Borderlands contains many chests and containers. The chests are usually in hidden locations, while the containers are easily found all over Pandora and beyond. All objects that can be looted in Pandora and across the galaxy have a bright green glowing indicator such as buttons or green vapor (in the case of waste piles or dook huts for example). The exceptions to this are the ice sculptures, graves, snowman's heads and crystalisk shards.
Borderlands
Chests
There are four types of chests which primarily contain weapons and ammunition. Only the red chests count towards the challenges for looting chests: the white gun chests and ammo chests do not. Red chests do not count towards the Lootables Opened challenge.
Crimson Lance Chest
Crimson Lance chests were introduced in The Secret Armory of General Knoxx. They have greater capacity than a typical red chest, and have a higher chance of having rare/Eridian weapons. In addition, these are the only chests capable of containing ultra-rare pearlescent items. The following loot combinations from these chests are possible:
- 4 weapons: Sniper rifle, SMG, shotgun, combat rifle
- 2 Rocket launcher
- 4 Pistols: revolvers and repeater pistols
- 6 of the following: class mods, shields, grenade mods, in any combination
- 2 Sniper rifles + 2 Hunter class mods
- 2 Combat rifles + 2 Soldier class mods
- 2 SMGs + 2 Siren class mods
- 2 Shotguns + 2 Berserker class mods
- 2 Eridian weapons
Red Chest
These are large, red, slightly oval-shaped supply chests. The chest lid opens backwards allowing the two top plates to lift up and to either side to reveal the weapon(s) inside. These chests can contain weapons, shields, class mods, grenade mods, or ammo, with weapons ranging from white to legendary rarity. Quality and level are based on the player's or game host's character level and dependent on the zone level. These are most commonly found in areas protected by bandits, powerful enemies or large groups. The items within a chest appear to be grouped, a number of combinations are possible:
- 2 weapons: Sniper rifle, SMG, shotgun, combat rifle
- 1 Rocket launcher
- 4 Pistols: Revolvers and repeaters
- 4 of the following: Class mods, shields, grenade mods, in any combination.
- 1 Sniper Rifle + Hunter class mod
- 1 Shotgun or combat rifle + Soldier class mod
- 1 SMG + Siren class mod
- 1 Shotgun + Berserker class mod
- 1 Eridian weapons
- 1 Blue rarity or higher weapon (note that weapons of blue or higher rarity can also be in any of the above combinations, not always alone)
All chests spawn with 2 to 4 ammo/grenade combination on the left plate and right plates. Chests containing Eridian weapons will have nothing on the side plates. The ammo spawned most often matches the weapon(s) spawned.
White Chest
These white, rectangular chests which contain randomly generated weapons based on the highest character's level, ranging from white to legendary rarity. They are also used on several occasions to store important mission-related items alongside a large supply of money. This is the most common type of chest encountered and commonly contain lower rarity items than red chests.
Ammunition Chest
Commonly referred to as 'ammo crates'. These smallish green chests contain all types of ammunition and grenades.
Other objects
Lock boxes and Safes
There are two types, lock boxes and small safes. These always contain money. Depending on the location of the box or safe, cash will vary from them. A safe in Krom's Canyon is very likely to have more cash than one in Fyrestone.
Lockers
Vertical lockers, sometimes found in rows of several side-by-side. These can contain money, ammo, pistols (both repeaters and revolvers), SMGs, shields, health kits, grenade mods or class mods, with pistols ranging from white to legendary rarity.
Mail Boxes
Mail boxes are normally found outside of huts and buildings. These always contain ammo or a grenade mod.
Dryers/ Washing Machine
These always contain ammo, or a grenade mod.
Fridge
These may contain ammo, a grenade, or a Medkit.
In The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, one contains a Meat Popsicle.
Dumpsters
Green, rectangular containers which have the Dahl logo on the side. Usually contain a variable amount of money, though they may also contain ammo, grenades, weapons and class mods. Sometimes they're just plain empty. In The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, a Loot Midget, Dumpster Diver, is found in a dumpster.
Toilet
Toilets can be found in any human habitation. They can contain ammunition, health kits, or money.
Skag/Trash Pile
Skag and waste piles are everywhere throughout Pandora. Skag piles are usually found around skag dens or areas where skags live. Trash piles can be found in and around bandit camps and houses or in heaps of scrap metal or garbage. They can contain any item (weapons, class mods, ammo, medkits). They can also be shot open from a distance.
