If you’re a longtime Borderlands fan, you probably remember the hilarious “Tannis riding a fish” easter egg that’s become something of a franchise tradition. Well, good news—it’s back in Borderlands 4, and it’s easier to find than ever before. This quirky reference not only gives you a good laugh but also unlocks the Cut That Out trophy/achievement for your collection.
The best part? You can grab this one super early in your playthrough, right after you wrap up the tutorial section. No need to grind levels or wait until endgame—just a quick detour to the beach and some barrel-shooting action.
Where to Find This Hidden Gem
Once you complete the prologue in Borderlands 4, you’ll find yourself in the Launchpad—your first proper hub area where you can interact with NPCs, grab quests, and stock up on supplies. This is also where your easter egg hunt begins.
From the Launchpad, head west toward the shoreline. You’re looking for a small beach hut surrounded by colorful explosive barrels. It’s not hidden in some obscure corner—the location is actually pretty accessible once you know where to look.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble navigating, check out the Borderlands 4 interactive map guide to see all the hidden secrets and collectibles in the Kairos region.
The Barrel Puzzle: Getting the Order Right
Here’s where things get interesting. Around the beach hut, you’ll notice five explosive barrels, each representing a different elemental type. The trick is shooting them in the correct sequence—mess up the order, and nothing happens.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous (or masochistic), there are technically 120 possible combinations you could try through trial and error. But let’s be real—nobody has time for that. Here’s the exact order you need:
Barrel Shooting Sequence
- Green Barrel (Corrosive) – Far left side
- Light Blue Barrel (Cryo) – Far right side
- Red Barrel (Incendiary) – Left side, closer to the water
- Dark Blue Barrel (Shock) – Right side, closer to the water
- Yellow Barrel (Radiation) – Center position near the ocean
A quick tip from my own playthrough: take your time between shots. There’s no timer rushing you, so make sure you’re hitting the right barrel each time. I initially messed this up by shooting too quickly and had to restart the sequence.
What Happens When You Get It Right
Once you nail the sequence, get ready for a show. First, a cardboard cutout of Handsome Jack—Borderlands 2’s unforgettable villain—pops up as a teaser. Then comes the main event: Dr. Patricia Tannis appears on her trusty fish mount, riding across the scene in all her cardboard glory.
The whole display is topped off with a fireworks show, and boom—the Cut That Out trophy pops on your screen. It’s a fun callback that veteran players will appreciate, and newcomers get a taste of Borderlands’ signature humor.
Why This Easter Egg Matters
Gearbox has always been great at rewarding exploration with these silly hidden gems, and this one is particularly special because it’s been a recurring joke across multiple games. Finding references like this makes the world feel more connected and rewards longtime fans for paying attention.
Plus, if you’re going for 100% completion on Borderlands 4, you’ll need every trophy and achievement you can get. Might as well knock out the easy ones early, right?
Additional Tips for Trophy Hunters
- Don’t skip the small stuff: Borderlands 4 is packed with easter eggs and secrets. Take your time exploring each area.
- Check your trophy progress: If you’re unsure which collectibles you’ve missed, refer to the complete trophy achievement guide.
- Early game advantage: Since this easter egg is available right after the tutorial, it’s a great confidence boost for new players starting their Vault Hunter journey.
Final Thoughts
The Tannis on a Fish easter egg is one of those delightful little touches that reminds you why Borderlands stands out from other looter-shooters. It doesn’t take long to find, it’s genuinely funny, and it adds another notch to your achievement belt.
Whether you’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, this easter egg works the same way across all platforms. So grab your favorite Vault Hunter, head to that beach, and show those barrels who’s boss.
Happy hunting, and may your loot drops be legendary!
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