Borderlands 3 Walkthroughs,
This page contains a complete step-by-step walkthrough for the second chapter in the game, From the Ground Up.

From the Ground Up Mission Summary

The long-lost Vault Mao has resurfaced, and now it’s a race to see who can recover it first. Your first lead is a bandit warchief whose clan makes their home in the Droughts.

From the Ground Up Rewards and Requirements

Listed below are the rewards and level requirements for completing the From the Ground Up Mission Objectives.

Suggested Level: Lvl 2

Rewards: $301.00, a Rare Skin, and 220 XP.

From the Ground Up Mission Objectives

  • Equip Grenade Mod and speak to Lilith
  • Secure the Propaganda Center
  • Speak to Lilith
  • Follow Lilith
  • Watch Monitors
  • Find the Sun Smasher Chief
  • Shoot down Vaughn
  • Talk to Vaughn
  • Follow Vaughn
  • Clear Area of Skags below
  • Escort Vaughn to Lilith
  • Speak to Lilith

From the Ground Up Walkthrough

To start the mission, Equip your Grenade Mod reward and Speak with Lilith.

After speaking with Lilith, Secure the Area and take out all COV enemies.

Once all enemies have been defeated Speak with Lilith and follow her into the Propaganda Center.

As you enter the room, Watch the TV Monitors as a short cutscene plays.

After watching the monitors, Lilith asks you to Find the Sun Smasher Chief. To find the Sun Smasher Chief, make your way through the newly opened door and Travel to The Droughts.

Once you have made it to The Droughts, continue the mission by heading North through the gates and using the on-screen/map marker to find the Sun Smasher Chief’s location.

While making your way to the location, you’ll likely encounter several Skags – simply bypass them. As you near the location, you’ll find that the area is filled with COV soldiers. Clear the area and make your way through the COV camp.

As you near the Sun Smasher Chief’s location – there is a large, flame shooting star above the door – you’ll hear an unknown voice calling out for help.

When making your way through the corridor, a short cutscene will play introducing Vaughn, who is currently chained up and hanging upside down.

Help Vaughn down by Shooting the Chain near his Feet. After freeing Vaughn, Speak with Him.

Escape the COV camp by Following Vaughn to a nearby cave. The COV will attack you, but they can be bypassed if you don’t feel like taking them out.

Once inside the cave, Vaughn will inform you that the area below is infested with Skags and can not be passed. Clear the Area of Skags.

After clearing the Skags, Escort Vaughn back to Lilith. Lilith can be found in the Crimson Command room directly above the entrance to the COV center.