Find all 9 Vault Key Fragments in Borderlands 4 with our complete location guide. Detailed maps and step-by-step directions for Fadefields, Carcadia Burn, and Terminus Range.
TL;DR
Total Vaults: 4 (3 optional, 1 story-required) Fragments Needed: 3 per Vault (9 total for optional Vaults) Regions: Fadefields, Carcadia Burn, Terminus Range Reward: Legendary loot and epic Vault Monster boss fights
Quick Navigation:
- Fadefields Fragments (3 fragments)
- Carcadia Burn Fragments (3 fragments)
- Terminus Range Fragments (3 fragments)
Vault hunting is back in a big way in Borderlands 4! While the main story only requires you to open one Vault, three additional Vaults await discovery across Kairos. Each optional Vault contains incredible loot and challenging boss encounters that make the fragment hunt absolutely worth your time.
After spending hours methodically exploring every region, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive guide to finding all 9 Vault Key Fragments. Unlike previous games where fragments were sometimes frustratingly hidden, Borderlands 4 strikes a perfect balance – challenging enough to feel rewarding, but not so obscure that you’ll need a PhD in treasure hunting.
How Vault Key Fragments Work
The Basics:
- Each Vault requires 3 Key Fragments to open
- Fragments are scattered across each region’s Silos and hidden locations
- Silos provide general direction hints for nearby fragments
- No level requirements – you can hunt fragments as soon as you reach each region
Pro Strategy: I recommend tackling fragments region by region rather than randomly exploring. This approach ensures you don’t miss any while maintaining efficient travel routes.
Fadefields Vault Key Fragments
The Fadefields serves as your introduction to Vault hunting, and thankfully, these fragments are relatively straightforward to locate. This region teaches you the fragment-hunting fundamentals before things get trickier in later areas.
Fragment #1: The Stockroom Collection
Silo Location: Northeast of Abandoned Post Safehouse
- Navigate past the Order outpost near the Silo
- Access terminal to get fragment location hint
Fragment Location: Southwest Fadefields shoreline
- Head to the small shanty town along the beach
- Look for a wooden crate behind one of the beach houses
- Fragment sits openly on the crate – easy to spot
Navigation Tip: This is likely your first fragment, so take time to understand how Silo terminals work. They’ll point you in the right direction without giving exact coordinates.
Fragment #2: The Kit Hole Discovery
Silo Location: Northwest of The Launchpad
- Pass through the small Ripper camp below the command tower
- Terminal access is straightforward once you clear enemies
Fragment Location: Cave east of The Kit Hole
- Look for the distinctive large rock formation near the farms
- Follow the rock’s perimeter until you find a cave opening
- Warning: Cave is past a Mangler den – come prepared for a fight
- Fragment is inside the cave, well-lit and visible
Combat Note: Manglers can be tough early on. Use cover and elemental weapons to make quick work of them.
Fragment #3: Deep Seven Retrieval
Silo Location: Eastern Fadefields, near Terminus Range border
- Climb the cliff near the main road to reach the control tower
- Most challenging Silo access in Fadefields due to elevation
Fragment Location: Ripper camp southwest of Deep Seven
- Clear the camp of all enemies first
- Locate a sewer grate that requires your grappling hook
- Pull the grate open and descend into the underground area
- Fragment is on one of the bodies inside
Strategic Approach: Save this fragment for last in Fadefields since the Ripper camp can be challenging for newer players.
Fadefields Vault Location
Where to Find: Hilltop east of the Deep Seven fragment location
- Near Zaldra’s Backup Plan area
- Fight through the wrecked ship remains
- Vault door becomes accessible once you approach with all 3 fragments
Carcadia Burn Vault Key Fragments
Carcadia Burn’s desert environment spreads fragments across vast distances, but the open terrain makes navigation easier. These fragments introduce more complex environmental puzzles and climbing challenges.
Fragment #1: Rustical Hurl Recovery
Silo Location: Southeast basin of Carcadia Burn
- Use the service tunnel near the control tower base
- Clear out Creeps before accessing terminal
Fragment Location: South of Makeshift Chalet Safehouse
- Drive down the main road to find a Ripper garage
- Climb to the roof using available ladders or platforms
- Fragment sits on a long table – can’t miss it once you’re up there
Travel Tip: Vehicles are essential in Carcadia Burn’s expansive desert. Always keep your ride nearby for quick escapes.
Fragment #2: Site Unseen Expedition
Silo Location: End of a Ripper camp (see map reference)
- Fight through the entire camp to reach the terminal
- Terminal provides hints toward the nearby shipwreck
Fragment Location: Wreck of the Last Great Hope (south of Silo)
- Drive to the massive shipwreck – you can’t miss it
- Three possible entrances lead into the ship’s interior
- Inside, use grappling hook on a floor hatch
- Drop down the hole to find the fragment below
Exploration Note: The shipwreck is one of Borderlands 4’s coolest environmental storytelling pieces. Take time to explore beyond just the fragment.
Fragment #3: Judgment’s Lapse Hunt
Silo Location: Northwest of Carcadia fast travel point
- Located at the end of a substantial Ripper base
- Expect heavy resistance – bring your best weapons
Fragment Location: North shore of the nearby lake
- Short drive north from the Silo location
- Look for distinctive pillars and golden orbs along the wall
- Fragment is integrated into this decorative display
Combat Strategy: The Ripper base here is one of the toughest in Carcadia Burn. Consider using elemental damage strategies to clear it efficiently.
