remain behind the locked gate
until your return to Jaynistown.

Drive the short jaunt back to see Taylor Cobb, kill the spiderants,
again, and talk to him to complete the mission: JAYNISTOWN: A BROTHER’S
LOVE. He will give you JAYNISTOWN: SPREAD THE WORD and tell you to
speak to Erik Franks in New Haven.

Select RELIGHT THE BEACONS and fast transport from The Cauldron to The
Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board.

<o091> RELIGHT THE BEACONS (Optional)
Level 27; 10,440 XP; $15,993; a sniper rifle
Mission: Clean the Bandit infestations out of the two compounds and
relight the beacons.

Generate a runner and drive north toward the waypoint. If you get too
close to the lower guard post four hostiles will attack. You will see a
large antenna on the hilltop. Park and enter the seemingly quiet
compound and snipe the first comers that will likely include a Badass
type. There are eight assorted Bandits scattered about the compound and
one will be hiding near the “North Ridge Beacon” which is at the back
of the compound. There is a RED CHEST on the east side of the compounds
main building, and there are ammo chests galore.

Drive south past the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board, Activate GREEN
THUMB, and drive along the river and stop by to see Stance Van Kofsky.
Interact with him to complete GREEN THUMB. Continue south after
reactivating RELIGHT THE BEACONS and cross the drawbridge and go north
to the waypoint. Get some “gunk” on Scooter’s runner by squashing the
pesky spiderants on the hill south of the target.

The compound must be entered on foot and will seem quiet but it
contains about seven or eight hostiles, including a Badass type, and
some will be Burning Psychos. The “Overlook Beacon” is at the back of
the compound as is a SILVER CHEST. There is also a RED CHEST on the
west side of the main central building.

<o092> ALTAR EGO: THE NEW RELIGION (Optional)
Level 27; 6,969 XP; $5,331
Mission: The local Bandits are pushing a new religion and you must take
their pamphlets before they can be distributed.

Activate ALTAR EGO: THE NEW RELIGION and drive to the waypoint-Old
Lynne Abbey.

Stop near the entrance and begin sniping. This will bring the place to
life with eleven hostiles, including chargers and a Bruiser.  Each time
you kill a Bandit, he will drop his pamphlets. Gather six after the
fight-they won’t disappear. There is a RED CHEST in the church building
and a vending machine. The weapon pick-ups here are usually high
quality.

<o093> A BUG PROBLEM (Optional)
Level 25; 6,960 XP; $21,234
Mission; Get the two samples and kill the monstrous spiderants,
“Widowmaker” and “Hebob”

Switch your mission to A BUG PROBLEM. Make the loop to the north to the
waypoint. Stop short of the objective and kill the Bandit or two in the
tower. Take the, “Retching Seeps” sample. “Widowmaker” will erupt and
he will keep coming at you. The runner’s rocket launcher seems very
ineffective against him so, put some distance between you and him,
deploy the Scorpio Turret and hit him in his weak spot as he staggers.
He will go down quite easily.

On to the “Fetid Cauldron.” It is far to the south, so drive the road
south and then go off road past the wind turbine to the waypoint. Raid
the RED CHEST and then take the “Fetid Cauldron” sample to begin the
festivities. Hebob seems immune to elementary fire so equip the Turret
with either an explosive or with no artifact. Stand near your vehicle,
just in case, and when the red Hebob surfaces, deploy the Scorpio
Turret. This will stagger him. Hit the weak abdomen to kill him. Dodge
his rolling attacks and keep the heat on him.

Drive north to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board and turn in ALTAR
EGO: A NEW RELIGION and A BUG PROBLEM. Accept the new mission: ALTAR
EGO: GODLESS MONSTERS. Fast travel to New Haven and turn in RELIGHT THE
BEACONS to Helena Pierce. Select JAYNISTOWN: SPREAD THE WORD and go to
the waypoint to speak to Erik Franks. This will complete it and he will
give you: JAYNISTOWN: GETTING WHAT’S COMING TO YOU and DUMPSTER DIVING
FOR GREAT JUSTICE. Select JAYNISTOWN: GETTING WHAT’S COMING TO YOU and
head, on foot, for the waypoint to the north.

<m094> JAYNISTOWN: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES (Mandatory)
Level 27; 3,480 XP
Mission: Your “liberation” of Jaynistown may have backfired. See Helena
Pierce for more info.

<m095> JAYNISTOWN: SPREAD THE WORD
Level 27; 1,740 XP
Mission: Find and speak to Taylor’s associate in New Haven, Erik
Franks.

<m096> JAYNISTOWN: GETTING WHAT’S COMING TO YOU (Mandatory)
Level 27; 4,872 XP; $15,994
Mission: Taylor is happy with your actions and has a “reward” for you.
It is in a container north of town.

Go into town and then go out the north gates. The shipping container is
in a depression and is clearly marked. Just in case, have a good
shotgun equipped-you never know. JAYNISTOWN: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
will become available as you interact with the container. Shoot the
Midget Psycho and deploy the Turret when the hapless Bandits hop the
fence north of the container. With JAYNISTOWN: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
active, go see Helena Pierce to complete the mission and she will give
you the mission: JAYNISTOWN: CLEANING UP YOUR MESS. Accept it. Head
down to the New Haven Bounty Board and accept the new mission: WANTED
FRESH FISH. Now go see Scooter he will give you the mission: I’VE GOT A
SINKING FELLING…. Accept it.

<o097> DUMPSTER DIVING FOR GREAT JUSTICE (Optional)
Level 27; 3,828 XP; $31,987
Mission: Erik’s wife is angry and has thrown away his “valuables”. They
are scattered about the area in six dumpsters. Retrieve them for Erik.


Make Dumpster Diving your active mission. It is easiest to walk on this
mission. The first “valuable” is northwest of town. If your route takes
you between the three trash mounds you will meet five or six Midget
Psychos. A few scythids will also erupt here. If you go north of the
trash mounds you avoid any confrontation. Swing south and eliminate any
sycthids along the way. The next “valuable” is in the dumpster on the
hillside. Opening the dumpster will trigger a small wave of Bandits.
You don’t need to stay, sprint north and circle clockwise to the south
to the next waypoint. If you encountered the six Midget Psychos on the
way in, this route will be clear-if not, have your shotgun ready.
Continue the long trek south to the next dumpster without further
opposition. Head east to the next waypoint near the Rust Commons West
entrance. The small guard post near the exit can contain a Badass
and/or Bruiser among its four or five hostiles. You have probably
tangled with these guys before. The dumpster is just south of their
abode.

The next is at the extreme west end of the New Haven sector, so head
that way. About midway between New Haven, and southeast of the
objective, and you will encounter Bandits and scythids near the
southern tip of the large trash mound. Once you advance and trigger the
confrontation, retreat to the entryway and use the metal barrier to
thin the hostiles as the scythids and Humanoids battle it out. The
dumpster is north of the encampment near the entrance to Tetanus
Warrens. There is a SILVER CHEST due east of the dumpster in a
depression, if you’re interested. You can also just fast travel to
Tetanus Warrens from New Haven, exit the Warrens, eliminate the six
suicidal Midget Psychos and get the “valuable.” A few scythids will
show if you linger here.

The last dumpster is to the southwest of New Haven outside the
compound. Assorted scythids will appear as you head toward the
waypoint. Return to Erik and give him his “dirty mags” which are worth
a whopping $31,987. Interacting with Erik completes the mission,
DUMPSTER DIVING FOR GREAT JUSTICE.

<o098> ALTAR EGO: GODLESS MONSTERS: (Optional)
Level: 29; 8,370 XP; $20,062; a repeater
Mission: The pamphlets indicate that the Bandits “god” may well be a
scythed named Sliver. Kill him to make them abandon the scheme.

