Eridium is a traditional currency seen throughout the Borderlands franchise. Long-time players seem to be quite confused about what the resource does in Borderlands 4, as are newcomers, and Eridium’s nature and appearances have changed a lot in Borderlands 4.
Change is scary. For us, Eridium means going to Crazy Earl, having the words “Wachu Want?” hurled at us, and investing the precious consumable in upgrades. Borderlands 4 is quite different from previous releases, and Eridium carries on this trend.
If you’re confused about how to get Eridium, how to spend it, or what it does, this guide has all the answers you need, dear Vault Hunter.
What is Eridium in Borderlands 4?
Eridium is another type of currency in Borderlands 4—alongside Cash—which is primarily reserved for when you reach the endgame portion of the shooter.
We’ll get into the nitty-gritty details later, but the reason you can’t spend Eridium early on is that it’s intended to be an item used for endgame purposes. It relates to replaying boss fights, respeccing, and a special Firmware mechanic in Borderlands 4.
How To Use Eridium in Borderlands 4
You can use Eridium on Moxxi’s Big Encore machine, on Respec machines, and Transfer machines, all once you’ve finished the main game.
The key to all uses is the same: Finishing Borderlands 4. By this, we mean completing the main story. Doing so actually gets you a free SHiFT Code, but it also means you can start spending Eridium like there’s no tomorrow.
Moxxi’s Big Encore
If you want to replay bosses, you’ll know about Moxxi’s Big Encore vending machines. They are the best method for early-game legendary weapon farming. However, once you beat the main Borderlands 4 main story, the machines gain a ‘Big Encore’ option, and this requires Eridium.
What you get is a badder and tougher version of the boss fight. It also buffs the loot odds and gives you a much better chance of farming for legendaries!
Respec Stations For Specialization
Borderlands 4’s Respec machines are largely for remapping skill points. Again, upon completion of the main game, they evolve and allow you to tweak your newly-unlocked Specialization skills and points.
Cash isn’t required, but do you know what is? You guessed it—Eridium.
Transfer Machine For Firmware Transfers
The other known use for Eridium is Firmware Transfers. Overcoming the main story causes new machines to appear in the game. These Firmware machines allow you to transfer the features from a gear set to your favorite weapons. It means you can make your favorite gear more powerful without having to compromise your playstyle.
How To Get Eridium in Borderlands 4
The best ways to get Eridium in Borderlands 4 are by completing challenges, defeating special enemies, successfully overcoming bounties and other contracts, and doing replayable missions.
If you check the main menu screen, you’ll come across the challenge page. You are likely to achieve many challenges throughout Borderlands 4 without even trying. Take the screenshot above: We earned 10 Eridium for looting and purchasing shields—without knowingly trying to do this!
Special encounters and bosses are also likely to drop Eridium for you as part of the rewards. Make sure you’re cleaning up every bit of loot dropped from enemies, no matter how great or small. As well as replaying bosses, you can also replay missions using the mission screen. Not all can be repeated, though, and Borderlands 4 does a good job of pointing out which ones are ready to be tackled again.
Finally, check boards at Safe Houses and Towns for new Bounties, Traces, and more. The rewards vary, but a common goodie is a nice fat stack of Eridium to throw onto the pile, ready for when you finish Borderlands 4.
Head to the Insider Gaming forum if you come across any other ways of securing Eridium. There’s likely to be more as additional hours are sunk into the game. Have you found any cunning tips for Eridium or Eridium farming?
Analysis of Borderlands 4’s console performance and the Max Level level possible in the game are more guides we have for you at IG.
Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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