Decoding the Enigma: Your Guide to Eridians, Eridium, and Eridian Writing in Borderlands 3
You’ve jumped into Borderlands 3. You’re blasting psychos and chasing Vaults. You probably have more guns than you need. But among all the chaos, you might see glowing slabs with strange symbols. There are whispers of ancient beings. Purple crystals appear from the ground. You have discovered the Eridians.
Don’t worry, Vault Hunter! You’re not the only one confused. The Eridians are Borderlands’ mystery wrapped in an enigma with some cosmic weirdness. But no need to fret. We’re here to reveal the secrets of Eridian writing, the Eridians, and the valuable purple stuff, Eridium. This guide will help you become an Eridian expert, or at least stop you from staring at those glowing slabs.
Eridian Writing: Unlocking the Ancient Secrets
Ever approached one of those glowing, glyph-covered slabs and felt lost? You’re not alone. Borderlands 3 doesn’t let you read Eridian writing until you reach a specific point in the game. It’s like finding a treasure chest but waiting for a key. Talk about suspense!
Why is Eridian Writing Gibberish at First?
- Patience, Vault Hunter, Patience: You can’t read alien hieroglyphs like you’re an expert. You must earn it. You need a special item, the Eridian Analyzer, to turn those squiggles into something understandable.
- Story Progression is Key: Don’t search for a magical Rosetta Stone early on. The Eridian Analyzer is locked to the main story. You’ll get it after completing the nineteenth chapter, “The Great Vault.” Yes, chapter nineteen.
- The Great Vault Revelation: Inside “The Great Vault,” during your usual Vault quests, you will find the Eridian Analyzer. It serves as your decoder for the alien world. Once you possess it, those glowing slabs will reveal their secrets.
- The 25-30 Hour Mark: Expect to translate Eridian writing around the 25 to 30-hour mark, depending on your playstyle. If you cut through main missions like a bandit avoiding side quests, you will reach it sooner.
Cracking the Code: How to Decipher Eridian Writing
- Acquire the Eridian Analyzer: This step is essential. You cannot translate without it. Think of it like needing a special app to understand a foreign language, only this app is ancient alien tech.
- Equip and Scan: After obtaining the Analyzer, approach an Eridian Slab. Your character will use the Analyzer automatically. Welcome to ancient alien wisdom in readable format. Prepare for cryptic messages.
Slab Count: How Many Eridian Texts Are We Talking?
- 31 Slabs of Lore: There are 31 Eridian Slabs scattered throughout Borderlands 3. A fair amount of ancient alien literature awaits discovery.
- Multiple Slabs in One Spot: Some locations are rich in Eridian lore, with more than one slab available. A mini-library of alien writings awaits your exploration.
- Eridium Rewards: The first time you scan a slab, you get some lore and also earn 25 Eridium. The Eridians seem to reward you for reading their ancient graffiti.
The Million Eridium Question: What’s the Point of Translating?
So you can read alien now. That’s great! But it’s more than just showing off. Translating Eridian writing uncovers lore and pieces together Eridian history. Each slab is a breadcrumb leading somewhere interesting. It deepens your immersion in the Borderlands universe.
Splinterlands Slab Location: Your First Foray into Eridian Textual Analysis
- Pandora’s Southwestern Corner: Want to test your new reading skills? Go to the Splinterlands on Pandora, mainly the southwestern area to find your first slab.
- Chop Shop Fast Travel: Use fast travel to get to Chop Shop. Convenient, right? Eridians chose smart slab locations.
- Vehicle Required: Pandora is vast. Don’t walk. Use a vehicle and head north from the Chop Shop.
- Northward Bound: From the Chop Shop, follow trails northward. Look for that glowing slab. You should spot it easily despite the bandits nearby.
Eridians: Meet the Architects of Borderlands’ Ancient Past
Who were the Eridians? They designed the writings and created Eridium. Forget little green men; think spider-crab-rock creatures instead. It’s quite the image, but bear with me.
What Did These Eridian Beings Look Like?
- Spider-Like Body Plan: Imagine a spider with a five-legged body and a “semi-biological rock” torso. It’s… unique. Borderlands prefers creature designs that stand out.
- Five Appendages, Multi-Purpose: Those five appendages are functional. They serve as legs for movement and arms for manipulation. Humans could learn something here.
- Exoskeleton Shell: Eridians had articulated exoskeleton shells. Think beetle mixed with crab but from an ancient civilization. This armor provided protection and looked imposing.
- Shedding for Growth: Like snakes shed skin, Eridians shed exoskeleton pieces as they grew. Imagine finding molted shells in ancient ruins; what cool artifacts!
Eridians: More Than Just Alien Spiders
- Class-Based Society: The Eridians were not a hive mind; they had a complex social structure with different classes. What these classes were? That remains a mystery.
- Weaponsmiths of Legend: These ancient aliens designed advanced weapons for defense. Those powerful Eridian weapons in Borderlands? They definitely knew what they were doing.
