Borderlands 4 AAA for Effort Walkthrough
Complete guide to completing the AAA for Effort side mission in Borderlands 4
AAA for Effort is one of the most entertaining side missions in Borderlands 4. This comprehensive walkthrough will guide you through all objectives of this hilarious side quest where you help Max Sky get his "super sweet space mech" operational.
Mission Overview
Starting Location
Dominion > Terminus District
Quest Giver
Max Sky (via Computer Console interaction)
Unlock Requirement
Finished Main Mission 17: The Falling Wall
Reward
XP, Money, Pistol (Green or Purple rarity)
Where to Start AAA for Effort in Borderlands 4
This mission starts in the very north of Dominion's Terminus District. It will get marked on your map when you unfog the area, allowing you to place a waypoint and follow the location line to the quest start.
"Who can resist a super sweet space mech in need?" - Mission description
You must interact with a green-highlighted console to begin the quest. After initiating the quest, Max Sky will contact you over the ECHO device with his hilarious commentary.
Mission starting location on the map
Interact with the console to begin
AAA for Effort Mission Objectives Guide
Enter Ordonite Smelting Plant / Clear Enemies
After interacting with the quest start console, Max Sky will call you over the radio. Follow the location line to your objective marker. When you reach a big locked door, interact with the green-highlighted button on the right side of the door.
You'll then need to clear out the Order enemies in the plaza. These are typically mid-level soldiers, so come prepared with corrosive or shock weapons for their shields.
Pro Tip: After clearing enemies, the objective temporarily updates to find items around the city, but you can simply go back to the green-highlighted button on the door to open it immediately.
Reach Control Room in Borderlands 4 AAA Mission
Follow the location line through the facility (scan with your ECHO device). After dropping down into the second room, pull the grate in the back left corner to open an air duct and go through it.
You'll land in a room with some creatures. Use the grapple point at the end of the room, then climb to the top in the next area. Exit that room at the top to reach the control room, where more enemies await.
Activate All Three Power Banks
The control room contains three power banks that need activation. Each power bank will spawn a new wave of enemies when activated, so be prepared for combat.
First Power Bank
Located in the south-east corner (left corner) of the control room.
Second Power Bank
Found in the north-west corner of the same room.
Third Power Bank
Positioned in the south-west corner.
Activate Ordonite Battery Dispensers
After activating all three power banks, you need to activate the Ordonite battery dispensers. These are located on the east side of the control room, upstairs.
This step is crucial as you'll need these batteries later in the mission to power the mech.
Return to Max Sky / Place Ordonite Battery to Open Door
Exit the control room through the west gate and press the button to the right of the gate. When you reach the end of the next room, grab the battery to the right of the locked gate and insert it into the power source left of the gate.
From there, exit the facility and return to the quest start location where Max Sky and his mech are waiting.
Place Ordonite Battery in Mech's Back
Back in the room where the quest started, take a battery from the dispenser on the right side. Jump up behind the robot and throw the battery on its back.
Gameplay Tip: You might need to double jump or use your slam ability to reach high enough to place the battery correctly.
Turn on Ordonite Reactor / Open Thruster Covers
Halfway up behind the robot, interact with the 3 green highlighted spots. Then you need to pull open the thruster covers on the sides with R3/V when standing below them.
This step requires some platforming skills as you need to reach different parts of the mech.
Open Roof to Complete AAA for Effort Mission
Finally, hit the switch on the console where the quest started. The launch module will count down until the robot gets launched through the roof.
Enjoy the hilarious cutscene as Max Sky's mech finally takes off (with questionable success). The mission completes right after the launch sequence.
AAA for Effort Mission Rewards
Upon completion, you'll receive:
- Substantial XP (scales with your level)
- Generous money reward
- Random pistol (Green or Purple rarity)
- Progress toward completionist challenges
Weapon Reward Example
The pistol reward can vary from green to purple rarity with random parts and elements. Many players have reported getting Hyperion or Vladof pistols from this mission.
Borderlands 4 AAA for Effort Pro Tips
Combat Preparation
Bring corrosive or shock weapons to deal with armored enemies and shields effectively. The Order soldiers have varied defenses, so elemental variety helps.
Platforming Help
If you struggle with the platforming sections, consider respeccing into mobility skills or equipping artifacts that improve jump height or air control.
Skip Optional Steps
Remember you can skip the "find items around the city" step by simply returning to the door button after clearing enemies.
Farmable Mission
This mission can be repeated in True Vault Hunter Mode for better loot rewards, including an increased chance at the purple rarity pistol.
Video Guide for AAA for Effort Mission
If you're still having trouble with any part of this mission, check out our video walkthrough showing all steps in detail:
Conclusion
AAA for Effort is a classic Borderlands side mission that combines combat, platforming, and puzzle elements with the franchise's signature humor. While not particularly difficult, it offers an entertaining break from the main storyline and provides decent rewards for the time investment.
This mission showcases Borderlands 4's improved movement mechanics with the climbing and platforming sections, while the hilarious dialogue from Max Sky keeps the experience lighthearted and entertaining throughout.
For more Borderlands 4 guides, walkthroughs, and tips, check out our other content covering main missions, side quests, boss strategies, and loot farming routes!
Share Your Experience
Have you completed the AAA for Effort mission? What pistol did you get as a reward? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!