Parcel
Added with The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, parcels contain a single ammo pack or grenade. Must be opened via the Use button; if shot, the contents of the box are destroyed.
Notes
- The update Patch 1.3.0 changed all red chests in New Haven into white ones.
- With the red and white chests, it appears that the more hidden/out-of-the-way the chest is, the more valuable or rare the loot.
- Only red and Crimson Lance chests will spawn Eridian weapons.
- Certain lockers will always spawn weapons/class mods (e.g. four lockers in Crimson Fastness on the lower level of the room opened by the Claptrap; lockers one and three will always spawn weapons/mods).
- All chests are reset upon entering a game, and will contain more randomly generated loot. This can be exploited in areas with many, easily-accessible chests, such as T-Bone Junction and Tartarus Station.
- Opening any of the above listed objects other than red chests counts toward the Loot-able Objects Opened Challenges(What's in here?, Scavenger, Wilderness Survivor and No Stone Unturned). Taking the contents inside the objects is not required.
- Only red chests count towards the Chests Opened Challenges (Ooh! Shiny, Treasure Hunter, Swag Master and Envy of Pirates.)
Trivia
- Marcus's bus in the intro sequence has two such chests on its roof - one on the front and one near the back.
- Few new red chests become accessible only in playthrough 2 in some locations (for example, in Krom's Canyon a new cave entrance becomes unblocked). [citation needed]
- Some Red Chests may spawn at different locations within the area.
- If a player inspects the underside of the lid of an ammunition chest, they can find the message "Shoot Responsibly" in red block printing.
Borderlands 2
Weapon Chests
Dahl Green Weapon Chest
The green weapons chest manufactured by Dahl is a common weapon chest with an appearance rate which is comparable to the normal white/grey weapon chests. Unlike what its "manufacturer logo" implies, the green chest can hold all kinds of items made by all manufacturers. It can contain items ranging in rarity from white to E-tech.
Dahl Red Weapon Chest
The red Dahl weapons chest is a sturdy metal gargantuan chest. Its contents are typically superior to other chests. The red chest can spawn items varying from white to pearlescent. However, unlike its smaller green kin, it has a higher chance at containing items above blue rarity. It can also contain money and Eridium.
Sometimes this type of chest can be seen carried around by Loot Goon Goliaths and it's contents are available after killing the carrier.
Hyperion Yellow Weapon Chest
The yellow Hyperion-manufactured weapons chests' contents are comparable to that of the green Dahl weapons chest. It does not excel in any kind of way, is a commonly found chest, and its contents reflect as much. It can spawn items from white to E-tech.
- See also: LWT Loader
Hyperion Red Weapon Chest
The high-tech Hyperion red weapons chest is a rare find. Its contents are comparable to the red Dahl chest, normal red chest, or the bandit car trunk. It can spawn items ranging from white to pearlescent and, much like the other red weapon chests, it has an increased chance to spawn high-rated gear. It can also contain money and Eridium.
Regular Grey Chest
Returning from Borderlands, and with somewhat different appearance, is the grey weapons chest. These grey, rectangular chests can contain randomly generated items ranging from white to E-tech. This is the most common type of chest encountered and commonly contains lower rarity items than its "Red" kin.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Regular Red Chest
Once a common sight in Borderlands, these large, red, slightly oval-shaped supply chests are an infrequent sight in Borderlands 2. This chest has an increased chance of spawning high-rated gear ranging from white to pearlescent. It can also contain money and Eridium.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Bandit Dook Hut
Dook huts can be found in bandit camps and or bandit-infested areas. The contents are similar, if not of lower quality, than the regular grey chests. The dook hut's wares can range from white to E-tech. (notice the smiley face on the underside of the lid when it opens)
Bandit Car Trunk
The bandit car trunks can be found in bandit towns and camps. The contents of this rather peculiar storage method are comparable to any kind of red weapons chest found in the game. These can range from white to pearlescent gear. Like its red brethren it has an increased chance to do so compared to its more common kin (in this case the dook hut). It can also contain money and Eridium.
Pirate Weapon Chest
Introduced in Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, the first type can be found throughout that DLC as well as the Sir Hammerlock vs. the Son of Crawmerax DLC, however the second type only appears in the first DLC. A large number of them can be found in The Leviathan's Lair in the room with Captain Blade's lost treasure. The regular pirate chests contents range from white to pearlescent gear. However the "death's head" chests in the treasure room of the Leviathans lair always spawn blue or higher rarity gear, and have a higher chance of containing legendary loot. They can also contain money and Eridium.
