In Borderlands 3, taking on side quests can be as thrilling as the main storyline, especially when you’re hunting for unique loot. Among the myriad of tasks, the Maliwannabees side quest stands out for its connection to the infamous Borman Nates. Borman Nates is a rare spawn miniboss with a coveted drop: the powerful Psycho Stabber pistol. Locating and defeating him is a worthy challenge for any Vault Hunter looking for an upgrade to their arsenal.
We understand the importance of step-by-step guidance in ensuring a successful hunt for Borman Nates. The Maliwannabees quest, once unlocked during the Hostile Takeover mission, directs us to the Meridian Outskirts on Promethea. Initiating the mission is straightforward, but making Borman Nates spawn requires patience, as he is a rare miniboss. The quest isn’t just about the loot; it’s a vendetta for Ziff, determined to avenge her family. Following Ziff’s tip-offs and checking the Notice Board on Sanctuary can lead us closer to this elusive enemy.
The key approach in spawning Borman Nates involves persistent travel to his potential spawn location. Continuously reloading the game may be necessary, as Borman Nates does not always spawn right away. Our perseverance pays off not only in the action-packed skirmish that ensues but also in the satisfaction of ticking off another side quest from our Borderlands 3 bucket list. With the right level—recommended at 10—and a bit of in-game determination, we are all set to face Borman Nates and claim our much-deserved Psycho Stabber.
Contents
Assembling Your Mission
Preparing for the Mali Wannabees quest in Borderlands 3 (BL3) requires you to engage with the right steps. We’ll need to locate the quest giver, understand the objectives, and make sure you’re adequately prepared before embarking on a mission to take down the notorious Borman Nates.
Locating the Quest Giver
First things first, we have to find the person who’ll set us on this thrilling bounty hunt. The quest giver is Ziff, who can be found in the Meridian Outskirts. Fast travel is an essential tool here; it saves us time and puts us right in the heart of the action, where the side mission becomes available to us.
To unlock the Mali Wannabees quest, we’ll need to progress through the Hostile Takeover main mission first. Once that’s out of the way, the side mission will surface for us to tackle.
Understanding the Objectives
Understanding the mission’s goals is vital. Borman Nates, a miniboss known for dropping the legendary pistol Psycho Stabber, is the target. The mission is simple: find Borman Nates and eliminate him. He’s a rare spawn which adds a layer of challenge to this task. Track him down in the Meridian Outskirts, where the Psycho is said to wander.
Borman Nates may not always be present, so patience and persistence are keys to eventually encountering this miniboss.
Pre-Mission Preparation
Let’s not rush headlong into danger without proper preparation. Ensure your gear is up to par and that you’re stocked up on ammo. Level 10 is recommended before you confront Nates, so take time to level up if necessary.
If you’re hunting for the Psycho Stabber—or just in it for the thrill—double-checking your loadout is crucial. Here’s a quick checklist:
| Weapons | Shields | Health Supplies |
| Ensure diversity for various ranges | Maximized for defense | Sufficient for sustain |
| Ammo | Grenades | |
| Stocked for all weapon types | Variety for tactical advantage |
Our mission will sometimes cross paths with a notice board in Sanctuary. Keep an eye on it, because catching Borman Nates off his guard might just turn the tides in our favor. Now that we’re ready, let’s head out and complete this mission with the confidence and readiness it demands.
Tracking Down Borman Nates
To capture Borman Nates, understanding his spawn location and the enemy dynamics around him is essential. We’ll discuss optimizing the journey to Promethea, dissecting the Meridian Outskirts map, and the best tactics for the inevitable showdown.
Our adventure starts on Promethea, a planet ripe with urban environments and Atlas technology. Borman Nates is located in the Meridian Outskirts, which is accessible after progressing through the Hostile Takeover mission. Ensure you’re at least level 10 before venturing forth, as the enemies on Promethea won’t hold back.
Meridian Outskirts Map Overview
| Landmark | Item of Interest | Enemy Type |
| Supply Vehicle | Loot | Maliwan Forces |
| Borman Nates Spawn Location | Psycho Stabber Pistol | COV Enemies |
In Meridian Outskirts, exploring the map is crucial to discover all the hidden corners where loot and enemies hide. Pay attention to the supply vehicle for potential high-quality gear, and study the various spawn points, focusing on the area where Borman Nates may appear.
Enemy Encounters and Tactics
Borman Nates, paying homage to Norman Bates, is not your average foe; armed with the infamous Psycho Stabber weapon, he demands a strategic approach. He’s often surrounded by COV enemies, so taking them out from a distance before engaging him is a wise tactic. Always be on the move to dodge his attacks and break line of sight to heal if necessary. It’s worth noting that he shares similarities with Rakkman, another Easter Egg enemy, but don’t let that trick you into a false sense of security—Borman Nates is unique and requires a tailored strategy.
Combat Strategies and Loot
In this section, we’ll dive into meticulous strategies to defeat Borman Nates, understand the respawn mechanics, and discuss the coveted loot rewards you can obtain from this encounter. Aim to come prepared for a tough fight, and keep your fingers crossed for those legendary drops.
Defeating Borman Nates
Rare Spawn Mechanics
Expected Rewards and Loot
| Weapon Type | Item Name | Drop Rate |
| Pistol | Psycho Stabber | 10% |
| SMG | Cutsman | 10% |
| Assault Rifle | Sawbar | Unspecified |
In the loot department, we are gunning for Borman’s legendary pistol, the Psycho Stabber, for its melee enhancement capabilities, along with the Cutsman SMG, which is ideal for stripping enemy shields. An assault rifle known as the Sawbar may also drop, adding to our arsenal a weapon suited for spreading incendiary damage across multiple foes. Keep in mind, while the listed drop rates are a solid indicator, patience is key in securing these treasured rewards.
Mission Conclusion
Completing the Mali Wannabees quest in Borderlands 3 culminates in returning to the quest giver, collecting your well-deserved rewards, and employing strategic tips to maximize the gains from the mission.
Returning to the Quest Giver
Completing Objectives and Receiving Rewards
| Objective Completion | Reward Collection |
| Borman Nates killed, mission objectives met. | Cash reward and potentially rare loot. |
Once we’ve completed the quest objectives, registering the success with Ziff grants us the deserved cash reward. There’s also a chance for additional loot drops from Borman Nates, depending on our luck.