Ultimate Borderlands 4 Boss Guide (October 2025) Saddleback & Boneface

Borderlands 4 continues the franchise’s legacy of intense boss battles, and Saddleback with Immortal Boneface represent two of the most formidable challenges in the game. These bosses aren’t just bullet sponges they’re complex encounters that require strategy, preparation, and skill to overcome.

Saddleback is a massive beast that combines speed with devastating area attacks, while Immortal Boneface lives up to his name with phases that make him seemingly invincible. Both bosses guard some of the best loot in the game, making them essential targets for any Vault Hunter looking to maximize their build.

Why I Enjoy Playing Against These Bosses?

I’ll admit it—I died. A lot. But there’s something incredibly satisfying about finally overcoming these challenges after learning their patterns and perfecting your approach. What I love most about Saddleback and Immortal Boneface is how they force you to use every tool in your arsenal.

Unlike simpler bosses where you might just stand and shoot, these encounters demand movement, timing, and strategic thinking. The first time I finally defeated Immortal Boneface after a dozen attempts, I actually jumped out of my chair. That feeling of accomplishment is what Borderlands is all about, and these bosses deliver it in spades.

How to Defeat Saddleback?

Preparation Phase

Before facing Saddleback, I recommend the following preparations:

• Level: Ensure you’re at least the recommended level (typically 2-3 levels above for a smoother fight)
• Weapons: Bring a mix of corrosive and incendiary weapons
• Shield: A shield with high capacity and quick recharge delay works best
• Grenade Mod: Area-of-effect grenades for clearing adds
• Class Mod: Focus on damage reduction and action skill cooldown

Location and Approach

Saddleback can be found in the Dust Devil Canyons, accessible after completing the “Ride the Lightning” main story mission. The arena is relatively open with several rock formations that provide cover.

Phase 1: The Charge

When the fight begins, Saddleback will immediately charge at you. I’ve found that timing is everything here:

1. Wait until he’s about 15 feet away
2. Dodge sideways (not backward)
3. Fire 2-3 shots at his exposed underbelly
4. Repeat this pattern while maintaining distance

Pro tip: His charge attack always leaves him vulnerable for 2-3 seconds afterward—make those shots count!

Phase 2: The Swarm

At around 70% health, Saddleback summons smaller creatures called “Dust Pups.” These can quickly overwhelm you if left unchecked:

• Switch to your area-of-effect weapon
• Focus on clearing adds quickly
• Use your action skill if available
• Don’t ignore Saddleback completely—land a few shots between add waves

Phase 3: Frenzy Mode

Below 30% health, Saddleback enters frenzy mode, gaining speed and new attacks:

• His charge now has a wider arc
• He gains a jumping stomp attack that creates shockwaves
• His roar now applies a slow effect

My strategy: Save your most powerful abilities and weapons for this phase. Use the rock formations to break line of sight and recharge shields between attacks.

How to Defeat Immortal Boneface?

Preparation Requirements

Immortal Boneface requires significantly more preparation:

• Level: At least 5 levels above recommended
• Weapons: Bring shock weapons for shield stripping and corrosive for armor
• Shield: An adaptive shield that resists all elements
• Artifact: A damage-increasing artifact
• Com: One that boosts your most-used skill tree

Understanding the “Immortality” Mechanic

Immortal Boneface isn’t actually immortal, but he has a regeneration mechanic that makes him seem that way:

• He regenerates health rapidly when below 50%
• To stop regeneration, you must destroy the three Soul Anchors around the arena
• Each anchor destroyed reduces his regeneration rate
• All three must be destroyed to prevent regeneration entirely

Phase 1: Shielded Assault

The fight begins with Immortal Boneface protected by a powerful shield:

1. Focus entirely on shield-stripping weapons
2. Target his shoulder-mounted shield generators
3. Once his shield is down, switch to corrosive weapons
4. Destroy the first Soul Anchor during this phase

Personal insight: I wasted several attempts trying to damage him through his shield. Don’t make my mistake—prioritize taking down that shield first!