Fast travel to “The Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board” Take a runner north
to his lair, which is located where you recovered the three fuses
earlier. Enter his compound on foot, as required, and trigger the
battle as you approach the waypoint. Surprisingly Slither is of normal
size, but he is quick and the hardest part of this quest is keeping the
little fella’ in your sights. Caustic weapons seem to work well against
him. Turn in ALTAR EGO: GODLESS MONSTERS at The Middle of Nowhere
Bounty Board.

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<sec16>       SECTION 16: TREACHER’S LANDING/ JAYNISTOWN

Fast travel to “Treacher’s Landing” and select WANTED FRESH FISH as
your active mission.

<o099> WANTED FRESH FISH: (Optional)
Level: 27; 6,960 XP; $21,324; a rocket launcher
Mission: Brave the Bandits at the cove to get 20 fish. You’ll have to
use grenades to get them.

Have a full stock of grenades prior to entering the area. You will
encounter half a dozen hostiles as soon as you leave the vending
machine area. This will include a Bruiser. Go up the ramp south of your
entry point. Snipe into the low area to the south and when clear, jump
down, toss a grenade into the water and collect the four fish. This
area is swarming with enemies so be on the lookout constantly.

The next waypoint will be to the southeast. Work your way to it along
the ramp ways and toss another grenade. You will likely be attacked
here as well. Regain the ramp and head southwest for the next four
fish. You will likely encounter a few hostiles along the way.

The next waypoint is far the east. Regain the ramp and go east. The
large central area will have to be cleared. Go up the platform on the
south end and raid the RED CHEST. Switch your active mission to I’VE
GOT A SINKING FEELING. A boat in the harbor will open up on you with a
Turret Gun. It isn’t necessary to take out the gunner if you can get a
bead on the engine. Use an elemental sniper to take out the gunner
and/or the green glowing engine to sink the “Righteous Man.”

<o100> I’VE GOT A SINKING FEELING; (Optional)
Level 27; 17,400 XP; $26,656; a rocket launcher
Mission: The Bandits have three gunboats and they are raiding up and
down the coastline. Take out their three gunboats.

From the observation platform you can see the next gunboat moored on
the east side of the long dock, but you can’t target its engine or
gunner from there. Begin clearing the long dock to the south, using the
containers and crates for cover as you go. The enemy will include
Bruisers and Badass types as well as a host of Bandits and Psychos.
Move down the dock and more will keep coming and some will be atop the
buildings. You can target the Turret gunner just after entering the
dock, from the east side. When you are opposite the ship, use your
sniper to hit the engine to sink the “Great Vengeance, but watch for
additional hostiles entering from the south side.”

The final ship, “Furious Anger,” is far to the northeast near where the
next fish will be taken. Head that way. As you enter the ramped area
west of the target area the fish mission pools are just ahead. Swap the
active mission to WANTED FRESH FISH to generate a waypoint. This area
is well defended with Badass types likely and charging Psychos. Toss a
grenade into the water and take the four fish. The final waypoint is in
the same pool of water, so head to it for the last four fish.

Swap back to I’VE GOT A SINKING FEELING and take the ramps to the high
area just west of the “Furious Anger.” Take out its Turret and then hit
the engine to complete the mission specs.

Fast travel back to New Haven. Turn in I’VE GOT A SINKING FEELING to
Scooter and WANTED FRESH FISH at the New Haven Bounty Board.

Select JAYNISTOWN: CLEANING UP YOR MESS and fast travel to The
Cauldron.

<m101> JAYNISTOWN: CLEANING UP YOUR MESS (Mandatory)
Level 29; 13,392 XP; $20,062
Mission: With brother Jaynis dead, Taylor has taken over and is an even
worse threat to the area. Go there and take out the other brother.

Jaynistown is only a short jaunt from The Cauldron. Remain in the
town’s entryway-or even back farther and shoot over the top of the tall
city fence to take out the Turret guns, just watch out for the erupting
spiderants. Eliminate the Gatling Guns that can be found by their laser
sighting. Clear the visible hostiles there as well, and there will be
burning Psychos coming at you.

The broken nature of the town makes it easy for hostiles to flank you,
so watch the sides. As you approach the waypoint things get nasty. A
pair of Rocket Turrets will open up and a new group of hostiles, led by
a pair of Bruisers and Taylor, will enter the fray. Get back. A good
place to set-up is the large boulder east of the break in the fence and
east of the two Turrets. From there a good incendiary sniper will allow
you to take out both Turrets between their barrages. One of the
Bruisers will stand behind the metal fence on your left; target his
feet with incendiary fire for an easy kill. When Taylor’s henchmen are
down, he will continue targeting you with a rocket launcher. Use
grenades to soften him up and then take him down while avoiding his
deadly rocket salvos. Oftentimes you can also target his feet under the
metal barricade, burning him down with an incendiary weapon.

There is a RED CHEST at the extreme west center of the town on a
platform. There is a SILVER CHEST just north of the one on the east
platform. Another RED CHEST is located on the west side of the large
building on the north side of town. There is a SILVER CHEST on a
platform on the northeast side, against the rock wall.

Note: this compound contains re-spawning foes and re-spawning Gatling
Turrets, so access the chests with caution. Lingering in Jaynistown can
get you dead.

Go east to the waypoint to talk to the evil Claptrap. He will be just
up the hill from where you fist met Taylor. Talking to him will
complete JAYNISTOWN: CLEANING UP YOUR MESS and will trigger ANOTHER
PIECE OF THE PUZZLE. Grady Earl and The Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board
will also have new missions.

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<sec17>            SECTION 17: THE TRASH COAST

<m102> ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE: (Mandatory)
Level 27; 10,440 XP; $15,993
Mission: The Guardian Angel warns you of a “challenge” you will now
face. Patricia Tannis believes that a “vault piece” is also hidden
somewhere in the same area. Accept the “challenge” and the task of
obtaining the “vault piece.”

Enter the Trash Coast. Use the New-U pole there to get to the Middle of
Nowhere Bounty Board. Accept both BAIT AND SWITCH and HOUSE HUNTING.
Fast travel to Earl’s scrap yard, kill the spiderants on your way in
and accept the mission EARL’S BEST FRIEND.

Fast travel back to the Trash Coast and make ANOTHER PIECE OF THE
PUZZLE your active mission. Stop at the vendors and stock up on ammo-if
you are not full-you’ll need it.  Go north over the metal walkway
toward the waypoint. When the path divides, take the low way, to your
right, and use your sniper from the rock ledge to the right of the path
on the distant spiderant boss types, using the proper elemental as
needed. They don’t seem to be aware of your presence if you stay on the
rocks.

Through your scope you will see a RED CHEST, on the left, just past the
first bridge. Advance then back off when more spiderants erupt as you
approach the bridge. Snipe away. Another large wave will be triggered
as you cross the second bridge, so kill away, switching elementals as
needed. You can even retreat back to the rocks to snipe long distance;
but no need to kill all of them; you can continue on, sprinting toward
the waypoint. The New-U pole seems to be their stopping point.

Have a good shotgun equipped as you move past the New-U Station and two
fast firing large clipped weapons, elementals are fine but there seems
to be no multiplier on your “challenge.” As you pass the skulls the
Raak Hive creature will emerge. The Hive creature will take damage over
its entire body but its eyes are its weakest spot. Hammer it with
machine gun fire, trying for the eyes, but watch out for the many rakks
of different types that will begin to swarm. Pause to shoot into the
flocks as they wheel toward you. Be patient and clear most of the rakks
before getting back to hammering the Hive creature.

When the Hive makes its rearing attack, back off behind the rock wall
and emerge to alternate rakk control and eyeball shooting. His life
will dwindle and he will fall but you must continue clearing the
remaining rakks before the all clear. As a soldier, you will have ammo
regeneration capability but the post battle area is strewn with ammo
re-supply cases for those that do not.

