If you're feeling bold, the machines offer an alternative: pay Eridium, the rare purple currency in Borderlands, to Borderlands 4 Boosting spawn a tougher version of the boss. These enhanced fights crank up the difficulty with more health, harder-hitting attacks, or even additional mechanics. But the risk is worth it-defeating these tougher versions results in significantly better loot rewards.
The First One's Free
For the purpose of the mission, your first use of the Big Encore machine doesn't cost you anything. Think of it as Moxxi's free trial, letting you experience the system without dipping into your hard-earned cash or Eridium.
The Target: Defeating Splashzone Again
The first boss you'll replay with Big Encore is Splashzone, a water-themed monstrosity you've already fought earlier in the campaign. If you've forgotten how the battle works, here's a quick refresher:
Water Pressure Attacks: Splashzone uses high-pressure water jets to knock you back and disrupt your positioning. Stay mobile and use cover when possible.
Summoned Minions: Expect smaller aquatic enemies to spawn throughout the fight. Clear them quickly so you're not overwhelmed.
Vulnerability Windows: After certain attacks, Splashzone exposes weak points that take extra damage. Use these openings to unleash your heaviest firepower.
For this rematch, go in prepared. Bring shock or corrosive weapons to break through its defenses faster, and don't forget grenades to clear groups of minions. Having a legendary weapon or modded build makes the fight smoother, but it's still manageable with solid gear.
Tips for Farming with Big Encore
The real value of the Big Encore system is in boss farming. Here are a few strategies to get the most out of it:
Know Your Drops: Each boss has a specific loot pool, so target the ones that drop gear that benefits your build.
Balance Cash and Eridium: Don't waste Eridium on tougher fights unless you're confident in your build. Use the regular cash option when you just need volume farming.
Play Co-Op for Efficiency: Boss farming becomes faster and safer when you're in a group. Teammates can help manage adds or revive you during tougher encounters.
Upgrade Between Runs: After each boss fight, check your loot, resupply ammo, and consider re-spec'ing your skill tree if needed. Small tweaks can make repeated farming much smoother.
Rewards and Why It's Worth Doing
Completing Big Encore for the first time nets you standard mission rewards like experience points and cash, but the real prize is unlocking permanent access to the system. From now on, you'll be able to use Moxxi's machines throughout Borderlands 4 to refight any boss you've already defeated.
This dramatically changes the late-game loop. Instead of wandering aimlessly, hoping for respawns, you now have a reliable way to farm for legendary weapons, rare Borderlands 4 Gear, and unique cosmetics. And if you're chasing achievements or challenges tied to specific bosses, Big Encore ensures you won't waste time waiting around.
Mission Completion
The mission officially ends once you've defeated Splashzone again through the Big Encore machine. Afterward, Moxxi congratulates you on testing her new system, and the machine remains in place for future farming. From this point forward, every major boss arena you've cleared in Borderlands 4 will contain its own Big Encore machine, ready for you to use whenever the loot itch strikes.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Vault Hunter: Big Encore may seem simple on paper-you fight Splashzone again and move on-but it introduces one of the most useful quality-of-life systems in Borderlands 4. Moxxi's machines not only let you control your farming experience but also add a fun twist with tougher Eridium-powered boss variants. Whether you're chasing platinum-tier loot or just trying to grab a specific legendary, Big Encore makes the grind smoother, faster, and more rewarding.
Borderlands 4 offers far more than just its story campaign and main missions. Once you've leveled your Vault Hunter through Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode, the game opens up even more opportunities for loot, mayhem, and achievement hunting. Among these optional challenges are the world events-large-scale activities that drop you into chaotic scenarios with unique objectives and big rewards.
Currently, three major world events await players across the regions of Kairos: The Goredello, Creep Impact, and The Airship Event. Each one has its own flavor, mechanics, and strategies for climbing from bronze rank to the coveted platinum tier. If you're aiming to complete everything the game has to offer, here's a breakdown of all three events and tips to Borderlands 4 Campaign Completion conquer them.