Savage Closet
Introduced in Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt, these odd storage closets can be found exclusively throughout the DLC. They are usually found in savage camps and spawn white to E-tech gear. Every time one is opened, it will also spew money, health and/or ammo.
This chest has an unusual appearance - it has notable resemblance to Claptrap resulting from the savages' attempt to deify the little robot.
Dice Chest
|
 Introduced in Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, these chests can be found exclusively throughout the DLC. They can be found throughout the expansion, although a large number of them can be found in The Winged Storm after defeating the Ancient Dragons of Destruction. These chests are unique compared to other chests, in that the rarity of the drops are determined by a set of 20-sided dice that affects what items appear in the chest. The player can either roll once for free or roll two dice with 5 Eridium. Should the player roll twice, the highest number rolled determines what rarity of items appear inside the chest. Items range from white to pearlescent. |
Unassuming Chest
Introduced in Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, these old storage chests can be found exclusively throughout the DLC. They can contain randomly generated items ranging from white to E-tech including cash and Eridium. There is also the chance of the chest to turn into a Mimic.
Ammunition Crates
Regular Ammunition Crate
Returning from Borderlands, these smallish green crates can be found throughout Pandora. They can contain up to six ammunition packs of any sort.
Dahl Ammunition Crate
Introduced in Borderlands 2, Dahl ammunition crate can be found in areas where Dahl maintained its presence. These smallish green chests contain up to four ammunition packs of any sort or grenades.
This type can spawn a Loot Midget.
Storage Box
They can contain ammunition, cash, Eridium, health kits and pistols. The Storage Box' content can range from white to Pearlescent. The latter, however, has an extremely small spawn chance.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Hyperion Ammo Crate
Found anywhere Hyperion personnel are/were located, Hyperion ammo crates may contain cash, ammunition and health kits. Only the first type can contain health or cash though, the second always holds ammo.
- These containers can spawn a Loot Midget.
Ammo Tub
Tubs can be found in bandit towns and camps. They can contain ammunition. There's one which is oversized, located at the first bandit shack after entering Tundra Express.
Pirate Ammo Crate
These chests can be found in either Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep or Sir Hammerlock vs. the Son of Crawmerax and will always contain ammunition however, exclusively in Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, these chests have a random chance to either spew out several bundles of cash upon opening or to be booby-trapped with a live grenade that explodes in a wide radius shortly after being opened.
Tiny Pirate Box
These containers are exclusive to Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep and unlike its regular-sized kin, these will always contain a single pack of ammunition of any sort, health, cash, eridium or a vehicle skin.
Savage Ammo Crate
Exclusive to Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt, these strange crates are found commonly throughout Aegrus and may contain cash, ammunition, health kits, and Eridium. They appear to be Hyperion ammo chests modified with tribal symbols by the Savages.
Other objects
Lock boxes and Strong boxes
There are two types of boxes, lock boxes and strong boxes. These always contain money or Eridium.
Locker
Vertical lockers, sometimes found in rows of several side-by-side. These can contain money, ammo, pistols, shields, health kits, Eridium, grenade mods or class mods and in rare occasions there can spawn two items in a single locker. The rarity scale for the items ranges from white to pearlescent. The latter, however, has an extremely small spawn chance.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Mail box
Mail boxes are normally found outside of huts and buildings and some of them cannot be opened, for example, when they belong to a specific mission. These can contain ammunition, money or Eridium.
- The first type may spawn a Loot Midget.
Safe
Safes can be found in many human habitations. They can be opened by first attempting to "open" them then "smashing" the lock with a melee strike or by shooting at it. Safes can contain money, Eridium, ammunition, pistols, grenade mods, shields or relics. The rarity scale, for the pistols and grenade mods range from white to E-tech, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance. The inside of the door has 'Dahlicious' carved on it.
Washing Machine
These can contain ammo, relics or Eridium.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Stove
These are exclusive to The Horrible Hunger of the Ravenous Wattle Gobbler and can contain cash, ammo, blue crystal shards and in one occasion, a slag pistol (to facilitate part of a story mission).
Toilet
Toilets can be found in any human habitation, as well as in some places of open areas. They can contain ammunition, health kits, money or Eridium.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Fridge
These may contain ammo, Eridium, or a Health Kit.
