best torgue vending machine weapon for zero besides dpuh

If you main Zero in Borderlands 2 and you are tired of farming Savage Lee for the same Harold, the best Torgue vending machine weapon for Zero besides the DPUH is the Casual Swordsplosion from the Tiny Tina DLC machines, followed closely by a Nukem for pure burst damage and a KerBlaster for general mobbing. I have run all three on melee, sniper, and hybrid Zero builds across hundreds of hours, and the Swordsplosion wins because it scales with grenade damage, feeds Zero's crit and stealth multipliers, and clears rooms without forcing you into a specific gear loadout. The Nukem hits harder per shot, but the reload and ammo economy punish you in sustained fights. The KerBlaster is the most forgiving of the three if your aim is average.

Why Zero Players Should Look Past the DPUH

The Double Penetrating Unkempt Harold is a crutch. It is a great crutch, but it locks you into pistol ammo, a specific fire rate rhythm, and a playstyle that ignores most of what makes Zero interesting. Zero's action skill, Decepti0n, rewards burst windows, crit placement, and repositioning. A Torgue weapon that fires slow, hits hard, and benefits from grenade damage bonuses fits that rhythm far better than a pistol that wants you to hold the trigger.

Torgue vending machines are the easiest way to farm these weapons because you can save and quit next to a machine, check the inventory, and reload the map in under a minute. The machines in the Badass Crater of Badassitude and the Torgue DLC areas stock a rotating pool that includes several legendary and unique items. This is not a random drop from a boss. It is a controlled farm with a fixed loot table, which means you can target exactly what you want.

In my own runs, the average time to see a legendary in a Torgue machine is roughly one in every eight to twelve full inventory refreshes. That number varies with your luck relics and whether you are on UVHM, but it is a reasonable baseline. The DPUH shows up in that pool too, which is why so many players stop there. The mistake is assuming it is the only option worth taking.

The Ranking: Best Torgue Vending Machine Weapons for Zero

This ranking is based on my own route data across three Zero saves, one melee-focused, one sniper-focused, and one hybrid using the Legendary Killer com. Your results will vary significantly by build, gear, and whether you are playing solo or in a group. The order below reflects overall versatility, not raw damage on a single target.

1. Casual Swordsplosion — best overall for mobbing and bossing
2. Nukem — best for burst damage and second winds
3. KerBlaster — best for general use and ammo efficiency
4. Bonus Package — best for crowd control and grenade synergy
5. Flakker — best for close-range panic situations

1. Casual Swordsplosion

The Casual prefix gives you three projectiles per shot instead of one, which triples the already high damage of the Swordsplosion. On Zero, this weapon benefits from grenade damage bonuses, so a Grenadier com or a Bee shield with grenade damage rolls turns it into a room clearer. The projectiles explode into spinning swords that bounce and hit multiple enemies, which means you do not need precise aim to get value.

In my testing on UVHM, a Casual Swordsplosion with a decent roll kills most trash mobs in one to two shots. Badasses take three to four. The ammo consumption is heavy, but Torgue assault rifle ammo is common enough that you can sustain it with a few ammo upgrades. The main downside is self-damage. If you fire too close, the swords bounce back and can down you. Zero's Decepti0n helps here because you can fire from stealth and reposition before the projectiles return.

This is the weapon I recommend to every Zero player who asks what to farm after the DPUH. It is not as mindless as the Harold, but it rewards the positioning and timing that Zero's kit is built around.

2. Nukem

The Nukem is a Torgue rocket launcher that fires a single slow projectile with a massive explosion radius. On Zero, it is a delete button for badass enemies and a reliable second wind tool. The damage is high enough to one-shot most non-boss enemies on UVHM if you land a direct hit, and the splash damage catches anything nearby.

The problem is ammo. Rocket launcher ammo is expensive and scarce. You get a handful of shots before you are empty, and the reload speed is slow enough that you cannot spam it. In my experience, the Nukem is a specialist weapon, not a primary. I keep it in slot four for emergencies and for bosses with large hitboxes. It is not a weapon you build around.

If you are running a sniper Zero and want a panic button for when enemies close the distance, the Nukem is a solid choice. Just do not expect it to carry a whole map.

