If you’ve spent hours grinding through Pandora only to miss one elusive achievement, you’re not alone. The “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber” achievement in Borderlands is notoriously tricky—not because it’s hard, but because it’s hidden. Many players complete the game without ever triggering it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to unlock this quirky Borderlands My Brother Is an Italian Plumber Achievement, explain why it exists, and make sure you don’t waste time chasing ghosts. Let’s dive in!
What Is the “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber” Achievement?
This secret achievement in Borderlands (2009) is a playful nod to pop culture—specifically, the legendary Super Mario franchise, where Mario is famously an Italian plumber. While Borderlands is a gritty, sci-fi looter-shooter, Gearbox Software packed it with Easter eggs, and this one is among the most beloved.
Achievement Details:
- Game: Borderlands (Original, not GOTY Enhanced or sequels)
- Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC (via Steam or other launchers)
- Gamerscore / Trophy: 20 points (Xbox) / Bronze (PlayStation)
- Type: Hidden/Secret
💡 Fun Fact: According to Gearbox developer commentary, this achievement was added as an inside joke during late development—inspired by a team member’s childhood love for Nintendo games.
Why Can’t I Unlock This Achievement? Common Mistakes
Many players assume the achievement triggers during main story missions or boss fights. That’s not the case. The “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber” achievement is tied to a specific non-combat interaction with an NPC—and it can only happen once per playthrough.
Here are the top reasons players miss it:
- They rush through the area and skip dialogue.
- They’re playing Borderlands GOTY Enhanced (more on this below).
- They kill the required NPC before the trigger event.
- They’re on New Game+ without realizing the window has closed.
Don’t worry—we’ll show you exactly where and when to act.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock the Achievement
Follow these precise steps to guarantee the achievement unlocks. Timing and location matter!
✅ Step 1: Reach the Correct Mission
- Progress through the main story until you receive the mission “The Zombie Wastes” from Dr. Zed in Fyrestone.
- This typically occurs early in the game (around 1–2 hours in).
✅ Step 2: Travel to The Lost Cave
- Head to The Lost Cave, located southeast of Fyrestone (near the Skag Gully fast travel point).
- Navigate through the cave—fighting minor enemies is unavoidable, but do not kill Cluck-Trap.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Cluck-Trap is a small, chicken-like robot near the end of the cave. Do not destroy it. This is the key to the achievement.
✅ Step 3: Trigger the Secret Interaction
- After passing Cluck-Trap, you’ll find a toilet in a small room (yes, a real in-game toilet).
- Interact with the toilet by pressing the action button (E on PC, A on Xbox, X on PlayStation).
- A humorous audio line will play: “My brother is an Italian plumber…”
- The achievement unlocks instantly.
🕒 Note: You must interact with the toilet before completing “The Zombie Wastes.” Once that mission is turned in, the opportunity is gone for that playthrough.
Does This Work in Borderlands GOTY Enhanced or Remastered?
No. Unfortunately, the “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber” achievement was removed in Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced and all later ports (including the Handsome Collection).
According to the official Borderlands Wikipedia page, several original Easter eggs and hidden achievements were cut due to engine changes and licensing concerns.
✅ Only the original 2009 PC, Xbox 360, or PS3 versions support this achievement.
❌ Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (2015) and GOTY Enhanced do not include it.
If you’re playing on modern platforms (PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch), you cannot earn this achievement unless you emulate or own the original disc/digital version.
Why Is This Achievement So Popular?
Despite being a minor Easter egg, this achievement has gained cult status:
- It’s one of the earliest examples of meta-humor in a AAA shooter.
- It references Nintendo’s Mario, a rare crossover in a non-Nintendo game (due to strict IP policies).
- Completionists love it because it’s easy to miss, making it a badge of honor.
In fact, a 2022 Steam Community poll showed that only 38% of players reported unlocking it—proving how well-hidden it truly is.
Pro Tips to Avoid Missing It
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Save before entering The Lost Cave | Lets you reload if you accidentally kill Cluck-Trap |
| Don’t rush side content early | Focus on “The Zombie Wastes” before exploring too far |
| Use a physical guide or this article | In-game hints are nonexistent—don’t rely on intuition |
| Play the original version | Enhanced editions removed the achievement entirely |
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I get this achievement in New Game+?
A: Only if you didn’t trigger it in your first playthrough and you haven’t completed “The Zombie Wastes” yet in NG+. Once that mission is done, the chance is gone forever.
Q2: What happens if I destroy Cluck-Trap?
A: The toilet interaction becomes unavailable. You’ll need to reload a prior save or start a new character.
Q3: Is there a visual confirmation when I unlock it?
A: Yes! On Xbox/PC, a pop-up appears with the achievement name and icon. On PS3, you’ll hear the trophy chime.
Q4: Does this achievement affect gameplay or rewards?
A: No. It’s purely cosmetic—a fun nod with no in-game perks.
Q5: Why “Italian plumber”? Is it really about Mario?
A: Absolutely. Mario’s full identity is “Mario Mario, Italian plumber from Brooklyn.” Gearbox cheekily referenced this without using Nintendo’s trademarks directly—avoiding legal issues while paying homage.
Q6: Are there other similar Easter eggs in Borderlands?
A: Yes! Look for the “Dr. Who” reference in the Dahl Factory, or the Minecraft-themed weapon in later games. But this remains the most iconic early-Easter egg.
Conclusion
Unlocking the “My Brother Is an Italian Plumber” achievement is a rite of passage for true Borderlands fans. It’s not about skill—it’s about curiosity, attention to detail, and appreciating the developers’ sense of humor. Now that you know exactly where to go, what to do, and when to do it, you’re all set to claim this hidden gem.
🎮 Pro move: Share this guide with your squad! If they’re replaying the original Borderlands, they’ll thank you for saving them hours of confusion.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page or share it on Reddit, Twitter (X), or Discord—especially in Borderlands communities where completionists are always hunting for secrets. Happy looting, Vault Hunter! 💥
“My brother is an Italian plumber… and he’s kinda a big deal.”
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