How to Do the Infinite Money Shot Borderlands 2: The Definitive Cheat for Endless Wealth

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The infinite money shot in Borderlands 2 isn’t just a cheat—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Players who stumbled upon it in 2013 didn’t just find a way to farm cash; they uncovered a flaw in the game’s loot system that became legendary. The exploit, which turns a single loot box into an endless stream of Pandora Coins, was so effective that Gearbox never fully patched it, leaving it as a half-buried secret for speedrunners and hardcore collectors. Even today, communities debate whether it’s "cheating" or just exploiting a design oversight, and its mechanics remain a masterclass in understanding Borderlands 2’s loot economy.

What makes this exploit fascinating isn’t just the money—it’s the precision required. Unlike other glitches that rely on random RNG, the infinite money shot demands a specific sequence of actions, from the exact moment you open a loot box to the timing of your reload. Miss a step, and the exploit fails. Get it right, and you’re staring at a vault full of Pandora Coins, enough to buy every DLC, weapon, and cosmetic in the game without ever touching a single mission. The process is so niche that even veteran players often overlook it, assuming it’s too complex or mythical to exist.

The exploit’s longevity speaks to Borderlands 2’s enduring appeal. While modern games patch exploits within hours, Gearbox’s hands-off approach to this glitch turned it into a rite of passage. Speedrunners use it to break records, collectors use it to complete their vaults, and streamers use it as a conversation piece. But how exactly does it work? And why does it still matter in 2024? The answer lies in the game’s loot mechanics—and a single, well-timed reload.

how to do the infinite money shot borderlands 2

The Complete Overview of How to Do the Infinite Money Shot in Borderlands 2

At its core, the infinite money shot is a loot box exploit that forces Borderlands 2 to generate an infinite loop of Pandora Coins. The exploit leverages a bug in the game’s inventory system, where opening a loot box (like the one from the Vault Hunter DLC) under specific conditions causes the game to treat the box as both "opened" and "unopened" simultaneously. This creates a feedback loop: the game registers the box as containing infinite coins, and the player can repeatedly extract them without ever depleting the source.

The key to executing this lies in the timing of the reload. Players must open the loot box, then immediately reload their weapon (or switch weapons) before the game processes the loot drop. This interrupts the normal loot sequence, forcing the game to reset the box’s state. If done correctly, the box will "refill" instantly, allowing the player to repeat the process ad infinitum. The exploit is so efficient that some players have turned it into a full-time farming method, amassing millions of Pandora Coins in hours.

What’s remarkable is how this exploit reveals the game’s underlying systems. Borderlands 2’s loot economy was designed to be chaotic and rewarding, but this glitch exposes a flaw in its randomness. The infinite money shot doesn’t just break the game—it highlights how loot boxes, when exploited, can become a self-sustaining resource. For players who understand the mechanics, it’s not cheating; it’s a deep dive into how Borderlands 2’s systems interact.

Historical Background and Evolution

The infinite money shot was first discovered in late 2013, shortly after Borderlands 2’s release. Early speedrunners and glitch hunters noticed that certain loot boxes—particularly those from the Vault Hunter DLC—behaved erratically when opened under specific conditions. Players experimented with reloading, switching weapons, and even pausing the game to see if they could force a respawn. The breakthrough came when someone realized that reloading immediately after opening the box would reset its state, creating the infinite loop.

Gearbox’s response was telling. Unlike other exploits (such as the "infinite ammo" glitch in Borderlands 1), which were patched quickly, the infinite money shot remained largely unaddressed. Some speculate this was because the exploit was too niche—requiring precise timing and knowledge of the game’s code—to be worth fixing. Others argue that Gearbox saw it as a feature rather than a bug, given how deeply tied it was to the game’s loot-driven economy. Either way, the exploit became a staple in Borderlands 2’s underground, passed down through forums, speedrun communities, and even in-game lore (some players joke that it’s "how the Vault Hunters really got rich").

Over time, the exploit evolved slightly. Early versions required players to use specific weapons (like the Dahl or Tediore) to trigger the reload correctly. Later iterations simplified the process, allowing almost any weapon to work as long as the timing was precise. This adaptability kept the exploit relevant even as the game aged, proving that some glitches are timeless.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The infinite money shot relies on two critical mechanics: loot box state manipulation and weapon reload interruption. When a player opens a loot box in Borderlands 2, the game follows a sequence:
1. The box "opens" and displays its contents (e.g., Pandora Coins).
2. The player extracts the loot.
3. The box disappears from the inventory.

The exploit interrupts this sequence by forcing the game to treat the box as still "open" even after the loot is extracted. Here’s how it’s done:

  • Step 1: Open the loot box (preferably from the Vault Hunter DLC).
  • Step 2: Immediately reload your weapon (or switch to another weapon).
  • Step 3: The game registers the reload as an "interruption," causing the box to reset to its original state.
  • Step 4: Repeat the process to generate infinite coins.

    • The critical factor is the timing. The reload must happen before the game processes the loot drop. If the player hesitates even for a second, the exploit fails, and the box behaves normally. This precision is why the exploit is so difficult to master—it’s not just about knowing what to do, but when to do it.

