Borderlands 3 has three Circles of Slaughter. In this game mode you face off against 5 rounds of enemies, each round consisting of multiple waves. Every wave of every round introduces stronger monsters.
In order to play the Circles of Slaughter you must find them in the game world or join someone through matchmaking. However, in matchmaking you can’t choose which Circle of Slaughter you’ll get to play. If you want to start a specific one it comes in handy to know the locations. They are actually marked as side missions but are found in their own unique areas that are easy to overlook during the story. None of the circles of slaughter are missable, you can still find them all after the story in free-roam!
If you want to play these in matchmaking go to PAUSE MENU > SOCIAL > MATCHMAKING > CIRCLE OF SLAUGHTER.
#1 – Cistern of Slaughter
Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex
The first Circle of Slaughter you can find is the “Cistern of Slaughter” in the middle of Meridian Metroplex. This is easy to overlook if you aren’t actively looking for it. Once inside that location, there’s an NPC with a quest marker you must talk to start the circle of slaughter, then take the elevator down.
#2 – The Slaughter Shaft
Location: Pandora, Konrad’s Hold
Near the end of the game, the story takes you through an area called Konrad’s Hold. Near the end of the area, there’s the entrance to The Slaughter Shaft. Once inside, talk to the NPC there to begin the Circle of Slaughter.
#3 – Slaughterstar 3000
Location: Nekrotafeyo, Side Mission: “Slaughterstar 3000”
This is found on the last planet. It’s part of side quest “Slaughterstar 3000”, which only shows up when you get really close to its location. By default it doesn’t show up on the map, you must go there yourself to see the quest marker. Accept the mission and it will have you return to Sanctuary. Do so and interact with the console in the command room. Now you can select “Slaughterstar 3000” as a destination and go through the drop pod in the cargo hold to enter this area. It’s now unlocked as its own “planet” for fast travel.
That’s all 3 Circles of Slaughter in Borderlands 3 available at launch. More might be added through future updates or DLC. Remember if you have trouble, invite friends or join a group through matchmaking.
For all other Collectibles check out our full Borderlands 3 Wiki & Strategy Guide.
Cheers mate these are really helpful been pulling my hair out trying to find these last side missions and locations when it’s actually a whole other area! Didn’t see either Circle of Slaughter on pandora or promethia! Thank you
Me too only found slaughter 3000. Thanks for the maps!
If anyone needs to finish Slaughterstar 3000, psn me.
Psn: Yaba-Man
I’m no longer playing his game but thanks to all those that replied.
If I haven’t done any main story can I get here?
Right now the first 2 circle of slaughters are either bugged or you have to get lucky when your game loads up and the door is open.
Honestly! I have no idea how I missed Cistern of Slaugraghter!
And remember to check in with the host at the end or it won’t count as a win if you do. If you leave the area even if you get all the loot and think your finished it win tell you you failed…good fun though.