DexertoOne of the first real hurdles players hit in Borderlands 4 comes during the Recruitment Drive quest, when you are suddenly asked to get clearance for an elevator.
After breezing through the tutorial and fighting for your life to get the best settings, the mission flow slows to a halt as Claptrap waits for you on the other side of a locked lift. The problem is that the game does not mark where you are supposed to find this clearance, leaving many wandering in circles or backtracking through the level.
It feels like something is missing, but the solution is actually right in front of you if you know what to look for. Here is how to unlock the elevator and keep Claptrap moving in Borderlands 4.
Clearance for the elevator location in Recruitment Drive
When you reach the elevator at the end of the Recruitment Drive, you will notice that the controls will not respond. This is where many players assume they have missed a switch or that something is bugged, but what you really need is the access clearance from a nearby corpse.
Turn around and look by the railing close to the elevator platform. You will spot the body of a downed Timekeeper bandit slumped against a crate.
Approach it and interact, and you will automatically pull a Bolt from his body. That Bolt is the clearance key needed to power up the elevator.
It is easy to overlook because the interaction prompt is small and only appears when you are very close, so make sure you move right up to the body until the button shows.
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Once you grab the Bolt, head back to the control panel and activate the elevator. Claptrap will ride up to join you, and the mission will advance to the safehouse sequence.
Completing this step not only clears the Recruitment Drive quest but also unlocks your first safehouse. This hub includes vending machines for gear, a fast travel point, and a few early side quests to kickstart your run. From here, the story starts to open up, but getting past the elevator puzzle is your first real test.
For more help with your journey, check out our other Borderlands 4 build guides for Rafa, Amon, Harlowe, and Vex.