All Elemental Weaknesses in Borderlands 4, Explained

Borderlands 4 features 5 different elemental types across varying weapons scattered among the billions of guns found in the game. Each weapon might have an element to use, but some of these elements are weak against foes, whereas others are vastly stronger than a standard bullet or fist. Below, players will find each of the three enemy types: Health, Shield, and Armor, along with which elemental weapon they will want to use against them to deal the most damage. While no element makes enemies immune, some will provide more damage output, and others, less, so check the list below to ensure you are always staying one step ahead by switching out to the most effective damage type in Borderlands 4.

All Elemental Weapons Effective Against Flesh Enemies (Red Bar)

Effective Damage Type: Fire

Element	Effectiveness
Incendiary	Very Strong
Radiation	Normal
Corrosive	Normal
Cryo	Weak
Shock	Weak

Red Bar enemies are noted for having flesh, and these enemies are mostly found as the wildlife of Kairos, on Ripper enemies, and as some Order enemies. Red Bar enemies aren’t resistant to many elemental weapons, so feel free to use any element you see fit when facing a Red Bar. However, Incendiary is a super-effective damage type against Flesh, whereas most other damage types deal average damage, except for Cryo and Shock, which are considered weaker.

All Elemental Weapons Effective Against Shield Enemies (Blue Bar)

Effective Damage Type: Shock, Radiation, Cryo

Element	Effectiveness
Shock	Very Strong
Cryo	Strong
Radiation	Strong
Corrosive	Very Weak
Incendiary	Very Weak

The Blue Bar represents an enemy’s Shield, and most Order enemies will have a Blue Bar, as will some of the Ripper enemies that players will fight. Shields protect the main Health and Armor of enemies, and the biggest elemental weakness to Shields is Shock damage weapons. Radiation and Cryo are also effective against Shields, and players should avoid using Incendiary and Corrosive weapons, as these are extremely weak against shielded enemies.

All Elemental Weapons Effective Against Armor Enemies (Yellow Bar)

Effective Damage Type: Corrosive

Element	Effectiveness
Corrosive	Very Strong
Cryo	Normal
Incendiary	Normal
Radiation	Weak
Shock	Weak

Yellow Bar enemies are represented with an Armor bar that can either be in front of a Red Bar or replace it entirely. Yellow Bar enemies are mostly found when fighting the Order’s mechanical units. Corrosive weapons are super effective against Yellow Bar enemies. Everything else is not so great. Players will want to use Corrosive for Armored enemies and avoid using Shock and Radiation; these might deal damage, but they have a debuff when facing these foes.