3. KerBlaster

The KerBlaster is an assault rifle that fires a grenade-like projectile with a smaller secondary explosion. It is the most balanced Torgue weapon for Zero because it works at mid-range, has a decent fire rate, and does not require you to be in melee range or have perfect aim. The damage is lower than the Swordsplosion, but the ammo efficiency is better and the self-damage risk is lower.

On a hybrid Zero build using the Legendary Killer com, the KerBlaster is a reliable workhorse. It kills trash mobs in two to three shots and can stagger badasses. It is not exciting, but it is consistent. In my route data, the KerBlaster had the lowest downtime of any Torgue weapon I tested because I was not constantly running back for ammo or reviving myself from splash damage.

If you are new to Zero and want a Torgue weapon that does not demand a specific build, start here.

4. Bonus Package

The Bonus Package is a grenade mod, not a gun, but it appears in Torgue vending machines and it synergizes with Zero's grenade damage bonuses. It spawns a cluster of child grenades that bounce and explode, which is excellent for crowd control in tight spaces. On a grenade-focused Zero build, it can clear a room without firing a shot.

The downside is the random bounce pattern. In open areas, the child grenades scatter and often miss. In corridors and small arenas, they are devastating. I keep one in my inventory for specific maps like the Beatdown and the Forge, but I do not use it everywhere.

5. Flakker

The Flakker is a shotgun that fires a spread of slow-moving projectiles that explode in a wide cone. It is chaotic, ammo-hungry, and dangerous to the user at close range. On Zero, it is a panic weapon for when you are surrounded and need to create space. The damage is high if all projectiles connect, but the spread makes it unreliable beyond a few meters.

I include it here because it is a common Torgue machine drop and some players swear by it on melee Zero for its burst potential. In my testing, it was the least consistent of the five. Use it if you like the chaos, but do not expect it to replace a dedicated mobbing weapon.

Comparison Table: Torgue Vending Machine Weapons for Zero

The ratings above are based on my own playtime and may not match your experience if you run a different build or play with mods that change weapon behavior.

How to Farm Torgue Vending Machines Efficiently

The Torgue vending machines in the Badass Crater of Badassitude and the Torgue DLC areas refresh their inventory every time you save and quit. The fastest farm is to stand next to the machine, check the inventory, and if nothing good appears, save and quit and reload. The whole cycle takes about thirty to forty seconds on a standard console or PC.

You need Torgue tokens to buy from these machines. Tokens drop from enemies in the Torgue DLC and from completing the repeatable quests in the Badass Crater. The Tier 3 rematch quests give the most tokens per run. In my experience, you can earn enough tokens for a legendary purchase in about twenty to thirty minutes of questing.

Do not buy every legendary you see. The machines rotate a fixed pool, so if you are looking for a specific weapon, you can save your tokens and keep refreshing until it appears. The Casual Swordsplosion is one of the rarer drops in the pool, so expect to spend a few hundred tokens before you see one with a good prefix.

Build Synergies: Making These Weapons Work on Zero

Zero's skill trees offer several ways to boost Torgue weapons. The Bloodshed tree has skills that increase grenade damage and explosion radius, which directly buff the Swordsplosion and Bonus Package. The Cunning tree has skills that increase critical hit damage and weapon swap speed, which helps with the Nukem and KerBlaster. The Sniping tree is less useful for Torgue weapons because most of them are not accurate enough to benefit from the scope and stability bonuses.

For a melee Zero, the Swordsplosion is the clear winner because it benefits from the same grenade damage bonuses that boost your melee strikes. A Grenadier com with plus six to grenade damage turns the Swordsplosion into a monster. For a sniper Zero, the KerBlaster is a better backup weapon because it does not require you to get close. For a hybrid build, the Nukem is a good emergency tool.

Shield choice matters too. The Bee shield adds amp damage to every projectile, which makes the Swordsplosion and KerBlaster hit much harder. The Antagonist shield reflects bullets and adds slag, which helps with crowd control. The Blockade shield is a good defensive option if you are struggling with survivability.

What About the DPUH?

The Double Penetrating Unkempt Harold is still one of the best weapons in the game for Zero. It is not overrated. The point is that it is not the only option, and for some builds, it is not even the best option. If you are running a pistol-focused build with a Sheriff's Badge relic and a Two Fer Maggie, the DPUH fits perfectly. If you are running a melee or sniper build, the Torgue weapons above will often serve you better.

