Borderlands 4 Meat is Murder Side Quest Guide / Walkthrough
Welcome to our detailed guide for the Borderlands 4 Quests series, focusing on the "Meat is Murder" side quest in Borderlands 4, released on September 11, 2025. This quest, set in the vibrant and chaotic world of Borderlands 4, takes players on a thrilling investigation filled with combat and exploration. Follow this step-by-step walkthrough to navigate the quest efficiently and uncover its rewards.
Starting the Meat is Murder Quest
To begin the "Meat is Murder" side quest, head to Harper’s Hideaway in the western part of The Fadefields’ Coastal Bonescape region. Your first task is to locate Byron, the quest giver, who’s holed up inside a barn. However, Byron won’t engage until the area is safe. Clear out all Ripper enemies surrounding the barn, ensuring no threats remain. Once the area is secure, shoot the red-glowing debris blocking the barn door to access Byron and officially start the quest.
Investigating the Barn for Clues
After speaking with Byron, he’ll lead you into the barn and ask you to search for clues about his missing partner, Harper. This part of the quest requires patience, as each step progresses slowly. Look for four glowing green objects within the barn, which serve as clues. Interact with each one—starting with a severed hand on a table, followed by Ripper bodies, a beast corpse near the entrance, and finally Harper’s chopped limbs near a grinder. After collecting all clues, examine the radio on the table. A mysterious figure, the Grin Reaper, will taunt you with riddles, advancing the quest.
Disabling the Grinder
Byron will then direct you to activate a kill switch to disable the grinder, but it won’t work as planned. Head outside the barn to the back of the building, where you’ll face a wave of Ripper enemies. Dispatch them to proceed. Next, locate two coolant containers on either side of the platforms you’re on. Use your grapple ability to pull the doors off these containers, destroying the coolant regulators. This action allows you to release Harper’s body from the grinder. Examine Harper’s remains and interact with the radio on the body to hear more from the Grin Reaper, pushing the story forward.
Confronting the Rippers and Moving to the Tool Shop
As you progress, Byron will take cover while you fend off another group of Rippers. Clear them out to ensure his safety. Afterward, Byron stays behind, and your next objective is to travel east to a tool shop. This journey is a bit of a trek, so prepare for minor encounters along the way. At the tool shop, speak to the shop owner, who reveals that the culprit behind the stolen tools—and likely Harper’s fate—may be hiding behind a nearby waterfall. For more quest strategies, check out our comprehensive Borderlands 4 Guides.
Finding the Waterfall and Facing the Murderer
Your next destination is north across a lake, leading to a town teeming with enemies. Fight your way through the town, eliminating foes as you ascend. At the top, you’ll find a waterfall with two wooden boards blocking a door. Shoot both boards to gain entry to a cave. Inside, you’ll confront the murderer after a brief radio conversation. Prepare for a challenging fight, as the enemy is aggressive and supported by additional foes. Once defeated, interact with the radio in the room to hear the final dialogue, concluding the "Meat is Murder" quest.
Quest Rewards and Tips
Completing the "Meat is Murder" side quest rewards you with experience, cash, a pistol (ranging from green to purple rarity), the Tropic of Cairn Vault Hunter Style, and Eridium. Be patient, as the quest’s pacing can feel slow due to dialogue and objective updates. Equip weapons suited for close-quarters combat to handle the Ripper waves efficiently. For more tips on tackling side missions, explore our Borderlands 4 Quests page.