Borderlands 4 Down and Outbound Contraband Locations Guide
Image Credit: Quick Tips/YouTube (video down below)
The Down and Outbound mission in Borderlands 4 sends you deep into the Fadefields to meet the Outbounders and clash with the Order. Along the way, you’ll be asked to recover contraband hidden inside the Order’s surveillance center. These optional objectives give you extra loot and XP, but they can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
This guide shows you every contraband location in Down and Outbound so you can collect all four pieces before facing Horace.
How to Start Down and Outbound
Down and Outbound begins after Recruitment Drive once you reach the Outbounder bunker in The Howl. You’ll meet Rush and learn about Idolator Sol’s plans, then unlock your Digirunner to explore the world faster. From here, Conway directs you toward the Order surveillance center northeast of Launchpad.
Your main objective is to confront the spymaster, but the optional goal to recover contraband appears as you enter the facility.
All Contraband Locations in Down and Outbound
There are four pieces of contraband hidden in the surveillance center. Each is marked on your map with a small blue plus sign. You must progress through the mission to reach them in order.
First Contraband
After fighting through the courtyard with Armatures and Watchmen, look for a small room at the back of the area. The contraband sits on a crate inside.
Second Contraband
Clear the next courtyard where a Badass Engine appears. The contraband is inside a small side room near the staircase along the main path. Check the back left corner before moving on.
Tip: Pull off the vent behind this contraband for a hidden loot chest and Vault Symbol collectible.
Third Contraband
Head up the stairs and fight through more Order forces. On the left side of the next courtyard is a doorway leading inside. Climb the stairs inside and find the contraband sitting on another crate.
Fourth Contraband
Continue upward toward the vending machines before the boss fight. At the top of the last staircase, look to your left for the final contraband near the wall. This is the last piece before you face Horace.
Contraband Rewards
Completing the contraband objective adds bonus XP and loot to the mission’s rewards. Combined with the main quest payout, you’ll walk away with:
A rare or epic assault rifle
Vault Hunter Style cosmetic
Cash and Eridium
Strong XP for story progress
We don’t make video content, but here’s one on YouTube by Quick Tips if you want a visual.
Final Blurb
The contraband hunt in Down and Outbound is worth the effort, especially since each piece is directly on the mission path. Make sure you clear enemies carefully, grab the loot, and check for the hidden vent collectible along the way.
By the time you fight Horace, you’ll have pocketed extra rewards and moved one step closer to uncovering Idolator Sol’s weapon plans.
FAQ
How many contraband items are in Down and Outbound?
There are four contraband items total, all found inside the Order surveillance center.
Do you need contraband to finish the mission?
No, contraband is optional. You can complete Down and Outbound without collecting them, but you’ll miss out on bonus rewards.
Can contraband be collected after beating Horace?
Yes, as long as the mission is still active, you can backtrack inside the facility and pick up any contraband you missed.
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