Continue on to the next waypoint and a fire breathing rakk will open
the way for you and just fly off. Have your shotgun equipped and take
down the swarm of six to eight rakks that will try to exit the newly
opened grotto. Walk the narrow rock bridge to collect the “Vault
Piece.” Don’t fall off the narrow rock walkway.

<o103> HOUSE HUNTING: (Optional)
Level 27; 6,960 XP; $15,993; a sniper rifle
Mission: a New Haven resident has property on the Trash Coast but can’t
move there because of the troublesome scythids. One called Bleeder is
especially ornery and needs killing.

Return south, braving the re-spawned spiderants along the route. You
can just sprint past them if you want. Head south from the curving
metal walkway, staying to the east side of the trash mountain, going
toward the objective. Kill the purple Larval Crab Worms on your way.
Try a static sniper or other static weapon-they seem to work well
against them.

As you near the waypoint, near the end of the overhead pipeline,
various sycthids will attack and then Bleeder, not all that large or
tough, but he can hover for long periods of time. This will make him an
easy target. A good rapid firing shotgun will kill any comers and
killing Bleeder may get you an artifact for your troubles.

The repair kit for an upcoming Claptrap mission will be on top the
overhead pipe, so you will be returning to this place soon, just not by
a ground route.

<o104> BAIT AND SWITCH: (Optional)
Level: 27; 6,960 XP; $13,328; a pistol called “The Patton”
Mission: The tough spiderants have made living on the Trash Coast a
real challenge for the locals. The local Bandits have placed the
abdomen of a “Queen” in their camp, allowing them to co-exist with the
local fauna. Root them out by placing a rival “Queens” abdomen there.

Swap to BAIT AND SWITCH and turn southwest killing Crab Worms as you
go. A small encampment with six or more hostiles will block the way.
Eliminate them and you will find a wounded Claptrap. Accept his repair
mission. Raid the nearby RED CHEST.

<o105> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: TRASH COAST (Optional)
Level 27; 1740 XP; three inventory slots.
Mission: Another defunct Claptrap. Repair him.

Don’t head straight for the repair kit or you will be frustrated. In
order to get to the kit that is on top of the pipe near its end point,
you must find a way onto the pipe and walk its length to get the kit.
Head west and go through the two large drainage tiles. The pipeline
will be above you. Start killing the Larval Crab Worms as you exit the
tiles, then move past the first support beam to the beam near the rock
face. Jump up the rocks and then onto the pipe. Walk carefully to the
end of the pipe for the kit. Head back to Claptrap; walk the pipe if
you want, to complete CLAPTRAP RESCUE: TRASH COAST.

Swap back to BAIT AND SWITCH.

Continue south. Another small Bandit camp will have to be cleared. Loop
clockwise to the west. As you loop north spiderants of various types
attack, led by a Boss type with a host of goo-spewing Soldiers and
other types in a mix of more than a dozen. Caustic and incendiary
weapons work well against most types as does a potent conventional and
the explosive artifact on the Turret works well against all comers.

As you near the waypoint, a dozen spiderants that may include Kings,
Queens, Zappers, Corrupters, Soldiers, Gyros and others erupt and rush
your position. Remember their weak spot-the abdomens. This is an
intense fight. Give ground and try for their weak spots.

Allow your shields to recharge and heal, if needed. The Tarantula Queen
is tough and aggressive. A good hard-hitting scoped conventional weapon
seems to work well against her and once again the explosive artifact
works well on the Scorpio Turret. Advance and she will erupt. Deploy
the Turret and hammer her, running laterally to escape her advance.
Hitting the abdomen does massive damage to her, so take every
opportunity to do so. Hitting her hard head will usually make her turn
sideways. After she is down a horde of spiderantlings emerge from her.
A good shotgun is all you need for them. Take the abdomen of the Queen
Tarantula and head for the next waypoint.

Just because the Queen Tarantula is down doesn’t mean the spiderant
onslaught is over, so go carefully. Head east and then bear north,
staying near the east rock face, crossing the narrow metal walkway,
going toward the next waypoint. A horde of tough spiderants will attack
as you begin the long clockwise loop south. Use your sniper even before
exiting the metal walkway and look for opportunities to do so as you
progress. Fight and retreat from the pack, deploying the Turret when
available. You can even return to the metal walkway-they seem reluctant
to come onto it, but will mostly keep their distance, allowing you to
sniper them. As the loop turns back north several Humanoids will join
the fight. Eliminate the four hostiles and swap to EARL’S BEST FRIEND.

<o106> EARL’S BEST FRIEND: (Optional)
Level 27; 6,612 XP; $15,993; a sniper rifle
Mission:  Earl’s er’ best friend has been taken by Bandits, and Earl,
that ole softie, needs him rescued.

After the four Bandits are down, follow along to the waypoint and open
the cage to free “Scrappy.” Exit and go left to get to the rear of the
cage. Raid the RED CHEST there. There is another RED CHEST on the
northwest side of the same compound near a red canopy.

Switch your active mission to BAIT AND SWITCH and continue north. More
spiderants, including Kings or Queens, will block the path. Sniper this
small group and, just past the New-U Station, you can see the waypoint
in the valley below. Take the path leading up to the high ground on the
east side of the valley. Some really tough spiderants will erupt below,
with King Aracob among them. This high area will allow you to
drastically thin the ranks of the spiderants below before you drop down
to place the abdomen.

With the abdomen in place run up the hill to the northeast. A horde of
spiderants, with King Aracob, leading the way will pursue, and for some
reason the Bandits in the hillside encampment don’t seem to take
notice. You can simply sprint for the exit or you can fight, retreat
and repeat to gain a lot of XP from the tough pursuers. A good potent
scoped conventional with a large magazine works well, allowing you to
hit them head on and then target their weak spot as you retreat. King
Aracob seems particularly hard-headed and running from him is probably
the best policy.

Fast travel to Crazy Earl’s Scrap Yard. Turn in EARL’S BEST FRIEND to
complete the mission. If you were wondering “Scrappy” is impervious to
conventional and elementary fire-Pandora is in for a heap of trouble if
he has a bunch of little ‘Scrappies.” Fast travel to the Middle of
Nowhere Bounty Board and turn in BAIT AND SWITCH and HOUSE HUNTING.
Fast travel to The Underpass. Head north to see Patricia Tannis, taking
out the spiderants and then the rakks on your way. Turn in ANOTHER
PIECE OF THE PUZZLE. Accept the new mission NOT WITHOUT MY CLAPTRAP.

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<sec18>          SECTION 18: OLD HAVEN/DAHL HEADLAND


<o107> SMOKE SIGNALS: INVESTIGATE OLD HAVEN: (Optional)
Level 28; 6,120 XP; $11,941
Mission: Scout out Bandit and Crimson Lance territory-Old Haven.

Make SMOKE SIGNALS: INVESTIGATE OLD HAVEN your active mission and fast
travel to The Cauldron. Drive north to the waypoint and enter Old
Haven. Interact with one of the corpses to complete SMOKE SIGNALS:
INVESTIGATE OLD HAVEN and to acquire the mission SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT
THEM DOWN. Make it your Active mission.

<o108> SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN (Optional)
Level 28; 6,480 XP; $29,854; class mod
Mission: You have now made the Crimson Lance your enemy, but shutting
down their crude smoke signals may defuse their trap.

Push the green button and exit. Move along the extreme northern part of
the map and interact with the green indicator near the last of the four
bandit corpses. This gives you the mission: BANDIT TREASURE: THREE
CORPSES. Accept the new mission and pick up the first “Bandit key.”

<o109> BANDIT TREASURE: THREE CORPSES (Optional)
Level 28; 10,800 XP; $5,970
Mission: The Bandits and Lances are at odds and they don’t want the
keys in the hands of their enemies.

Switch back to SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN. The waypoint for this
mission does not change; you must check the skyline to locate each of
the four smoke columns.

