Why can't I use tokens in Borderlands 3? Borderlands 3 guide, walkthrough

Last update: 02 October 2019

On this page of our guide to Borderlands 3, we've posted an explanation of a potential Guardian Rank issue. You will learn what requirements you have to meet to use Redeem Tokens for completing various challenges.

The token system works in Borderlands 3 on slightly different rules than in the previous installments of the series. You can't collect or spend tokens until you finish the main story. The last tab of the pause menu is thus initially unavailable. You must complete all the quests of the main storyline (side quests are not included in this requirement).

The game will also unlock the Guardian Rewards after the endgame phase. Their meaning has been explained on a separate page of our guide.

Although the token menu is initially unavailable, the game still keeps track of your progress in passing all the challenges. You can view them from the Challenges tab. They are divided into many different categories (e.g. killing monsters, using certain weapons, collecting loot, using character skills) and in each challenge you will gain separate ranks.

After you've advanced to a higher rank in a challenge (for example, if you killed exactly 100 opponents with a specific weapon) you will automatically be awarded an eridium, which is the premium currency of the game. You can find out more about it by visiting the How to get eridium and what to spend it on? section of our guide.

Guardian Rank menu will be unlocked immediately after the end of the last main quest - Divine Retribution. You can Redeem Guardian Tokens in this tab.

Every time you redeem a token, the game will offer you stats bonuses from one of three main categories - Enforcer, Survivor or Hunter.

After you spend a certain amount of tokens within a given category (10, 15, 25, 35, 50, 75), you will be able to unlock the associated bonus from the table on the right. This can be, for example, new skins for your character and weapons, bonuses to damage after meeting certain conditions, or easier Second Wind.

You can start gaining Guardian Ranks only after reaching the endgame portion. You start with Rank 1 and every time you unlock another one, you get 1 token. You can track your progress to a new rank by checking the purple progress bar that appears at the bottom of the screen. It is above the yellow experience bar.