- Siren Insights: Much of our knowledge comes from a Siren living among them. She documented their life like an anthropologist. Her notes on stone slabs provide insight into their culture.
- Artifact Leftovers: Besides writings, the Eridians left many artifacts scattered throughout Borderlands. These relics are clues to their advanced technology and storied past.
- Eridian artifact you find is a puzzle piece, waiting for assembly. Be cautious; some may explode.
Xenonite: The Eridian Super-Metal
- Eridian Engineering Marvel: Eridians created Xenonite. This advanced material was invented entirely from scratch.
- Xenon-Based Composition: The main component of Xenonite is Xenon, a noble gas. This unique combination led to a super-strong metal.
- Unlimited Potential: Xenonite is strong and versatile. It serves building, engineering, and much more. If you need something durable, Xenonite is the perfect choice.
- Tensile Strength: Unmatched: Folding under severe stress, Xenonite withstands incredible forces. It rivals the Adamantium of Borderlands.
- Colorful and Textured: Xenonite is not just grey. It comes in many colors, even transparent and tan. Imagine vibrant alien buildings using this strong metal.
Zer0 and FL4K: Eridian Kin? Theories Abound
Borderlands fans love theories. The connection between Zer0, FL4K, and the Eridians is a popular topic. Are these Vault Hunters descendants of ancient aliens?
- The Zer0-FL4K Connection: There is a link of shared mystery between Zer0 and FL4K. Both are enigmatic figures with unique skills. They seem connected, perhaps sharing an origin.
- Gearbox Teasing the Mystery: Gearbox loves slow reveals. They’ve hinted and fueled speculation about the Zer0-FL4K-Eridian connection. Are they siblings or created by ancient tech? The possibilities excite fans.
- Unanswered Questions: No confirmation of the Zer0-FL4K-Eridian link exists yet. Gearbox might be enjoying fan theories while adding intrigue to these characters.
Is Zer0 Secretly an Eridian? The Evidence Pile
- Four-Fingered Hand: One piece of evidence? Zer0 has four fingers. Eridians usually have five. This tenuous link fuels wild theories among fans.
- Split Toe Structure: Zer0’s feet appear “split down the center,” resembling Eridian structure. This physical similarity adds to speculation.
- Ambiguous Gender and Race: Zer0’s gender and race remain vague. This ambiguity leads to various theories, including Eridian heritage.
- Playable Assassin: Zer0 is a character with intense skills. Are these skills Eridian-derived or the result of training? Debate continues, but being an alien assassin is cool.
Lilith: Daughter of Eridia? Hold Your Horses…
Lilith being the “Daughter of Eridia” seems mixed up. Lilith is a Siren, powerful and unique, not related to the Eridians in any family way. Let’s clarify:
- Lilith is a Siren, Not Eridian Royalty: Lilith stands as one of six Sirens, possessing extraordinary powers. They aren’t Eridian descendants; they connect to their technology and Vaults.
- Opening Vaults, Siren Style: Sirens help access Vaults, sites of Eridian technology and other secrets. Lilith’s powers assist in opening these ancient locations.
- Fiery Wings and Transformation: Lilith’s powers result in striking visuals, like fiery wings. These abilities stem from being a Siren, not traits of Eridian heritage.
- Cate Blanchett Casting: Cate Blanchett will portray Lilith in the Borderlands movie. Awesome choice, but it doesn’t make her an Eridian princess. She remains the fiery Siren we love or sometimes find irritating.
Eridium: The Purple Fuel of Borderlands 3
Ah, Eridium. This shimmering purple substance is critical to Borderlands 3. It’s currency and crafting material; it’s… simply Eridium. You’ll want plenty.
Eridium: Borderlands 3’s Premium Purple Currency
- Valuable Stuff: Eridium does not easily appear in loot chests. It serves as a valuable currency for fancy purchases in Borderlands 3, the premium stuff you hoard.
- Cosmetics and Customization: Want to decorate your Vault Hunter? Use Eridium for cosmetics and weapon skins. Show off your style!
- Anointed Weapons: Seeking enhanced guns? Anointed weapons with special effects often require Eridium for purchase or re-rolling. Eridium makes your arsenal stronger.
- Eridian Fabricator Ammo: Also, Eridium serves as “main ammo” for the Eridian Fabricator. This device produces guns like a vending machine fueled by pure Eridium.
Eridium Farming: Purple Rain, Purple Gain
- Carnivora Refinery Hotspot: Need quick Eridium? Go to the Eridium Refinery on Pandora. It overflows with purple crystals waiting for you to smash them.
- Crystal Clusters Galore: The Refinery area has many scattered crystals. Smash ’em all! It’s rewarding fun; think of it as smashing purple piñatas.
- 25 Eridium Per Run (Roughly): Clearing the Refinery can yield about 25 Eridium. Great rewards for a short session of looting.
- Save & Quit, Repeat: Save and Quit after your runs, then reload to return to the Refinery. Crystals respawn; the cycle keeps going. Repeat this for your purple riches.