Move south toward town and from the vending machine area follow the
structures as they curl south. Turn right after passing the barrel and
the corpse near “piss off” and go due south past the four lockers into
the nearby alleyway. Hop onto the blue refuse container near the blue
building and then onto the roof; turn right and raid the SILVER CHEST.
Head west and near the edge of the roof you can see the smoke. That is
your first quest.

Look down from the roof and take out anyone below and anyone dead ahead
toward the first smoke column. This will trigger a rash of opposition.
Some will be below but others, some tough Lancers, will be on the roofs
to the west, where the smoke column is. Use the alcove near the lockers
on the east end of the roof, if needed, to regenerate your shields or
to hit and hide, especially if a Crimson Lancer comes onto your roof.

When the coast seems clear, jump down on the west side and go up the
stairwell of the adjacent building. Go right and go up the next
stairwell and turn right, then left. You will now be near a piece of
plywood that doesn’t quite bridge the gap between the buildings. Make a
running leap to the building to the north. Follow the balcony around
and use the metal railings to snipe the opposition to the west. When
clear jump the railing on the front of the building to get to the RED
CHEST.

Re-cross the gap between the building and jump to the building to the
west where the two plywood sheets form a partial bridge. Go across the
roof and up the stairwell. Throw the growing green lever to deactivate
the “Rooftops” smoke signal.

Use the high ground to snipe any available targets. This will greatly
lessen the opposition as you make your way south. The junkyard signal
is due south of your position, so head that way by descending the
stairs and jumping to the building to the south. Jump down and raid the
SILVER CHEST to the west.

Continue south staying along the west wall. Peer around the low metal
wall and waste the two hostiles ahead. Sprint down the cleared road,
jump the low metal fence and go into the shack on the left to find
another SILVER CHEST. Remember this place. You will return here to do a
Claptrap repair mission shortly.

The junkyard smoke signal is just west of your position but the only
entrance is to your northwest. Three Crimson Lancers will be between
you and the signal and if you have cleared the nearby area your “six”
will be clear. Make your way counterclockwise, wasting the three
Lancers, to the glowing green lever. Deactivate the “Junkyard” signal.

Move out of the junkyard and to the corner of the building where the
SILVER CHEST is. You will see the red laser sight of a Turret Gun. Use
a caustic or incendiary sniper to take it out, ducking away to recharge
your shield when needed. Use the buildings corner area to continue
taking out the stiff opposition to the east.

Move cautiously into the alleyway and go east. Use the metal barrier
where the ammo chest is to shield yourself from the next Turret Gun
that will open up on you. Take it out where it can’t quite get a good
bead on you. (This can also be done from a position south of the
building where you found the SILVER CHEST.) Continue clearing the area
and then jump down into the pit just past the ammo chest and go up the
stairs to the south. You will see the green glow of the “Bandit key”
next to a corpse against a bloody wall.

Go back north, around the corner, raid the RED CHEST and continue east.
Activate the mission NOT WITHOUT MY CLAPTRAP.

<m110> NOT WITHOUT MY CLAPTRAP (Mandatory)
Level 28; 10,800 XP; $5,970
Mission: A captive Claptrap is key to your getting the last “Vault
Piece.” Only he can give you admittance to the Salt Flats where it is
believed the last “Vault Piece” is stored.

You will hear Claptrap as you move east past the long row of lockers,
and you will see a green glowing control box to the right just past the
stairwell. Interact with it to free the Claptrap and to complete: NOT
WITHOUT MY CLAPTRAP. He will give you the new mission: THE FINAL PIECE.

Switch to SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN, and, just east of the
Claptrap’s prison, there is the lever for the “Canal District” smoke
signal. Shut it down.

Go back west to the building with the SILVER CHEST-the building east of
the junkyard. You will now find a whimpering claptrap there. Accept his
repair mission: CLAPTRAP RESCUE: OLD HAVEN.

Note: If you manage to get to this building too quickly, the overhead
door may slam down and a Lance will confront you. If this happens, back
off, and come back a bit later.

<o111> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: OLD HAVEN (Optional)
Level 28; 1,800 XP; three inventory slots.
Mission: You have found another defunct Claptrap. Find a repair kit and
repair him.

Go east toward the objective, restocking ammo along the way. This area
should be clear of opposition. When you go north, however, except stiff
resistance with Crimson Lance, Lance Engineers and Lance Infantry
deploying red Scorpio Turrets regularly against your incursion. They
will now begin to come out of doorways with overhead doors.

You will now see the last signal dead ahead. When the area is clear of
activity, climb the stairwell on the building south of the repair kit
and make a sprinting leap from the metal stairwell to the roof of the
opposite building. The kit is in an alcove and a SILVER CHEST is on the
roof.

Note: There is a RED CHEST northwest of the rooftop with the repair
kit. Access it via the blue dumpster and the tarped bundle on the
northeast side of the interconnected structures. Follow the roof to the
north to find it.

Continue north, moving along the extreme eastern side of the town.
There a short distance north of where you found the repair kit, you
will find the last “Bandit Key” among some corpses near a blood-
spattered beige wall. Switch to BANDIT TREASURE: THREE CORPSES if need
be to locate it.

Make SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN active. The last smoke signal is to
the north of your position. The area near the last signal will be hotly
contested with several hostiles, possibly including Badass types, and
two Gun Turrets making the way difficult.

From the last building south of the signal, peer around the edge to
make the Turret reveal itself. Take out the first of the two Turret
Guns, high up and any nearby hostiles as well. Keep an eye out for
additional Lance entering the area ahead. The second gun is higher up
but can be handled in the same manner as the first. Move cautiously
forward because another gate will open and a hostile will bar the way
to the final lever. Additional Lance may also challenge from other
directions. Throw the lever for the “Apartment District” and then check
out the SILVER CHEST.

Switch your active mission to CLAPTRAP RESCUE: OLD HAVEN and head
south, turning east at the canal area to get back to Claptrap. Some of
the hostiles may have re-spawned but opposition should be rather light.
Interact with Claptrap to complete CLAPTRAP RESCUE: OLD HAVEN.

<o112> BANDIT TREASURE: X MARKS THE SPOT (Optional)
Level 28; 7,200 XP; $29,854
Mission: The Bandit map marks a location on the Dahl Headland. Go seek
the treasure.

Swap your active mission to BANDIT TREASURE: THREE CORPSES and head
north to get the strongbox. The Lance will begin to re-spawn so be
aware. Work your way north of town and you will see the green glow of
the doorway just past where you found the first key. Enter the building
and interact with the map to complete BANDIT TREASURE: THREE CORPSES
and to activate BANDIT TREASURE: X MARKS THE SPOT.

With your business done in Old Haven, fast travel to Lucky’s Last
Chance Watering Hole, grab a runner and head for the far north of the
Dahl Headland. The waypoint will seem to be inaccessible but if you
look over the edge of the cliff you will see a shack. Drop down to its
roof and jump to the ramp way below. Open the door to complete BANDIT
TREASURE: X MARKS THE SPOT. Raid the RED CHEST; take the ramp to get up
the cliff-face and head back to Lucky’s. Fast travel back to New Haven
and turn in SMOKE SIGNALS: SHUT THEM DOWN.

Fast travel to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board and accept the new
mission, SCAVENGER: MACHINE GUN and select the last mission in the West
Commons, CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: MEAT AND GREET. Fast travel to Treacher’s
Landing and exit to Rust Commons West.  Eliminate the four or five
hostiles in the small encampment and raid the SILVER CHEST on the
platform, if so inclined. Head through the narrow gate on the north end
and kill the various spiderants that erupt in this area. Stop east of
the waypoint and clear the next area. It may contain a Badass type as
well as half-a-dozen other hostiles.

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<sec19>             SECTION 19: RUST COMMONS WEST

<o113> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: MEAT AND GREET (OPTIONAL)
Level 26; 1,008 XP
Mission: Talk to Chuck Durden to get the killin’ under way.

