How to start the Borderlands 4 DLC ‘Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned’

Get your guns! It’s time to start Borderlands 4‘s DLC “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned.” This is BL4’s first story pack, and it brings not only a new character, but more quests to complete, enemies to kill, and guns to loot in a brand-new zone.

However, if you are as lost as Claptrap, it might be hard to even find your way to the DLC. Below, you’ll find a complete rundown on how to start Borderlands 4‘s DLC “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned.”

How to start the ‘Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned’ DLC in Borderlands 4

Before you start Borderlands 4‘s “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned” DLC, you must, of course, own the DLC, and, for characters created before the DLC’s release, complete the “A Lot of Process” mission, which is the fourth main quest.

Alternatively, you can create a new character that will start at level 13. To do so, start a new game and select the “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned” option. After you choose your desired character, a cutscene will play and you’ll find yourself in the Whispering Glacier. As this character has skipped story missions and levels, you’ll start with 12 skill points, four guns, a grenade, and a repkit.

Graphic: Paulo Kawanishi/Polygon | Source images: Gearbox Software/2K Games via Polygon

For those looking to start the DLC on an old character, it’s recommended that you’re at least level 13. Head to Zadra’s Backup Plan in Dissected Plateau area to start the “An Invitation” quest.

Interact with the alien pillar inside to watch DLC’s initial cutscene where you’ll see Moxxi receiving a mysterious letter. Then, you’ll be teleported to the Whispering Glacier, the new zone, where you’ll receive the quest “On Icebound Shores Abandoned” and start the Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned DLC.