Purple Rocks: The Raw Eridium Source
- Crystals in the Environment: Those small purple crystals scattered in Borderlands 3? That’s raw Eridium, like geodes waiting to break.
- Vault Opening Prerequisite: You can’t smash these crystals initially. You must open the first Vault before accessing these treasures in-game.
- Post-Vault Melee Weapon: Once defeating the first Vault boss, you receive a melee weapon upgrade. It becomes your tool for smashing crystals now.
Typhon DeLeon and Eridium: A Fabricator Sneak Peek
- Pre-“Footsteps of Giants” Fabricator Access: Before finishing “Footsteps of Giants,” get a sneak peek at the Eridian Fabricator’s power through Typhon DeLeon.
- 1 Eridium for a Random Weapon: Talk to Typhon, pay one Eridium, and use the Fabricator once. It’s a low-cost chance at a fantastic weapon.
- Rarity Roulette: The resulting weapon can be anything from common (white) to Legendary (orange). It’s a gamble; for one Eridium, worth a shot.
Better Guns from the Fabricator: Crank it to 10!
- 10 Eridium for 10 Guns: Craving more guns? Spend 10 Eridium for ten guns instead of one – quantity and potential quality await!
- Green and Purple Rarity: The 10-Eridium mode ensures you receive guns of at least green (uncommon) or purple (epic) rarity, avoiding white or blue duds!
- Level Scaling: Always Relevant:No matter when used, the
- Guns always scale to your character’s level. You will always have usable gear, even while leveling up.
- No DLC Weapons: Sorry, DLC Owners: You can’t Fabricate those DLC weapons, even if you have the packs. The Fabricator only uses the base game loot. Still, many guns await!
Eridian Fabricator: Your Personal Gun Machine
The Eridian Fabricator sounds like a sci-fi creation. It literally fabricates guns from nothing and Eridium. It’s quite amazing.
Legendary Fabrications: Can You Get Top Loot?
- Legendary Potential: (Pre-“Footsteps of Giants”): Recall Typhon’s 1-Eridium Fabricator deal? That’s your best chance to get a Legendary weapon. Before “Footsteps of Giants,” the Fabricator can give an orange-rarity beauty for just 1 Eridium. Good luck.
Retrieving Your Fabricator: Making It Yours
- Nekrotafeyo Vault Questline: The Acquisition Mission: Want your own Eridian Fabricator? You need to engage in the Nekrotafeyo Vault questline. That’s where the Fabricator becomes yours.
- Eridian Crystals and Vault Keys: The Ritual: The quest demands usual Vault tasks: gather Eridian crystals, use a Vault key, and loot the Vault. Vault hunting 101, with a Fabricator reward.
- Typhon’s Reward: Fabricator Freedom: Finish the Nekrotafeyo Vault quest. Typhon will grant you the Eridian Fabricator. Now you can fabricate guns. Use it wisely.
Borderlands 3 Gameplay: Context is Key
Let’s step back and analyze Eridian elements in Borderlands 3. How does unlocking these artifacts work in the story? What about the game length? And what’s the max level?
Unlocking Eridian Artifacts: Eden-6 and Beyond
- Story Progression Unlock: It’s a Journey: You want those Artifacts? Play through the story, Vault Hunter. They aren’t available at the very start.
- Eden-6 Planet: The Key Location: The planet Eden-6 unlocks Artifacts. Complete missions on this swampy, beast-filled world.
- Vault Monster Showdown: Boss Fight Required: At the end of Eden-6’s arc, a giant monster guards the Vault. Defeat this beast to claim your Artifacts!
Chapter Count: How Many Missions?
- 23 Main Story Chapters: The Core Campaign: The core campaign has 23 main story chapters. Expect lots of loot action to enjoy.
- 23-Hour Main Story (Approx.): Pace Yourself: The main story takes about 23 hours. This varies with playstyle and how you get distracted by shiny loot.
100% Completion: Long Haul to Mastery
- 80 Hours for Full Completion: Side Quests: Want to experience all that Borderlands 3 offers? Be ready for a lengthy journey. 100% completion takes around 80 hours.
- DLCs Add Time: Expanding Experience: With DLC campaigns, completion time can go to 78 hours or more. Borderlands 3 keeps giving loot.
Max Level: Reaching Vault Hunter Power
- Level 72 Cap: The Ultimate Goal: The max character level in Borderlands 3 is level 72. That’s where you master skills and become a powerful force.
Trial of Supremacy: End-Game Challenges
- Desolation’s Edge Pedestal Mission: Starting Point: Want to test your skills in the Trial of Supremacy? Go to Desolation’s Edge. Find the pedestal to accept the mission.
Fourth Weapon Slot: Expanding Arsenal
- Promethea Planet Progression: City Unlock: Need a fourth weapon slot? Progress through the story on Promethea, the city planet.
- Planet Departure Reward: Gaining a Slot: As you near Promethea’s story end, you will unlock your fourth weapon inventory slot automatically. Now, carry even more guns!
