Shift codes are Gearbox’s way of rewarding fans for sticking around post-release. The tradition began after the release of Borderlands 2 and continues into Borderlands 3.
Monday marked the second anniversary of the release of Borderlands 3. To celebrate this milestone, Gearbox tweeted out not just one but two different codes for exclusive content. One of which unlocks a diamond key, letting players snag rare in-game weapons for a limited time.
Gearbox released both codes in two separate tweets Monday. The first code unlocks the Popsychle Cosmetics Pack in Borderlands 3, adding new skins for all playable Vault Hunters. Players can redeem the code by entering KH5J3-9BSSS-K6WF9-RT3BB-FTBCJ either in-game or on shift.gearbox.com. Meanwhile, the Diamond code unlocks Legendary gear in the Diamond Armory beneath the bridge of the Sanctuary 3. Players can enter the code CHC3J-TCHSZ-5XCXH-FTTJJ-JZ55S on the Shift website before September 30th.
Both codes require the player to have or sign up for a Shift account. Players also need to own the Borderlands 3 Director’s Cut DLC and Season 2 Pass. Both are required to access the hidden armory the key unlocks. While players can redeem regular Shift codes either in-game or online, the Diamond code appears to be unique to the Shift website. It’s also the only one with a published expiration date. Regular shift codes often expire after only a few days, though some stick around much longer. Still, interested fans better act quickly, just in case.
Gearbox releases new Shift codes reasonably often and has done so since the release of Borderlands 2. Most of the Borderlands 3 codes unlock Golden Keys. Players can then “spend” these keys unlocking the Golden Chest on the Sanctuary, gaining a random assortment of high-tier loot. Other Shift codes, like the first one released Monday, unlock exclusive player skins not available anywhere else. However, Gearbox has never before used Shift codes to give away a free diamond key.
Diamond Keys are the highest tier reward in Borderlands 3’s Vault Card system. Players unlock them by leveling up their Vault Card, which effectively acts as a second experience bar. The Cards unlock special chests, which only rarely contain the precious Diamond Keys. This can make grinding for Keys a fairly time-consuming process. It also means it’s a relatively big deal when Gearbox decides to give one away.
Again, Borderlands 3 fans should act fast if they intend to unlock these in-game rewards. The code for a Diamond Key expires September 30th, but it’s not clear how long the other code will be valid. So, Borderlands 3 players will want to redeem the code as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the exclusive Popsychle Cosmetics Pack.
Borderlands 3 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.