Phase 2: Army of the Damned

At 65% health, Boneface summons skeletal warriors:

• These enemies can revive each other if left alone
• Prioritize killing the “Necromancers” first (they have glowing staffs)
• Use the second Soul Anchor as cover while dealing with adds
• Destroy the second anchor when the area is relatively clear

Phase 3: Bone Armor

Below 35% health, Boneface encases himself in bone armor:

• This armor must be broken before you can damage him again
• Aim for the glowing cracks in the armor
• He’ll slam the ground, sending bone shards in all directions
• Time your attacks between these slam attacks

Critical strategy: This is when you should destroy the final Soul Anchor. Once all three are destroyed, his health will no longer regenerate, making this final phase much more manageable.

Borderlands 4 Boss Loot Tables

Both Saddleback and Immortal Boneface drop specific legendary items that can’t be found elsewhere:

Saddleback Drops

Item Name	Type	Drop Rate	Special Effect
Saddleback’s Saddle	Shield	10%	+50% movement speed while crouched
Dust Devil SMG	SMG	8%	Bullets create small tornadoes
Canyon Caller	Sniper	7%	Shots pierce through enemies

Immortal Boneface Drops

Item Name	Type	Drop Rate	Special Effect
Boneface’s Immortality	Artifact	12%	5% chance to ignore fatal damage
Soul Reaver	Pistol	9%	Heals you for a portion of damage dealt
Necromancer’s Staff	Assault Rifle	8%	Has a chance to summon skeleton allies

Pro tip: The Mayhem 3 mode increases legendary drop rates significantly, though it also makes these fights considerably more challenging.

Latest Borderlands 4 Updates Affecting Boss Fights

As of the October 2025 update, several changes have impacted these boss encounters:

• Saddleback’s hitboxes have been improved, making it easier to target weak points
• Immortal Boneface’s regeneration phase has been slightly nerfed (regeneration rate reduced by 15%)
• A new checkpoint system has been added, preventing players from losing progress if disconnected mid-fight
• Several exploits that allowed players to cheese these bosses have been patched
• New legendary items have been added to their loot pools

Tips & Tricks to Master These Boss Fights

General Strategies

1. Master the slide: Borderlands 4’s new slide mechanic is essential for dodging attacks
2. Environmental awareness: Both arenas have hazards you can use against the bosses
3. Co-op coordination: These fights are significantly easier with coordinated teammates
4. Action skill timing: Save your most powerful abilities for critical moments

Character-Specific Strategies

Beastmaster: Use your pet to distract adds while focusing on the boss
Gunner: Your deployable turret is perfect for consistent damage while you dodge
Operative: Invisibility can save you during critical moments when you need to heal
Siren: Phase grasp can temporarily immobilize both bosses, creating windows for damage

FAQs About Borderlands 4 Boss Fights

How many times can I farm these bosses?

You can fight these bosses as many times as you want. Simply exit to the main menu and reload to make them respawn.

What’s the best solo character for these fights?

In my experience, the Gunner is the most forgiving for solo attempts due to the turret’s consistent damage and the tanky nature of the character.

Do these bosses have unique dialogue?

Yes! Both Saddleback and Immortal Boneface have extensive dialogue that changes based on the fight phase and your actions. I recommend listening carefully as they sometimes telegraph their attacks.

Can I fight these bosses in TVHM mode?

Absolutely, and I recommend it! The True Vault Hunter Mode offers better loot drops and more challenging fights that are perfect for testing your mastery of these encounters.

Are there any time-limited events affecting these bosses?

Currently, there’s a “Revenge of the Raid Bosses” event running until the end of the month that increases legendary drop rates by 25% and adds unique cosmetic drops.

Conclusion

Mastering Saddleback and Immortal Boneface in Borderlands 4 is no small feat, but with the strategies I’ve shared, you’ll be well-equipped to take them down. Remember that practice makes perfect—don’t get discouraged by initial failures. Each attempt teaches you something new about their patterns and vulnerabilities.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with these bosses! What strategies worked for you? Any legendary drops you’re particularly proud of? Share your stories in the comments below, and happy hunting, Vault Hunters!

Looking for more Borderlands 4 content? Check out our complete weapon tier list and best character builds to further optimize your gameplay!