Ultra‑short version: UVH 2 doesn’t unlock until you complete every UVH 1 challenge listed in your Missions → Challenges → Ultimate Vault Hunter tab, and then finish Lilith’s “Rush the Gate” Wildcard mission while set to UVH 1. Weekly Wildcards don’t count. Progress is tracked per character.

Set your session to UVH 1 first

All UVH 1 challenge kills must be done while your session is set to UVH 1.

  • Pause the game → Session Settings → set Ultimate Vault Hunter to 1.
  • Only then start hunting the targets below.
Tip: Keep the UVH Challenges tab open as your checklist: Missions → Challenges → Ultimate Vault Hunter. Scroll to the UVH 1 block; each entry should tick off as you finish it.

Complete every UVH 1 challenge (on UVH 1)

There are four required targets for UVH 1. Locations are precise so you can go straight there.

Challenge Target Region Where to go Notes
Bio Break Bio‑Bulkhead Fadefields Dissected Plateau → Synthetic Nave World mini‑boss.
Song’s Over Bramblesong Terminus Range Stoneblood Forest → Bittervein Abandoned Auger Mine World mini‑boss.
Omega 86’d Bio Armored Omega Thresher Dominion Fades District → final boss of “One Slime Issue” Finish “One Gassy Issue” first to unlock “One Slime Issue.”
No Points Awarded Sydney Pointylegs Fadefields Hungering Plain → Ripper Drill Site (The Prospects) World mini‑boss.

When all four rows show complete in the UVH Challenges tab, Lilith’s unlock mission becomes available.

Start Lilith’s Wildcard: “Rush the Gate” (still on UVH 1)

Travel to Moxxi’s Bottoms Up! in Carcadia Burn (Ruined Sumplands). Lilith is in the bar. After the four UVH 1 challenges are done:

  • Interact with Lilith to accept the Wildcard mission “Rush the Gate.”
  • On the map, a large green skull appears to mark the mission. This is separate from any rotating Weekly Wildcard you may see elsewhere.
  • Complete “Rush the Gate” and return to Lilith to turn it in.

Turning in “Rush the Gate” unlocks UVH 2 for that character.

Switch your session to UVH 2

  • Pause → Session Settings → change Ultimate Vault Hunter from 1 to 2.
  • Load back into your save if the option doesn’t show immediately (see fixes below).

UVH 2 increases enemy toughness and improves drop quality to match. Expect a noticeable jump in difficulty.

UVH 2 not unlocking — checklist and fixes

If “Rush the Gate” won’t appear, won’t complete, or UVH 2 won’t show in Session Settings, run through this list:

  • Verify all four UVH 1 challenges are checked. Open Missions → Challenges → Ultimate Vault Hunter and confirm each UVH 1 entry is ticked. If anything’s missing, swap to UVH 1 and finish it, then talk to Lilith again.
  • Accept the correct Wildcard from Lilith. The weekly Wildcard on the world map does not progress UVH ranks. You must accept “Rush the Gate” directly from Lilith in Moxxi’s bar (look for her green interaction icon and the big green skull marker).
  • Finish the Bio‑Thresher quest chain. For “Omega 86’d,” complete “One Gassy Issue” in the Fades District first, then “One Slime Issue” to fight the Bio Armored Omega Thresher. Make sure your session is UVH 1 for the kill to count.
  • Refresh your game state. If UVH 2 isn’t available after turning in “Rush the Gate,” return to the main menu, then load back in. Some players see the option only after reloading into the game rather than from the main menu screen.
  • Co‑op progression is per character. The player who needs the unlock should pick up “Rush the Gate,” complete it, and turn it in on their own save. If a teammate didn’t get credit, repeat the mission with that player as the accept/turn‑in owner. If credit still fails, have that player secure the boss kill.
  • If Lilith won’t accept turn‑in or the mission loops: Toggle UVH off in Session Settings, speak to Lilith to retake “Rush the Gate,” complete it, turn it in, then set UVH back to 1 and confirm the rank is unlocked. If needed, add a main‑menu reload between steps.
Note: A handful of players report UI quirks where the challenge tile shows incomplete even after UVH 2 is usable. If the Session Settings let you select UVH 2 and enemies feel appropriately tougher, you can proceed; the tile typically resolves after a reload or subsequent progression.

What unlocks look like after UVH 2

The pattern stays the same as you climb:

  • UVH 3: While on UVH 2, complete four new boss challenges (Core Observer in The Howl, Shadowpelt in Cuspid Climb, Rocken Roller in Ruined Sumplands, Frank the Furnace in Idolator’s Noose), then finish Lilith’s “His Vile Sanctum” Wildcard.
  • UVH 4: While on UVH 3, complete four more challenges (Mimicron in Idolator’s Noose, Immortal Boneface in Cuspid Climb, Battle Wagon in Stoneblood Forest, Skull Orchid in Grindstone of the Worthy), then finish “Her Flaming Vision.”
  • UVH 5: While on UVH 4, complete Wildcard versions of the Primordial Vaults (Fadefields, Terminus Range, Carcadia Burn), then complete “The Timekeeper’s Order.”

At every tier, stay on your current highest UVH rank while clearing its challenges, then return to Lilith for the Wildcard that actually advances the rank.

Once UVH 2 is active, consider farming a few comfort pieces at UVH 1 or early UVH 2 before pushing harder content. If progression doesn’t register at any point, your Missions → Challenges → Ultimate Vault Hunter tab remains the authoritative checklist for what’s still missing.