    Interestingly, the exploit works with any weapon, but some (like the Peacekeeper or Rampage) are more forgiving with timing. This flexibility makes it accessible to players who aren’t speedrunning but still want to farm coins efficiently. The exploit’s simplicity, once understood, is its greatest strength.

    Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

    The infinite money shot isn’t just a way to get free Pandora Coins—it’s a tool that changes how players interact with Borderlands 2’s economy. For collectors, it means never having to grind for rare loot again. For speedrunners, it’s a shortcut to completing challenges without wasting time on repetitive missions. Even for casual players, the exploit offers a glimpse into the game’s hidden mechanics, turning a seemingly simple loot system into a puzzle to solve.

    The impact extends beyond gameplay. The exploit has become a cultural touchstone in the Borderlands community, often referenced in memes, speedrun commentary, and even in-game Easter eggs. Some players argue that it’s not "cheating" because it doesn’t give them an unfair advantage in combat—it’s purely a loot optimization tool. Others see it as a loophole that undermines the game’s intended difficulty. Regardless of perspective, the exploit has cemented its place in Borderlands 2’s legacy.

    > "The infinite money shot isn’t just a glitch—it’s a testament to how deep Borderlands 2’s systems really are. It’s not about breaking the game; it’s about understanding it better than the developers intended." — A speedrunner on the Borderlands 2 Discord

    Major Advantages

    • Instant Pandora Coin Farming: Generate millions of coins in minutes, eliminating the need for time-consuming missions or loot runs.
    • No RNG Dependency: Unlike normal loot drops, the infinite money shot guarantees infinite coins without relying on randomness.
    • Versatility Across Platforms: Works on PC, consoles, and even emulators, making it accessible to all players.
    • Non-Combat Exploit: Doesn’t affect multiplayer or PvP balance, as it only manipulates loot systems.
    • Educational Value: Teaches players about game mechanics, inventory systems, and exploit design in a way that’s both practical and fascinating.

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    Comparative Analysis

    Infinite Money Shot Other Borderlands 2 Exploits
    Loot-based, non-combat. Most exploits (e.g., infinite ammo, god mode) affect gameplay directly.
    Requires precise timing but no special setup. Many exploits (e.g., clip glitches) need specific weapons or mods.
    Works on all platforms without patches. Some exploits (e.g., Borderlands 1’s infinite ammo) were patched.
    Community-approved for farming and collecting. Most exploits are frowned upon in competitive play.
    While the infinite money shot remains untouched, future Borderlands games may take note of its existence. Developers are increasingly aware of loot exploits, and games like Borderlands 3 and Tides of Treachery have implemented stricter anti-exploit measures. That said, the infinite money shot’s survival suggests that some glitches are too deeply ingrained in player culture to remove—especially when they don’t negatively impact gameplay.

    In the realm of speedrunning, exploits like this will continue to evolve. Players may discover variations that work with new loot systems or even cross-platform exploits. Meanwhile, the Borderlands 2 community will likely keep refining the infinite money shot, ensuring it remains a viable (and fun) way to farm resources. As long as the game’s loot economy exists, there will always be players pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

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    Conclusion

    The infinite money shot in Borderlands 2 is more than just a cheat—it’s a window into the game’s design philosophy. It shows how loot systems can be both rewarding and exploitable, and how players can turn flaws into features. Whether you’re a collector, a speedrunner, or just curious about game mechanics, mastering this exploit offers a deeper understanding of Borderlands 2’s inner workings.

    For those willing to put in the effort, the infinite money shot is a gateway to endless Pandora Coins—and a piece of gaming history. It’s a reminder that even in a world of anti-cheat measures and patch notes, some exploits are too clever (and too fun) to disappear.

    Comprehensive FAQs

    Q: Does the infinite money shot work on Borderlands 2’s modern re-releases (e.g., Borderlands 2: Ultimate Rerelease)?

    A: Yes, but with slight variations. The core mechanics remain the same, though some players report needing to adjust timing for newer versions. Always test in a save file first.

    Q: Can I use this exploit in multiplayer?

    A: No. The infinite money shot only works in single-player or offline modes. Online matches will detect and block the exploit.

    Q: What’s the fastest way to extract coins from the exploit?

    A: Use a weapon with a rapid reload (like the Peacekeeper) and bind the reload key to a hotkey. Some players also use mods to auto-reload, but this risks soft-banning.

    Q: Are there any risks, like bans or corruption?

    A: Generally not, as the exploit doesn’t trigger anti-cheat. However, excessive farming might cause minor save file corruption in rare cases. Always back up your save.

    Q: Can I use this to get infinite ammo or other resources?

    A: No. The exploit is specifically for Pandora Coins and doesn’t affect ammo, health, or other loot types.

    Q: Is there a way to automate the infinite money shot?

    A: Some players use external tools (like auto-hotkey scripts) to simulate reloads, but this is against Gearbox’s ToS and risks account bans. Manual timing is safest.

    Q: Why doesn’t Gearbox patch this?

    A: Likely because it’s too niche and doesn’t impact competitive play. The exploit is more of a curiosity than a genuine exploit.

    Q: Does this work on Borderlands 1 or 3?

    A: No. The infinite money shot is unique to Borderlands 2’s loot system. Other games have different mechanics, and no equivalent exploit exists.