Carcadia Burn Vault Location
Where to Find: Northwest of Rustical Hurl Silo, near the bridge
- Positioned next to scrapped vehicles
- Close to a dramatic ledge overlooking the desert
- Easily accessible once you have all fragments
Terminus Range Vault Key Fragments
The snowy mountains of Terminus Range offer the most challenging fragment collection experience. Vertical exploration and cave systems create complex navigation puzzles that reward thorough exploration.
Fragment #1: The Reliquary Challenge
Silo Location: Cuspid Climb, near Fadefields border
- Fight through a well-fortified Ripper camp
- One of two Silos in Cuspid Climb – choose the border-adjacent one
Fragment Location: Cave entrance along a northern cliff
- Silo points you north toward cliff formations
- Look for cave openings in the rocky wall
- Fragment is inside, but cave may contain hostile wildlife
Navigation Aid: Use your map frequently in Terminus Range. The vertical terrain can be disorienting without constant reference.
Fragment #2: Covered Charge Ascent
Silo Location: Southwest of Belton’s Bore (main NPC town)
- Head to the river east of the Silo map marker
- Look for grapple points on ledges to reach the terminal
Fragment Location: Far north of Silo location
- Follow map markers to find a distinctive twisting tree with purple leaves
- Climb the rocks directly behind this unique tree
- Fragment is positioned among the elevated rocks
Landmark Tip: The purple-leaved tree is unmistakable once you see it. Use it as your primary navigation reference.
Fragment #3: Deathrite Excavation
Silo Location: Northwest of Covered Charge fragment area
- Complex access requiring cliff climbing
- From Silo position, head north to where the river ends
- Find large cave entrance with a Crawler enemy
- Follow cliff wall west until you locate climbable surfaces
Fragment Location: Checkpoint Taupe (Order checkpoint)
- Southeast of Deathrite, near Nightcap Safe House
- Enter the main hall and go up the small staircase
- Fragment is on a box in the control room overlooking the tunnel
Access Strategy: This is the most complex fragment to obtain. Consider marking waypoints as you navigate the climbing route to avoid getting lost.
Terminus Range Vault Location
Where to Find: Cave south of Checkpoint Taupe
- Positioned above a Mangler den near the main road
- Cave entrance leads directly to the Vault chamber
- Most atmospheric Vault location in the game
Advanced Fragment Hunting Tips
Preparation Strategies
Essential Gear:
- Reliable vehicle for long-distance travel
- Grappling hook (story-provided, always available)
- Elemental weapons for enemy variety
- Adequate healing supplies for extended exploration
Optimal Approach:
- Complete one region entirely before moving to the next
- Use Silo terminals as your primary navigation aid
- Mark discovered fragments on your map for reference
- Clear enemy camps thoroughly before fragment searching
Combat Considerations
Enemy Scaling: Fragment locations often feature enemies scaled to your level, making them accessible throughout your playthrough.
Recommended Level Ranges:
- Fadefields: Level 10-20
- Carcadia Burn: Level 20-35
- Terminus Range: Level 30-45
Time-Saving Techniques
Fast Travel Strategy: Unlock all Fast Travel points in a region before fragment hunting to minimize backtracking.
Vehicle Management: Always park vehicles near fragment locations – some areas are easier to escape from than enter.
Team Coordination: Playing with friends? Assign different fragments to different players for faster collection.
Vault Rewards & Boss Encounters
Each Vault contains:
- Legendary Weapons: Unique, powerful gear exclusive to Vault rewards
- Epic Boss Fights: Challenging encounters that test your build optimization
- Rare Materials: Crafting components for endgame equipment upgrades
- Achievement Progress: Contributing to achievement completion
Boss Preparation: Consider optimizing your build before Vault encounters. Check our character guides for boss-fighting strategies.
Common Fragment Hunting Mistakes
Mistake #1: Rushing through Silo areas without clearing enemies
- Solution: Always eliminate threats before interacting with terminals
Mistake #2: Ignoring environmental clues
- Solution: Silo terminals provide directional hints – use them!
Mistake #3: Inadequate exploration preparation
- Solution: Stock up on ammo and healing before lengthy fragment hunts
Mistake #4: Solo players attempting difficult areas too early
- Solution: Consider leveling up or visiting easier fragments first
Endgame Fragment Applications
Beyond the initial Vault opening, fragments contribute to:
- New Game+ preparation with superior gear
- Boss farming opportunities for specific legendary drops
- Build testing against challenging Vault Monster encounters
- Achievement hunting and completion progress
Ending Notes
The Vault Key Fragment hunt represents some of Borderlands 4’s best exploration content. Each region offers unique challenges that encourage thorough environmental engagement while rewarding players with meaningful progression toward epic boss encounters.
The fragment system strikes an excellent balance between guidance and discovery. You’re never completely lost thanks to Silo terminals, but you’re also not hand-held through every step. This design philosophy makes fragment hunting feel like genuine exploration rather than checkbox completion.
Whether you’re a completionist seeking every piece of legendary loot or a casual player looking for exciting optional content, the Vault Key Fragment hunt offers something special. The journey to each fragment often proves as rewarding as the destination itself.
Ready to start your Vault hunting adventure? Grab Borderlands 4 on Steam, PlayStation, or check out the official website for the latest updates and community events.
Remember: The real treasure isn’t just the Vaults you open, but the legendary loot you collect along the way!