Interacting with Chuck Durden completes CIRCLE OFSLAUGHTER: MEAT AND
GREET and gives the new mission CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER ROUND 1, accept it,
top off your munitions and enter the arena.

<o114> CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER: ROUND 1 (Optional)
Level 26; 6,720 XP; $14,280; a shield
Mission: Survive round 1.

Round one opens with assorted Bandits entering from the cages, with a
Badass among their ranks. Take refuge behind the long tire pile on the
right; and as you thin their ranks watch your flank. Psychos will enter
next, three or four and when the final Bandits go down the round is
completed. Turn in to complete round 1 and get CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND
2.

<o115> CIRCLE OF DEATH: ROUND 2 (Optional)
Level 29; 7,440 XP; $26,749; a class mod
Mission: Survive round 2.

A relentless wave of Bruisers and/or Badass Bruisers will enter the
arena. Stay near the tire pile and use grenades, the Turret and fast-
firing weapons to stop the deadly, but slow moving bunch. A horde of
Midget Psychos will also come in from the flank. Turn in to complete
Round 2 and accept, CIRCLE OF DEATH: THE FINAL ROUND.

<o116> CIRCLE OF DEATH: FINAL ROUND (Optional)
Level 28; 7,200 XP; $35,825, a combat rifle
Mission: Survive the final round.

Round three features a relentless wave of Bruiser and/or Badass
Bruisers. This is made harder by the fact that flanking Bandits make it
hard to find a good place to recharge your shields. A few Psychos will
also charge now and then. The pick-ups on the field will also
oftentimes block your firing lanes, creating blind spots. When all
seems calm don’t let your guard down, a couple more opponents may still
enter the fray. Turn in to complete the mission, CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER:
FINAL ROUND.

NOTE: It seems that if you do this mission after leveling up to 30 or
above, you get Badass types more frequently. It remains one of the
game’s most challenging missions even then.

Head back to Treacher’s Landing, sprinting past the spiderants and
killing the half-dozen hostiles in the guard post on your way. Fast
travel from there to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board, generate a
runner with whatever weapon you prefer for killing runners and make THE
FINAL PIECE your active mission. Drive north, hit the road and go east.
Enter the Salt Flats.

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<sec20>            SECTION 20: THE SALT FLATS

<m117> THE FINAL PIECE (Mandatory)
Level 30; 15,358 XP; $29,959
Mission: With the Old Haven Claptrap free to authorize your entry, you
can now get into the Salt Flats where Patricia Tannis believes that
Baron Flynt has the “Final Piece.” Go get it. You must eliminate four
of Baron Flynt’s runners to grab his attention.

Guns/items in inventory

Combat rifles:
Genocide Raven 87; 94.3; 13; magazine of 21; 1.4 zoom; 2 projectiles
Glorious Havoc 54; 68; 11.4; magazine of 72; static 2X
Glorious Havoc 124; 74.4; 10.6; magazine of 68; 2.1 zoom
The sentinel 70; 90.3; 7.7; magazine of 12; caustic 1X
Incendiary Cobra 63; 93.6; 15; magazine of 12; inc. 2X
Eridean weapons:
Eridean Canon 589; 91.7; 0.4
Revolvers:
Pestilent Defiler 235; 89.3; 1.0; magazine of 6; caustic 4X
Lightening Justice 230; 96.4; 1.3; magazine of 2; static 3X; 3.7 scope
Caustic Law  242; 90; 1.9; magazine of 2; caustic 2X; 3.7 zoom
Swift Masher 43x7; 73.4; 1.9; magazine of 6; 3.7 zoom
Incendiary Viper 140; 96.4; 1.3; magazine of 6; inc. 2X; 3.7 zoom
Shotguns:
Incendiary Shredder 89x7; 11.7; 1.4; magazine of 3; inc. 1X
Cobalt Shotgun 48x7; 40.3; 1.0; magazine of 5; static 2X; 4.5 zoom
Caustic Shotgun 53x9; 50.0; 0.9; magazine of 12; caustic 1X
Terrible matador 74x12; 22.5; 1.6; magazine of 12, 3 projectiles
SMGs:
Double Anarchy 73x4; 27; 8.1; magazine of 42
Lightening SMG 25; 92.8; 8.3; magazine of 36; static 3X; 2.4 zoom
Malevolent SMG 57; 77.5; 8.3; magazine of 55; 3.9 zoom
Burning SMG 43; 87.3; 8.3; magazine of 36; inc. 3X
Incendiary SMG 47; 78.7; 6.9, magazine of 46; inc. 2X; 1.7 zoom
Caustic SMG 54, 72.8; 9.7; magazine of 28; caustic 2X
Caustic SMG 41; 78.7; 8.3; magazine of 46; caustic 2X; 3.0 zoom
Relentless Bruiser 76; 76.2; 8.3; magazine of 28; 1.7 zoom
Sniper rifles:
Detonating Cobra 296; 93.3; 0.8; magazine of 5; explosive 3X
Liquid Sniper 282; 92.6; 3.1; magazine of 5; 2.7 zoom
Static Wrath 195; 97.3; 1.5; magazine of 5; static 3X; 2.4 zoom
Fearsome Volcano 277; 98.6;0.8; magazine of 6; inc. 4X
Pestilent Sniper 179; 96.7; 0.8; magazine of 3; caustic 4X
Mods and shields
Grenade-explosive Bouncing Betty 66
Shield symmetrical unyielding 528, 71
Neutralizing shield 321, 93, corrosive resistant
Hardened grounded shield 467,64, shock resistant
Mod 1% shield regeneration/ 2% health regeneration
Mod 10 % team ammo regeneration
Mod shock trooper class plus 48 % shock damage/66% shock resistance
Mod gunner class 50% magazine size and plus 24% damage-all weapons

Drive west into the Salt Flats and, when the Bandits start shooting,
speed past and if you want access their RED CHEST, stop when just past
and use your sniper rifle to thin their ranks and then move in to
finish them off. You can sprint to the platform on the north and finish
them from there. The hostiles will include Bruisers, Psychos and
Bandits, and possibly a Badass type. The RED CHEST is on the tall
platform at the rear of the area, along the north rock wall.

Head north from the Bandit camp and visit the New-U Station and the
vending machines if you want. Go hunting the four enemy runners with
whatever turret weapon you prefer. You cannot enter the enormous salt
digging facility until the four runners are taken out, since Baron
Flynt won’t open the gates until you get his attention. If using it,
don’t lock on with rocket launcher. Lead the runners for easier kills.
Baron Flynt will now ask you in for a ruckus.

NOTE: Just east of the Salt Flats digging facility there is a small
outpost, manned by eight Psychos-wipe them out to get access to two RED
CHESTS.  One is in the attached shack near the water tower and another
south of that shack in the broken arched structure. Go past the two
washers (item containers) to access the RED CHEST. You will start to
acquire even better shields and mods in addition to weapons in the Salt
Flats. The nearby vending machines make this excellent harvesting
ground; and after Baron Flynt is down, only two Lance defenders will
patrol here.

Drive to the east-now opened-gate of the salt digging facility. From
the cover of the entrance begin working over the locals, ducking behind
the wall as needed to regenerate your shields. About half a dozen
initials must be put down. Go north around the long tank, staying near
the wall and you will see a wounded Claptrap. Accept his repair
mission.

<o118> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: THE SALT FLATS (Optional)
Level 29; 1,859 XP; three inventory slots.
Mission: Repair the Salt Flats Claptrap.


The repair kit is on the south side of compound, but you will have to
eliminate six or more hostiles to clear the area. No jumping this time-
the repair kit sits among a pile of debris and is in plain sight at the
waypoint. Return to Claptrap and he will lead you to a RED CHEST not
far from there.

Swap your active mission to SCAVENGER: MACHINE GUN.

