In Borderlands 4, radioactive effects can be applied using specialized gear or character abilities. These elements are primarily acquired by defeating enemies or purchasing from vendors. Radiative properties excel at depleting shield-based protections and remain moderately effective against unarmored targets (those vulnerable to fire attacks).

This guide examines radioactive mechanics and character-specific applications within the game.

Radioactive Mechanics Explained

Radioactive damage persists through multiple phases, causing cumulative harm to primary targets and adjacent foes. This proves particularly valuable against weakened enemies, allowing players to shift focus while environmental effects finish opponents. The unique chain reaction triggers explosive bursts upon target elimination, spreading contamination within a defined area – ideal for crowd control scenarios.

While potent against shields and organic targets, radioactive energy suffers reduced effectiveness against armored enemies. Initial damage output also trails behind conventional elemental types. Post-detonation effects deal approximately 37.5% of the original explosive damage to secondary targets. Environmental interaction occurs when contaminated characters contact water sources, creating temporary radioactive zones.

Target susceptibility breakdown for radioactive effects:

Character-Specific Radiation Abilities

Vex and Harlowe possess inherent radioactive combat techniques, while Rafa and Amon require supplemental gear for radioactive attacks.

Vex’s Radioactive Arsenal

• Attuned Irradiation
• Gloomflare
• Cataclysm

Harlowe’s Nuclear Toolkit

• Chromatic Booster
• Particle Absorption
• Containment Breach
• Plutonic Surge
• Quantum Sphere
• Solar Contagion
• Fission Projector
• Reaction Multiplier
• Toxic Overflow
• Core Instability
• Contaminated Payload
• Unstable Catalyst
• Celestial Detonation
• Resonant Feedback
• Dimensional Shift
• Stellar Eruption
• Polar Vortex
• Event Horizon
• Core Collapse