Dumpster
Green, rectangular containers which have the Dahl logo on the side. Usually contain a variable amount of money, though they may also contain ammo, Eridium, weapons, or class mods. The rarity scale for its contents ranges from white to pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance. Dumpsters located in the Caustic Caverns may contain a Larval Varkid.
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Parcel
Parcels are found in any human habitations including bandit camps and Dahl and Hyperion facilities. They can contain a single ammo pack, Eridium, health, or a pistol. The rarity scale for pistols ranges from white to pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance.
A notable parcel is one in The Dust, as if certain criteria are met, you will be messaged by Handsome Jack, to which the parcel (when opened) will contain a severed skull with hair on it and the Unique Dahl pistol: Gwen's Head
- This container can spawn a Loot Midget.
Dahl Strongbox
Dahl strongboxes can be found anywhere Dahl has maintained a presence. They can contain money, Eridium or a health kit.
Dahl Lockbox
Dahl lockboxes can be found anywhere Dahl has maintained a presence. They can contain ammunition, health kits, Eridium or cash.
Hyperion Lockbox
Hyperion lockboxes can be found anywhere Hyperion has maintained a presence. They can contain cash, a health kit, or Eridium.
Vase
This breakable objects can be found in Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep DLC and they can contain ammo, cash, Eridium or weapons. The contents can range from white to pearlescent, the latter however having an extremely small spawn chance.
Pumpkin
This breakable objects can be found in TK Baha's Bloody Harvest DLC and they can contain ammo, cash, health, candy, or Pumplings.
Present
This boxes come in various colors and sizes, they can be found in How Marcus Saved Mercenary Day DLC and they can contain ammo, cash or Eridium.
Balloons
This breakable objects can be found in Mad Moxxi and the Wedding Day Massacre DLC and they can contain ammo, cash or health.
At the end of the mission A Match Made on Pandora, a single large balloon will float in over the Love's Lookout. It will release fairly large quantity of loot after it gets hit by a lightning. Loot includes cash, ammo, Eridium and weapons and grenade mods ranging from white to purple. Revisiting the area and killing the happy couple and their entourage respawns the balloon.
Egg
This breakable objects can be found in Sir Hammerlock vs. the Son of Crawmerax DLC and they can contain ammo, cash or health.
Bones or Trash Pile
Bone piles can be found in skag, skeleton or non-arctic Bullymong territories. Trash piles can be found in and around any human habitations. They can contain ammunition, health, money, Eridium, customization skins and any kind of equipable item such as weapons, relics or mods. The contents can range from white to Pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance. While virtually any pile can simply be activated to smash it, trash piles specifically, for whatever reason, can only be opened by taking damage (melee attack, being shot, etc.).
Stalker Pile and Pod
Stalker piles and pods can be found in any stalker habitat. Piles are found on the ground while pods are elevated off the ground, hanging from stalker nests or connected to the ground by its membrane. They can contain ammunition, health, money, Eridium, customization skins and any kind of equipable item such as weapons, relics or mods. The contents can range from white to Pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance.
- This object can spawn a Loot Midget.
Bullymong Mound
Bullymong mounds can be found in arctic bullymong habitat (which is the most common). They can contain ammunition, health, money, Eridium, customization skins and any kind of equipable item such as weapons, relics or mods. The contents can range from white to Pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance.
Varkid, Spider and Spiderant pods
These piles can be found in any varkid, spider or spiderant habitat or in Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep. They can contain ammunition, health, money, Eridium, customization skins and any kind of equipable item such as weapons, relics or mods. The contents can range from white to Pearlescent, the latter, however, having an extremely small spawn chance.
Crystalisk shard
Crystalisk shards are found in places where there are crystalisks nearby just like The Fridge or Caustic Caverns. They can be broken with melee attacks and yellow crystals worth money will drop around just like with crystalisks themselves.
Gas Tank
Flammable tanks can be found in bandit towns and camps. Damaging a tank will cause it to either explode immediately or start to leak, gradually losing "health" until it explodes, dealing incendiary damage to a wide radius. Upon detonation, however, the tank can disperse ammunition, health packs, weapons, Eridium, cash, class mods and vehicle skins. The contents can range from white to purple, the latter, however, having a small spawn chance except in the case of customizations. Note that there are also large steel gas tanks with the Jakobs logo on them--they function similarly to Bandit gas tanks, but do not contain any items.
