How to Defeat Vile Lictor in Borderlands 4 (BL4 Boss Fight Guide)

At the end of His Vile Sanctum in Borderlands 4, you’ll face Vile Lictor, one of the Timekeeper’s most dangerous generals. Not only is he a story-critical boss, but he also has ambitions of becoming a god. The fight is challenging—especially because Amara and Bruce can’t assist you here—but with the right strategy, you can bring him down.

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In this BL4 Vile Lictor guide, we’ll break down his attacks, explain how to survive the purple explosion mechanic, and share the best tactics for defeating him.

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Vile Lictor Location in Borderlands 4

• Mission: His Vile Sanctum (final mission of Terminus Range storyline)
• Location: End of the Sanctum dungeon
• Assistants: None (Amara and Bruce are unavailable)
• Health Bars: Two (no Vile Shield mechanic)

If you die, you won’t need to backtrack too far—respawn points are close to the arena.

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Vile Lictor’s Attacks

Here’s what to expect in this Borderlands 4 boss fight:

• Energy Claws (Phase 1 & 2): His limbs shoot claw-like energy projectiles.
• Void Energy Walls: Creates purple walls across the arena with safe gaps to avoid damage.
• Phase 2 Barrage: Fires claws from all limbs in rapid succession.
• Teleportation (Phase 2): Moves around the arena quickly.
• Purple Explosion Orb (Phase 2): A giant orb forms in the middle of the arena, forcing you to grapple upwards to survive.

The purple explosion attack is the deadliest—if you don’t grapple to a safe spot, the floor collapses, and you’ll likely die.

How to Beat Vile Lictor in BL4

Phase 1: Destroy the Limbs

• Focus fire on Vile Lictor’s limbs—breaking them opens weak spots.
• Use electric weapons for faster shield and limb destruction.
• Destroying all limbs reduces his Energy Claw spam significantly.
• Aim for glowing purple spots once limbs are down to damage his core body.

Tip: Stay mid-range so you can see the gaps in the Void Walls more clearly.

Phase 2: Critical Damage Windows

• Vile Lictor becomes mobile, crawling around the arena.
• Keep moving to avoid claw barrages.
• When his face opens, unload on him for critical hits.
• At 50% and 25% HP, watch for the purple explosion orb—grapple to higher platforms to avoid instant death, then drop back down when the floor resets.

Recommended Loadout

• Element: Electric weapons (essential for limb destruction).
• Weapon Types:

• SMGs or Assault Rifles for constant DPS.
• Snipers for precision when weak points open.
• Grenades/Mods: AoE splash grenades to clear adds quickly.

Rewards for Defeating Vile Lictor

• XP
• Money
• Eridium
• Unique loot (chance to drop story-related items, including Lictor’s Bolt)

While intimidating, Vile Lictor in Borderlands 4 is a fight of patience and awareness rather than raw difficulty. Break his limbs in Phase 1, keep an eye on the Void Walls, and always prepare for the purple explosion mechanic in Phase 2. With good mobility and an electric weapon, you’ll bring him down and claim victory.

Whether you’re searching “how to beat Vile Lictor BL4” or “purple explosion Borderlands 4 Vile Lictor”, this guide should help you conquer one of the most important bosses in the Terminus Range storyline.