<o119> SCAVENGER: MACHINE GUN (Optional)
Level 30; 4,415 XP, a combat rifle
Mission: Find the four parts of the machine gun.

The waypoint is general for this hunt, so disregard it during the
mission; and keep in mind that hostiles may occasionally appear while
doing this mission as well. The “barrel” is on the platform north of
the east gate where you entered the digging facility.

Go southwest a short distance from the east gate and look for a boar on
a spit. The “stock” can be found on top of the shipping container just
beyond the boar. Jump onto the crate with the cardboard box and then to
the top of the container to get the “stock.”

Go west toward the vending machines, taking notice of the two
cylindrical storage tanks just east of them. You can see the green glow
of the “body” on top of the south tank. Find the two storage barrels on
the north side of both the tanks and a large shipping container. Jump
onto the barrels, then to the container and from there to the first and
then the second tank to get the “body.”

Go north from the water tanks and you will see the glow of the
“magazine” on the top of a circular hut. Jump onto the metal fence and
from there vault to the roof to get the “magazine.” Later you will have
to make one final trip to the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board to turn
this mission in.

Switch to THE FINAL PIECE. When going after Baron Flynt have a full
complement of grenades and equip a slot with your best, fast-firing
shotgun, another with a potent elemental sniper and the others with an
elementary or strong conventional machine gun or both.

Start the mission by heading counterclockwise around the north approach
aiming for the west end of the facility. You will encounter resistance
on the west end. Secure the west side by taking out the five or six
hostiles, which will include some tough Crimson Lance, Engineer or
Infantry troops. Raid the RED CHEST on the low hillside platform on the
west side of compound, just south of the west entrance; and then head
down into the low area, due east of the west entrance, to raid the RED
CHEST there.

Before going up to pay a call on the Baron-equip an explosive MIRV or
Bouncing Betty grenade mod and, with shotgun in hand, take the elevator
up. After the cutscene, a horde of Psychos will appear on the far end
of the area and they will charge. Toss several grenades into their path
to drastically thin the crowd and use the shotgun to mop up. A Badass
Psycho may be among them so be aware. A couple of Bandits will also
snipe at you and toss grenades. When they are down expect another small
onslaught of Psychos to pour in.

Next from dead ahead Hanz, wielding a sword will advance and Franz,
with a gun, make their appearance. Hanz will come at you first, burn
him down with an incendiary machine gun and deploy the Scorpio Turret
against the skulking Franz. Finish him off with small arms.

Look ahead to the tall structure and Bandits are the next targets, but
watch for additional Psychos coming out of nowhere. Some of the Bandits
will come down and others will run about, pot shooting. Baron Flynt
will finally appear on the upper structure ahead.

Once the Bandits are down, Baron Flynt will come after you; but why
wait, head up to get him. Go up the ramp on the right, or east, side of
the tower and when he appears, deploy the Scorpio Turret and supplement
it with incendiary or caustic fire. He will go down easier if you
choose the battlefield and in the narrow entrance he can only come at
you from the front, probably along the long walkway.

Note: Killing Baron Flynt as any character other than the “soldier”
will likely require different tactics. Use a potent incendiary SMG or
other fast-firing weapon and play hit and run around the lower area.
Don’t let him get a bead on you with his potent Boom Stick. Keep moving
ahead of him, taking him down a little at a time. When he returns to
the high area, switch to a sniper rifle.

Go up the inclines to the SILVER CHEST. No “Vault Piece.” This
concludes the mission THE FINAL PIECE and will initiate GET SOME
ANSWERS. Commandant Steele has shut down the ECHO system and chaos
reigns. The Guardian Angel is disturbed by the “Vault Piece” being
gone.

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<sec21>    SECTION 21: THE CRIMSON FASTNESS/CRIMSON ENCLAVE

<m120> GET SOME ANSWERS (Mandatory)
Level 30; 15,359 XP; an artifact
Mission:  Get some answers by locating Patricia Tannis.

Take the elevator down and the hostiles have re-spawned, and they are
tough Lance troops; or restart and skip them and the load of XP they
yield. Your next waypoint is far to the southwest, so regain your
runner and drive there.

The actual entrance to the Crimson Fastness, south of your waypoint,
cannot be breached, but its complement of five or six can be put down
by sniping. You can then take the stairs up and then go around to find
a RED CHEST on the west side of the upper catwalk. Drop down and get a
new “ride” and head to the indicated waypoint, which is designated The
Backdoor.

Enter The Backdoor and use the New-U Station there to fast travel to
the Middle of Nowhere Bounty Board to complete: SCAVENGER: MACHINE GUN,
and then return to The Backdoor.

The first wave of four spiderants you encounter may contain a King and
you will encounter them not far from the entrance. Caustic and
incendiary weapons do the trick. A second wave of three or four,
including a King or Queen, will erupt just past the New-U Station well
into the cave. A half dozen more erupt when you see the gray barrier
and another as you approach the RED CHEST near the metal bridge.

Continue on and, just past the New-U Station, several more including a
high-end Zapper or Elemental, will be among them. A scoped weapon
targeting the abdomen is a quick way to dispatch these types. Continue
on to find two RED CHESTS and a vending machine. Top off your grenades
and equip a MIRV or Bouncing Betty grenade mod with incendiary or
corrosive capability for dramatic results-if you have them. Have the
Turret equipped with your most potent artifact, and slot both an
incendiary and caustic machine gun, preferably ones with scopes. A
shotgun may also be a good idea.

Go into the passage leading into the arena and hit the button to enter.
What to expect? Master McCloud will have a powerful Eridean canon and
his two sidekicks, both Royal Lance Guards, are tough. The two Guards
will come at you first, one on each flank, and McCloud will shoot the
woefully slow but powerful energy blasts at you. When the two guards go
down, McCloud will close on you and will deploy a Scorpio Turret.

So, at the far end of the large circular arena there is a door through
which Master McCloud and his two Lance Guards will enter. Throw as many
grenades towards the opening door as you can before they begin shooting
and head for the cover of the crates. The grenades may or may not kill
them but they will do major damage. Deploy the Scorpio Turret when they
begin closing and duck in and out of cover to punish them with
elemental fire. Once the two Guards are down, McCloud will come calling
and he will deploy his own Scorpio Turret. Deploy yours and play hit
and duck and he will soon go down. Take his canon, which is more
powerful than any you have found so far. Enter the Crimson Fastness.

As you depart the area near the vending machines, you will encounter
hostiles including tough Lancers and a Gatling Gun Turret to the south.
There will also be a wounded Claptrap to the south.

Look through the doorway and get behind the barrier on which you can
read: “DANGER OF DEATH KEEP OUT.” Peer around the far end of it and use
your incendiary or caustic sniper rifle on anyone visible. Peek around
the end and knock out the Gatling Gun when it betrays its position by
opening up. A caustic sniper is excellent for this and the Turret
cannot quite fully target you if don’t lean out too far. Raid the RED
CHEST, which may or may not be there, against the east wall. When the
area seems secure, head toward where the Gatling Gun Turret was.
Additional hostiles may appear here, usually on the walkway to the
left.

<o121> CLAPTRAP RESCUE: CRIMSON FASTNESS (Optional)
Level 30; 1,919 XP; three inventory slots
Mission:  Find the wounded Claptrap, get the repair kit and fix him.

Interact with the blue, flopping claptrap to acquire the mission:
CLATRAP RESCUE: CRIMSON FASTNESS. The repair kit is to the east and so
are half a dozen adversaries. Use the catwalk east of the wounded
Claptrap and take advantage of the cover of the doorway and the entry
beyond to clear the hostiles in the upper area and then start killing
the ones in the lower area. There will be four or five and some may
mount the stairwell on the opposite side and come topside. Jump over
the rail to get to the kit. Take the stairs on the southeast to regain
the upper area. Return to Claptrap to complete the mission: CLAPTRAP
RESCUE: CRIMSON FASTNESS.