Gas Canister
Explosive gas canisters can be found in bandit towns and camps. Shooting at it will cause it to explode dealing damage to a wide radius. Upon detonation, however, the tank can disperse ammunition, health packs, weapons, Eridium, cash, class mods and vehicle skins. Unlike its bigger kin, this will disperse less items though.
Ice Sculpture
Ice sculptures are found scattered about the Fridge, both on the ground and suspended from the ceilings of the Dahl facilities. They can contain ammunition, weapons, health packs, class and grenade mods, money, relics, Eridium and customization skins (quite possibly, the frozen remains of the resident Rats' victims). The contents can range from white to purple, the latter, however, having a small spawn chance except in the case of customizations.
Grave
Graves are found on Boot Hill in The Dust and also in Thousand Cuts near the Buzzard Factory. Graves can contain ammunition, Eridium, or a health kit (or a bandit corpse, a coffin marked "SCRAM," or a volleyball).
Snowman's Head
The head of the snowman found directly after entering Tundra Express via the Tundra Express Fast Travel hub can be looted for ammunition and, given the right set of circumstances, can contain the Tinderbox. There is another that can spawn down at the first bandit shack right after passing the big skeleton, without the snowman's body though.
Notes
* Looting these objects does not count towards the lootable object count in the "Open Pandora's Boxes" challenge.
Borderlands 3
Weapon Chests
Regular Grey Chest
Regular Red Chest
Maliwan Grey Chest
Maliwan Red Chest
Jakobs Locker
Jakobs Chest
Jakobs Red Chest
Bandit Dook Hut
May contain cash, health, ammo, equipment... or Goliath.
Bandit Car Trunk
Bandit Red Chest
Typhon's Dead Drop
Can only be opened after discovering the associated Typhon Logs for each zone. Unlike other chests, these do not respawn.
Regular Eridian Chest
Seemingly inconspicuous stone slabs, they are usually covered by Eridium deposits and remain inaccessible until the mission Beneath the Meridian is completed.
Red Eridian Chest
Hyperion Yellow Weapon Chest
Hyperion Red Weapon Chest
Hyperion Dook Hut
Blackjack Chest
Ammunition Crates
Regular Ammunition Crate
Storage Box
Bandit Ammo Crate
Bandit Treasure Chest
Atlas Ammo Crate
Maliwan Lockbox
Eridian Ammo Crate
Hyperion Ammo Crate
Other objects
Medical Supply Crate
Lock boxes, Safes and Strong boxes
Jakobs Strong Box
Phonograph
A fancy way of storing cash or ammo.
Locker
Vertical lockers, sometimes found in rows of several side-by-side. These can contain any loot from money to ammo to weapons.
Mail box
Common sight at the front yards of many households. They contain cash, ammo, health and pistols.
Washing Machine
May contain a wide variety of items including cash, health, ammo, weapons, and even Tinks.
Toilet
Drops cash, health, ammo or pistols.
Fridge
May contain a wide variety of items from cash, health, ammo to small-caliber arms, grenade mods and cosmetics.
Trash Bin
Parcel
Parcels are found in any human habitations including COV camps and Maliwan and Atlas facilities. They can contain a single ammo pack, health, or any kind of common firearms from pistols to sniper rifles.
Toy Vending Machine
Contains cash and ammo, rarely common firearms.
Cash Register
Bones or Trash Pile
Wherever there are humans/animals, there are piles of wastes. Can be broken with damage or opened with action button and contain all kinds of loot.
Ratch Cocoon
Met within Ratch-infested habitats. May contain cash, health, or ammo.
Varkid Pod
Plant Pod
Wooden Crate, Supply Crate
Rare sight even around country landscapes. Upon being broken drops health, ammo or a weapon.
Barrel
Swamp Bloom Ale Crate
Broken Service Bot
Vase
Found around Athenas, drops cash or ammo.
Balloon
Drops cash.
Jabber Totem
Found around jabber villages, drops cash or ammo when broken.
Husk
What remained of a victim of Godqueen Tyreen's hunger forms a crystalized life-like figure. Drops health or ammo when broken.
Eridium Polycrystal
Found in remote places all around the galaxy. Requires the Eridian Resonator to break into bars of Eridium.
Eridium Jar
A jar containing Eridium crystals. Common around Guts of Carnivora. Break it to release a bunch of Eridium.