Stuck choosing between punching or shooting Francis Oddman in Borderlands 4? Our complete guide reveals which choice unlocks the secret trophy and where to find his final resting place.
The Mad Scientist Falls From Grace
Picture this: you’re exploring the chaotic world of Kairos when suddenly, a man literally drops out of the sky. Classic Borderlands, right? This isn’t just any random encounter though – it’s the beginning of one of the game’s more memorable moral dilemmas involving Francis Oddman, a deranged Order scientist with a twisted vision of paradise.
The “Exit Through the Rift Shop” side quest takes you deep into the Fadefields, specifically to an Order Silo called Deep Seven. What starts as simple curiosity after finding an ECHO Log quickly spirals into uncovering a horrifying experiment that’s been using Kairos’ innocent civilians as test subjects.
The Dark Truth Behind Oddman’s Experiments
Here’s where things get seriously messed up (even by Borderlands standards). Francis Oddman wasn’t just some eccentric scientist – he was systematically abducting people and forcing them through dimensional rifts, essentially using them as guinea pigs to find his perfect world.
The kicker? His idea of paradise is a realm ruled by sentient lizard overlords. Yeah, this guy’s definitely living up to his name.
Pro tip: Pay attention to the environmental storytelling as you explore Deep Seven. The scattered research notes and failed experiments paint a pretty grim picture of what these people went through.
The Big Decision: Fists or Firearms?
After you’ve escaped the rift dimension and confronted Oddman about his twisted experiments, the game presents you with a classic Borderlands moral choice:
Option 1: Punch Francis Oddman
- What happens: Oddman gets knocked backwards and falls through an active rift portal
- Immediate result: He disappears, leaving his fate uncertain
- Long-term consequence: Opens up a secret trophy opportunity
Option 2: Shoot Francis Oddman
- What happens: Direct and final – Oddman is killed on the spot
- Immediate result: His body slumps over where he stands
- Long-term consequence: Case closed, but you miss out on additional content
Why Punching is the Superior Choice
While shooting Oddman might feel more satisfying (and arguably more just given his crimes), punching is objectively the better option for completionist players. Here’s why:
- Trophy Unlock: The “Rift Incompatible” achievement can only be obtained by choosing to punch
- Extended Content: You get additional gameplay discovering his final fate
- Narrative Closure: Following his journey to the end provides more story satisfaction
- No Gameplay Penalties: There are zero mechanical downsides to choosing punch over shoot
Personal take: While both choices have their merits from a moral standpoint, the punch option gives you more bang for your buck content-wise. Plus, there’s something poetically fitting about a rift scientist meeting his end through his own technology.
Tracking Down Oddman’s Frozen Fate
If you chose to punch Oddman, you’re not done yet. The mad scientist’s story has one final chapter, and it’s literally a chilling conclusion.
Location Details:
- Region: Terminus Range, Windspear area
- Specific Spot: Just north of The Nightcap Safehouse
- What to Look For: Oddman’s frozen corpse in the icy landscape
Navigation Tip: Fast travel to The Nightcap Safehouse and head directly north. The location is pretty obvious once you’re in the right area – you’ll know it when you see it.
When you approach his frozen remains, the “Rift Incompatible” trophy will automatically unlock. It’s a darkly humorous end to a disturbing character, perfectly in line with Borderlands’ signature tone.
Additional Tips for Exit Through the Rift Shop
- Loot Everything: Deep Seven contains some decent gear scattered throughout, so don’t rush through
- Bring Backup: While not overly difficult, having a co-op partner makes the rift sequences more manageable
- Save Before Choosing: If you want to see both outcomes, create a save file right before the confrontation
- Explore Thoroughly: The Order Silo has environmental details that add context to the larger Borderlands 4 storyline
The Bigger Picture
This quest exemplifies what makes Borderlands 4’s side content so engaging. It’s not just about shooting and looting (though there’s plenty of both) – it’s about uncovering the dark underbelly of Kairos and the Order’s influence on the planet.
Francis Oddman represents the worst of scientific ambition unchecked by ethics, a theme that runs throughout the Borderlands universe. His experiments mirror larger questions about progress, sacrifice, and who gets to decide what constitutes paradise.
Bottom Line: Choose to punch Francis Oddman. You’ll get the trophy, experience the complete narrative arc, and still feel satisfied that justice was ultimately served. Sometimes the most rewarding choice isn’t the most obvious one.
Ready to dive deeper into Borderlands 4? Check out the official Borderlands 4 page for the latest updates, grab it on Steam for PC, or PlayStation for console gaming.
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