Re-select GET SOME ANSWERS and follow Claptrap through the broken
Claptraps. He will open a hatch leading to two RED CHESTS. Exit to the
back of the chamber and climb the two stairwells. Go through the open
hatch at the top. Use the green control box to open the hatch and
follow the corridor around. Raid the RED CHEST. The large lower area
will have four or more hostiles and some may be of the Badass variety.
Use the metal railing to hit and then duck under cover. Re-enter the
hatch if needed to regenerate your shield. Descend to the ground floor,
when clear, and interact with Patricia Tannis in her cell to complete
GET SOME ANSWERS. This will initiate FIND THE ECHO COMMAND CONSOLE. It
should be your only mission option.

<m122> FIND THE ECHO CONSOLE (Mandatory)
Level 31, 3,960 XP
Mission: Find the ECHO command console and get it up and running.

Raid the RED CHEST south of Patricia Tannis’ cell and head for the
adjacent opening to its east. Just past the tarped-over containers
there is a Gatling Gun Turret at the top of the stairwell. It commands
both the hall and stairs. Several soldiers will also be in the area of
the stairwell.

There is an open duct on the right, just past the tarped-over
containers. Quickly move forward to get into it. Move up the long duct
and when you see the top of the Gatling Turret, equip a corrosive or
explosive weapon. If you don’t go too far forward you can target it but
it cannot target you. Take it out, but watch for the accompanying Lance
who will now target you. Avoid expending your grenades here. You will
need several real soon. Eliminate the Lance Infantry from the safety of
the duct by peering around the edge. There should be only three of them
and they will likely be on or near the stairwell below where the
Gatling gun was.

Move north without further opposition and interact with the glowing
ECHO console to complete, FIND THE ECHO COMMAND CONSOLE. This will
trigger the mission: REACTIVATE THE ECHO COMM SYSTEM.

<m123> REACTIVATE THE ECHO COMM SYSTEM (Mandatory)
Level 31; 9,900 XP
Mission: Reactivate three consoles in three different Crimson Enclave
locations and return to the Echo console in the Crimson Fastness to get
the system up and running.

As you go north toward the entrance to the Crimson Enclave, four Badass
varieties will, when you approach it, come through the half circle door
as it opens. Toss grenades, preferable MIRV’ed or Bouncing Bettie
incendiarys or corrosives, as many as you safely can, before ducking
for cover. These guys will advance and deploy red Scorpio Turrets, so
fully utilize your own Turret with an elemental artifact, and then
retreat, using hit and duck tactics until they all go down. Retreat as
far as needed to get the job done because these guys will keep coming
and they are tough.

Go back north into the garage and past the scattered vehicles while
watching for lurking hostiles. Turn right before going up the wide
metal ramp to find one or sometimes two RED CHESTS in the side passage.
Watch out for hostiles through the bars ahead. Looting complete, go up
the ramp to the entrance of the Crimson Enclave. Enter the Enclave.

A battle is raging between the Lance Infantry and the Guardians to the
west. You can join in, killing both sides, or let them have at it and
mop up the winners, although the Guardians usually just vanish when the
last Lance is down. Watch out for a decent shock resistant shield in
this area-they are frequent drops, and will help in the action to come
with the Guardians.

Continue west toward the first objective. Two hostiles will greet you
as some overhead structures come into view, and another two or three
farther along. As the main structure comes into view four or more tough
Lance troops will require your attention; and, as you pass the five
stacked up pipes, a Gatling Turret will rise. Peek around the boulder
to take it out. Finish off any survivors as you make your way to the
half-circle entrance. Go up the short stairwell, through the hatch, up
the stairwell and through the hatch to the first console. Activate it.
Exit and climb the stairs to the roof to find a RED CHEST.

The next waypoint is far to the south. Retrace your route, past the
entry area to the Crimson Fastness and as, you pass the New-U Station
to its south the sound of another Turret Gun rising will be heard. Peek
around the rock face and take it out. There will be eight Lancers of
all kinds and they will deploy Turrets. Three or more will be on the
upper walkways of the structure. Be sure to get these guys are they
will greet you on the stairwells. Take the stairwells west of the
facility to get to the roof, and then go down to access the console.
Activate it. Continue down to find a RED CHEST prior to exiting at
ground level.

The final console will be far to the west. Snipe the five Lance troops
in the low area just to the northwest. Use the elevation provided by
the stairwells to help accomplish this, as the Lance will take refuge
among the boulders. Pause in the low area and eliminate the Lance that
may have re-spawned near the entrance to the Fastness far to the east
of your position. Three or four more Lance will occupy the top of the
hill and can be tough since they occupy the high ground.

Align yourself with the long bridge leading to the last objective,
staying near the isolated boulder. You will see the Crimson Lance
battling the flying Sera Guardians. Use a static sniper on the flying
aliens. If you have a mod increasing static damage, equip it whenever
battling the Guardians, whose shields are highly susceptible to static
fire but once their shields are down, they are feeble creatures. There
are five or six and a single hit from a good static weapon will usually
put them down; then concentrate on the Lance on the bridge. There are
six or eight of them and the aliens will have taken out some of them.
Move to the bridge and target any surviving hostiles.

As you move forward the laser pointer will betray the position of a
Gatling Gun. Snipe it from the cover of the boulder and then move
forward to the shelter of the isolated cargo container. Move ahead to
finish off an additional two or three Lance survivors. Enter on the
ground level through the door on the left side of the arched entry and
climb the stairwells to the control room to activate the last
transmitter. Go up onto the roof for a RED CHEST.

You may encounter a hostile or two as you exit the building. Make your
way back to the Crimson Fastness. Head across the bridge and then go
northeast. Since you probably took these guys out while heading for the
third transmitter, this will be unopposed unless you left someone
alive.

Enter the Crimson Fastness. The half-circle door will open as you get
near it and the Lance will appear, in force, in the garage ahead. Use
the tire pile on the left side to hit and go to cover, using the
Scorpio Turret to halt any advance. Watch for shooters on the upper
walkway ahead and watch for incoming grenades. When you have cleared
the Lance, which will include many Badass types, get to the waypoint
and activate the console. This completes REACTIVATE THE ECHO COMM
SYSYEM and activates the mission FIND STEELE.

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<sec22>SECTION 22: DESCENT/THE ERIDEAN PROMOTORY/THE VAULT/WEST COMMONS

<m124> FIND STEELE (Mandatory)
Level 32; 20,400 XP
Mission: Commandant Steele has stolen the “Vault Key” and is on her way
to the vault. Both Patricia Tannis and the Guardian Angel urge you to
get there and stop her.

Exit to the Crimson Enclave. Kill the four Lancers near the exit, and
begin the long trek to the waypoint far to the west. Lance infantry
will block the way-two groups-one of two and one of four near the
Catch-A-Ride station. Grab a “ride” and re-enter the SALT FLATS. Before
driving north raid the red chest and the ammo chest on the upper
walkway.

Drive north to the narrow passage east of the waypoint and head west on
foot. You will likely encounter four Lance right away, and about twice
that number as you move south along the rock wall. You can use a
boulder as cover to systematically eliminate the hostiles from the high
ground. Some of the opponents will be tough Lance Engineers. There are
two ammo chests under the Lance’s red canopy. Make your way down the
narrow path to the Descent.

Advance through the blue stones and drop down. If you have a shock
resistant shield, equip it. A shudder shakes the place and a flock of
flying Trash Feeders will swirl into the sky. They won’t bother you, so
concentrate on the two flying Sera Guardians that will now begin to
target you. You may be able to take one of them out before it takes off
from its perch among the rocks above. A well aimed static sniper shot
or two will take them down. A Badass Guardian will prevent you from
getting to the RED CHEST dead ahead but the Turret with a static
artifact, backed by a static shotgun or other static fire will quickly
solve the problem.

