Borderlands 4 Gives Free Hazard Pay Skin, But Only If You Do This First

The developers at Gearbox Software, along with 2K, have now introduced something unexpected. In a move that feels very similar to Fortnite's ways, they are offering a free cosmetic item to players who will engage with the game before its September 12, 2025, release. This cosmetic is a weapon skin called "Hazard Pay," and it will become available for those who sign up via the Shift rewards platform.

However, not everything is simple. While Fortnite generally makes cosmetics accessible through only logging in or small challenges, this skin requires a commitment of another type. Players need to agree to receive marketing emails and newsletters from 2K and Gearbox for the skin to be unlocked. And also, your gaming platform (PlayStation, Xbox Series X, Steam, etc.) must be linked with a Shift account.

Steps to Follow in Borderlands 4 to Claim the Skin

For those who want to get the Hazard Pay skin, there is a process to go through:

1. First thing, go make or log in to a Shift account at Gearbox's site.

2. Then go to the profile settings and tick the box where it says to get promotional materials.

3. After that, your platform account—like Steam or Xbox—should be linked under "Gaming Platforms."

4. When the game releases in September, the Hazard Pay skin will be showing in your inventory if the steps were followed correctly.

5. Optionally, watch your inboxes because Shift codes for other rewards like Golden Keys may be sent after.

This process is simple but not as frictionless as Fortnite's method. Still, many fans likely find it not troublesome.

Is It Worth Doing?

For those who are fans of Fortnite or Borderlands, this will seem like a nice little offer. But with that said, the requirement to subscribe to emails might make some hesitant. You need to own the game, have a SHiFT account, and agree to receive advertisements via email.

One benefit, though, is that the offer remains open for a long time—until December 31, 2030—so players don’t have to rush to claim it. The skin itself looks decent, having industrial hazard-style colors that match the Borderlands theme. Also, more Shift bonuses might be added later, which makes subscribing perhaps useful.

Although the condition is a little inconvenient, for most, it can be acceptable if they are already planning to play Borderlands 4 when it comes out.

A free "Hazard Pay" weapon skin comes for Borderlands 4 players but requires creating a Shift account, linking a platform, and agreeing to promotional emails. Valid until the end of 2030.

Written by Farjana Jamal, Freelancer, India Today Gaming