If you still enjoy playing Borderlands 3 in 2026, congratulations. You either really love looting, or you don’t want to move on like other people. Either way, Shift codes are still one of the easiest methods to get some free Golden Keys, Diamond Keys, and other rewards without grinding too long.
Gearbox may be busy working on Borderlands 4, but Borderlands 3 isn’t completely ignored. Some Shift codes can still be used, some never expire, and knowing which ones matter saves you from a stressful search.
This guide tells you everything clearly. No gimmick, no hype, just which one can be used and how to use it.
Are There Any Active Borderlands 3 Shift Codes Right Now?
As of late 2025 and early 2026, Gearbox has paused releasing new time-limited Shift codes for Borderlands 3. This usually happens when they’re promoting a new Borderlands title, and yes, it’s annoying but not new.
The good news is that permanent Shift codes still exist, and some of them are very generous. If you’ve never redeemed them, you’re sitting on free loot.
Permanent Borderlands 3 Shift Codes (Still Worth Using)
These Shift codes are said to be permanent or have no known expiration. They mostly reward Golden Keys, Diamond Keys, and cosmetic items.
Golden Keys and Diamond Keys
- SFXJT-S3XS3-3T3JT-33BTJ-R33JJ
75 Golden Keys + 20 Diamond Keys - ZFFTJ-RWRZJ-3B333-TTJJ3-XKCSK
50 Golden Keys + 20 Diamond Keys - SXFBT-39953-J33TT-3T333-KSHW6
50 Golden Keys + 10 Diamond Keys - CSWTB-TZCZH-WFC6Z-633TT-SJ6JS
10 Golden Keys + 1 Diamond Key - 59KBB-95FSS-WRKRH-FJJJ3-KT6K6
10 Golden Keys
Make it one of the big bundles if you only want to redeem one code. You shouldn’t overlook the reward. Golden Keys stack, and Diamond Keys that you get from the bundle are rare enough.
Permanent Cosmetic Shift Codes
These unlock character heads and visual items. No gameplay advantage, but Borderlands fashion is serious business.
Some notable ones:
- Shrine Saint Head (Amara)
KSWJJ-J6TTJ-FRCF9-X333J-5Z6KJ - Antihero Head + Saurian Skull Trinket
KSK33-S5T33-XX5FS-R3BTB-WSXRC - Super Mecha Head
KZKJB-C5BTT-RXW69-XJ33B-5JRBS - Arachnoir Head
KZKBB-5HZ9S-CFKR9-RJ3T3-JBTK6
Most of these have been redeemable for years and still work across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
What Are Shift Codes in Borderlands 3?
Shift codes are 25-character codes released by Gearbox that give you free in-game rewards. In Borderlands 3, they mainly unlock:
- Golden Keys for the Golden Chest
- Diamond Keys for the Diamond Armory
- Cosmetic items like heads and trinkets
They’re not cheats. They’re official rewards. Gearbox hands them out, then pretends they don’t exist for months.
How to Redeem Borderlands 3 Shift Codes
You have two reliable options.
Option 1: Redeem In-Game (Most Reliable)
- Open the game
- Pause and go to Social
- Open the SHiFT tab
- Paste the code
- Done
This method avoids most website errors.
Option 2: Redeem on the SHiFT Website
- Visit the official SHiFT site
- Log in or create an account
- Link your Steam, Epic, PlayStation, or Xbox account
- Paste the code under Rewards
If a code fails on the website, try redeeming it in-game before giving up.
How Golden Keys Work (And When to Use Them)
Golden Keys open the Golden Chest on Sanctuary III, located near the fast travel point.
What you get:
- Gear scaled to your current level
- Mostly purple rarity
- Small chance at legendary loot
Best time to use Golden Keys:
- While leveling up
- When your gear starts falling behind
- Not at max level unless you’re feeling lucky
They’re helpful, but they won’t replace dedicated farming for endgame builds.
Diamond Keys Explained (Short Version)
Diamond Keys unlock the Diamond Armory, giving you a timed selection of top-tier loot. These are rare, and you should treat them like rare currency, because that’s exactly what they are.
If you have Diamond Keys and don’t know where to use them, you’re not ready yet. Save them.
Why New Shift Codes Are Rare Right Now
Gearbox does this every time a new Borderlands game is coming. Borderlands 3 Shift codes slow down, then quietly resume later.
It happened before. It’ll happen again. Bookmarking a guide like this saves you from checking Twitter every day like a desperate Vault Hunter.
Final Thoughts
Borderlands 3 may not be something glittery and new anymore, but free loot is still free loot. If you skipped them years ago, permanent Shift codes are absolutely worth redeeming.
Grab the keys, open the chest, and let RNG decide your fate. That’s Borderlands, whether it’s 2019 or 2026.
No promises. Just guns.