Make your way down the precipitous slope by jumping down on the east
side. Take down the two or three flying Sera Guardians with static
fire. Make your way down the steep ramps. You will then have to simply
take several short falls to get down. It is possible that you may
encounter a Badass Guardian here as well.

Go down the corridor to the overlook. A Guardian-Lance battle rages
below. Stay largely out of sight behind the three crates and snipe the
flying Sera Guardians with your static sniper.

Begin targeting the Guardians and the Lance below. Equip yourself for
dealing with the Lance and move north along the rock wall. Drop down
the series of blocks and ramps when all goes quiet and continue toward
the waypoint. Take down the two Lancers that appear to the north. Raid
the RED CHEST near the central spire and the one just northeast of it.
There will likely be two or three more Lance soldiers to kill before
you get to the doorway on the northeast side of the area.

As you near the narrows in the northeast corner the door opens and four
or five Lancers will appear and they will deploy a Scorpio Turret if
you give them a chance. Instead, deploy your Turret with the incendiary
or caustic artifact and then back off. Toss several grenades into the
melee and its over. Mop up if need be, and then jump down, unopposed,
using the crude blue stepping blocks. Cross the narrow stone bridge and
prepare for the cold of the Eridian Promotory.

Move forward with your static sniper equipped. An Arch and a Principal
Guardian are dead ahead and will be hard to see. Take them down with
static fire. They have tough shields but when it’s down, a single shot
from a good sniper will easily do the job. Watch the sky for Sera
Guardians, and be aware that Crimson Lance will populate the region
ahead as well, so you will have to equip for both adversaries. Top off
all your munitions before proceeding, unless you have ammo regeneration
capability.

A battle of Lance vs. Guardian is taking place on the first turn to the
left. Stay back and let them have at it for a bit to thin the numbers;
and then begin targeting both sides, making sure you have a static
weapon available for any approaching Guardians. The Turret with the
shock artifact is great against all ground Guardians. Continue on,
using the static sniper against the flying Guardians and working your
way through the battleground, using the boulders as cover, killing both
Guardians and Lance. Interestingly enough the sniper is excellent
against an in-close Guardian-its hard to miss at point blank range,
just point it like a shotgun; don’t try to use the scope. That said, a
good static shotgun is the best in-close choice.

Head uphill from the fire, taking out any leftover Lancers and soon two
Guardians, with a Badass type possible, will come at you. Retreat as
needed to take them out with static fire. Watch the sky for additional
Seras as you again move uphill.

Gunfire up the hill ahead indicates more Lance and Guardians battling
just beyond. Deploy the Turret with the shock artifact against any
approaching Guardians and be on the lookout for hovering Seras. There
is a RED CHEST to the rear of the block wall with the canopy above it
on the left side of the path. Access it by going south and curling
around to the right or northeast to find it.

More guardians as you pass trough the narrow area, as indicated on your
map, near the New-U Station. Deploy the Turret against the three
Guardians and hit them with static fire. An Arch Guardian will now
begin launching shock bolts at you; avoid them, they are very damaging.

As you curl right opposite the fire, a small Lancer encampment of three
is battling flying Seras.  Wipe out any survivors of their tussle and
raid the SILVER CHEST and ammo chests.

Continue uphill toward the fire and several Seras and a ground
Guardian, possible battling a Lance, will provide the opposition. If
you look ahead you can now take out some of the perched Seras while
they cling to the tall pillars ahead. Turn northeast off the main
pathway to find a RED CHEST to the northeast. An Arch Guardian will
stay near it while you waste it with sniper fire and three Seras will
need to be taken down as well.

Gunfire ahead. A few flying Seras, a ground Guardian or two and a
couple of Lancers will be in a battle. Let them fight a bit. Then take
out the winners. Before continuing west go northeast and a lone Arch
Guardian will be guarding a RED CHEST, but when you open fire, three
Seras will take flight and several Lance may attack from the west. Kill
them all, and raid the RED CHEST. There is another RED CHEST to its
southeast on the high ground just past the Lance’s camp. This is on the
high ground above the New-U Station.

Jump down and you should now be at the New-U Station. As you advance
along the narrow pathway, use the static sniper on the Arch Guardian
and the hovering or perched Sera ahead. The Arch Guardians will again
launch deadly shock bolts, so keep your distance near cover and snipe
between volleys.

Stop and stock up on ammo at the ammo chests ahead, and head into the
final turn. Snipe any perched Sera on the pillars ahead and watch the
ground for lurking Guardians. Take it slow, using the Turret and other
static weapons as you advance.

The Guardian angel will address you and just ahead will be the entrance
to the vault. Several boss types-Arch and Principal Guardians will rush
you as you advance. Deploy the Turret and supplement it with static
arms. A good static shotgun is probably your best weapon here. As you
draw close to the vault’s entrance ground Guardians will attack and
Lancers will enter the fray as well. Use the Turret and snipe any
hovering Sera. Retreat as needed to eliminate attacking Guardians and
deal with the Lance as well. A shock bolt Guardian will also have to be
taken out before you can enter the vault. Make sure all the Lance are
cleared and enter the passage leading to the vault. Equip your hardest
hitting, fast-firing conventional weapons and equip your best shield.
Equip the turret with the explosive artifact.

<m125> DESTROY THE DESTROYER (Mandatory)
Level 32; the “vault key”
Mission: The massive destroyer blocks the vault and will kill anything
attempting to approach it. Kim him and get the “key.”

Enter the vault to see Steele punctured “Luis” style, and the fight is
on. As the battle starts, move to your left in behind the stone spire
to stay well away from it. Conduct operations from there. Use a fast
firing, high powered combat rifle or SMG, or both if ammo is short, to
target the glowing eye area for good damage. The ammo regeneration mod
makes the soldier the king of the hill, and if you have a module
increasing weapon damage, so much the better. The Turret also deals
significant damage.

So, avoid the huffing bursts of energy emanating from its eye by
getting behind the spire when the Destroyer inhales and then hammer him
afterward. Duck for cover immediately when your shields deteriorate and
never confront the destroyer without good shield integrity. The purple
orbs on the tentacles will deal tremendous damage and they can also
take damage. Hitting one can give you a second wind if you can hit them
while you are “bleeding out.” Hitting them will also take away its
ability to hurl deadly missiles at you. Knock out these purple orbs to
greatly limit its offense, but be aware that they will regenerate in
time. Interestingly if it throws a large “foot” tentacle at you and it
stays there and you can simply pummel it, using it for cover, until the
Destroyer is dead. FIND STEELE is completed when the Destroyer goes
down; and then the credits will roll, but there is still another
mission before you are done.

<m126> BRING THE VAULT KEY TO TANNIS (Mandatory)
Level 32; 17,136 XP; $234,886
Mission: Take the “key” to Patricia Tannis for your payday.

After the credits, pick up the ‘Vault Key” and fast travel to the
Underpass from the New-U Station there in the Destroyer’s resting
place. Generate a runner and head north, battle the spiderants, then
the rakks and give the key to Tannis to complete the final mission:
BRING THE VAULT KEY TO TANNIS.

You can now continue playing, going back to finish any missions you
bypassed. You can even head back to Fyrestone and kill good old Bone
Head again or Sledge or Jack; but don’t expect much of a challenge.
These exploits will also still net XP, allowing you to move toward the
maximum of 50. You can continue “Playthrough 1” for as long as you
wish; or you can select “Playthrough 2” which will start you off in
Fyrestone, starting a new round with all missions intact and with all
your weapons, money and mods in hand. The opponents, however, will be
much, much tougher and much more numerous. The game play will be a real
challenge. “Playthrough 1” will also still be there if you are so
inclined.

I hope anyone using this guide found its contents useful. You can
contact me with comments, corrections or suggestions at the e-mail
address on the title page.