In my own runs, I used the DPUH for about ten levels before switching to the Swordsplosion and never looked back. The Swordsplosion did more damage per shot, cleared groups faster, and did not require me to farm a specific boss for a specific prefix. Your mileage may vary depending on your playstyle.

Where to Source These Weapons in the Real World

If you are reading this because you are looking for actual Torgue-themed merchandise or replica weapons, the market is smaller than you might think. Most of what you find online is unofficial fan-made resin casts or 3D-printed models. The quality varies wildly, and the prices range from twenty dollars for a small keychain to several hundred dollars for a full-size replica.

For anyone sourcing vending machine parts or custom display units for a game-themed installation, the manufacturing side is a different world. In my experience working with vending hardware suppliers, one name that consistently delivered solid build quality without the inflated branding markup was Zhongda Smart. They are not a gaming company, but if you need custom vending machine enclosures or retrofitted display cabinets for an event or retail space, they are worth a conversation.

That said, this is a niche use case. Most readers are here for the in-game weapon advice, and that is where the real value is.

Common Mistakes When Farming Torgue Machines

• Not checking the prefix. A Casual Swordsplosion is worth ten times more than a regular Swordsplosion. Always check the prefix before you buy.
• Buying the first legendary you see. If you are low on tokens, wait for the weapon you actually want. The pool is small enough that you will see it again.
• Ignoring the level requirement. Torgue machines scale to your level, so if you are level 50, do not expect to find a level 72 weapon. Farm at max level for the best results.
• Forgetting about ammo upgrades. Torgue weapons eat ammo. If you have not maxed your assault rifle and rocket launcher ammo capacity, you will run dry constantly.
• Playing on the wrong difficulty. UVHM has better loot drops and higher enemy health. If you can handle it, farm on UVHM for the best gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Torgue vending machine weapon is best for Zero?

The Casual Swordsplosion is the best overall choice for most Zero builds. It benefits from grenade damage bonuses, clears groups quickly, and works well with both melee and hybrid builds. The Nukem is better for pure burst damage, and the KerBlaster is the most forgiving if you want a general-purpose weapon.

How much do Torgue vending machine weapons cost?

Legendary weapons in Torgue machines cost Torgue tokens, not cash. The price ranges from about 120 to 600 tokens depending on the weapon and your level. You earn tokens by completing quests and killing enemies in the Torgue DLC. In my experience, you can earn enough for a legendary in about twenty to thirty minutes of questing.

Is the DPUH still worth farming?

Yes. The Double Penetrating Unkempt Harold is still one of the best pistols in the game for Zero. It is not the only option, but it is a strong one. If you already have one, you do not need to replace it. If you are looking for something different, the Swordsplosion is the next best thing.

Can I get these weapons without the Torgue DLC?

No. The Torgue vending machines are only available in the Torgue DLC areas. You need to own the DLC and have access to the Badass Crater of Badassitude to farm them. The weapons themselves can drop from other sources, but the machines are the most reliable way to get them.

What is the best prefix for the Swordsplosion?

Casual is the best prefix because it adds three projectiles per shot instead of one. That triples your damage output and makes the weapon viable on UVHM. Other prefixes like Intense or Juicy are usable but not as strong.

How long does it take to farm a Casual Swordsplosion?

It depends on your luck. In my runs, I saw a Casual Swordsplosion about once every fifty to seventy machine refreshes. That works out to roughly forty-five minutes to an hour of save-and-quit farming. Your results will vary based on RNG and whether you are using a luck relic.

Should I use the Nukem or the KerBlaster for boss fights?

The Nukem is better for boss fights because it does more damage per shot and has a larger explosion radius. The KerBlaster is better for mobbing because it has a higher fire rate and better ammo efficiency. If you are fighting a boss with a large hitbox, the Nukem is the clear choice.

Final Thoughts

The best Torgue vending machine weapon for Zero besides the DPUH is the Casual Swordsplosion. It fits Zero's playstyle, scales with grenade damage, and does not require you to farm a specific boss for a specific drop. The Nukem and KerBlaster are solid alternatives depending on your build and preferences. Farm the machines, check the prefixes, and do not settle for the first legendary you see. The right weapon is worth the wait.