The Lost Treasure is one of the most engaging optional side quests in Borderlands 2, offering Vault Hunters a classic scavenger hunt experience across Pandora. Triggered by a random ECHO log drop in Sawtooth Cauldron, this quest requires players to decipher clues, collect map pieces, and navigate a multi-switch puzzle to claim a stash of valuable gear. Completing this mission not only provides solid loot but also takes players off the main path to explore lesser-visited corners of the map.
Starting The Lost Treasure Quest in Sawtooth Cauldron
To initiate the quest, head to Sawtooth Cauldron and eliminate Bandits until one drops an ECHO recorder labeled "Treasure Map." Picking up this device begins the objective to assemble the complete map scattered across four distinct enemy strongholds. Make sure your inventory is prepped for sustained combat, as fighting through dense groups of Bandits and Scags is required to trigger the initial drop.
Once the quest is active, four waypoints will appear on your map directing you to specific locations within Sawtooth Cauldron. Each location contains a clue box guarded by heavy enemy forces that must be cleared out. Gamers who keep up with daily gaming news often point to this quest as a prime example of Borderlands 2's rewarding environmental exploration.
Collecting Map Clues and Deciphering the Location
Navigate through the main areas of Sawtooth Cauldron, including the Main Street Reservoir, Crammed Rock, and the Avie's Camp region, to interact with all four switches. Each switch reveals a portion of Captain Blade's lost treasure map, revealing the final coordinates of the chest. Be mindful of dangerous aerial enemies like Buzzards while navigating the vertical terrain of these Bandit encampments.
After interacting with all four map stations, your quest log updates to point toward Caustic Caverns. Travel to the nearest fast travel station and select Caustic Caverns to begin the final retrieval phase. The environment here is filled with corrosive acid pools, Varkids, and Threshers, so equip appropriate defensive shields and shock weapons before proceeding.
Solving the Elevator Switch Puzzle in Caustic Caverns
Upon arriving in Caustic Caverns, follow the objective marker leading toward the central facility area known as the Varkid Ramparts. You will need to take the main elevator up to the top level where the treasure chest room is sealed behind locked doors. To open the secret door, you must flip four hidden switches scattered around the upper facility in a specific order based on light indicators.
Locate the levers attached to pipes, pillars, and nearby wall structures surrounding the elevator shaft area. Flipping the switches correctly turns all indicator lights green, unsealing the door to the hidden room. If you flip a lever out of sequence, the puzzle resets, requiring you to carefully check each terminal again.
Reaching the Hidden Stash and Claiming Your Loot
Once the sequence is successfully solved, step inside the newly opened chamber to discover several Dahl red weapon chests and cash containers. Opening the primary chest completes the quest, rewarding you with substantial experience points and high-rarity weapons. The loot scales to your current level, making it a great stopping point to upgrade your gear during a playthrough.
