Eridium is one of theBorderlandsfranchise’s most iconic forms of currency. Not only has it given access to benefits such as larger ammo reserves and cosmetics, it has also had a considerable impact on the series' main plotlines. It will likely show up again inBorderlands 4with the same functionality as before. As Gearbox Software showed inBorderlands 3, it is open to experiment with the rewards purchasable with eridium.
However, for all its new cosmetic rewards, Crazy Earl’s shop inBorderlands 3was short-lived due to players being able to clear out all of its stock quickly.Borderlands 4should capitalize on the opportunity to expand its eridium shop again, giving players something to look forward to.
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The History and Potential of Eridium Shops in Borderlands
Eridium was first introduced inBorderlands 2as a currency that could be used at Crazy Earl’s shop to purchase larger ammo reserves.Borderlands 3took this idea and ran with it, creating a cosmetic-based eridium shop while ammo reserve upgrades were shifted to Marcus' gun shop. At a cursory glance, this seems like a good idea;Borderlandsplayers could farm the best eridium spotsin exchange for new clothing or weapon skins. As time went on, the idea fizzled out as the shop’s options remained stagnant. Crazy Earl later received the feature of being able to re-roll anointed weapons, but this only further left the cosmetic side of the shop in the dust.
For the most part,Borderlands 3’s eridium shop was a wasted opportunity. Along with losing its relevance, a key part ofBorderlands 2’s charm was lost along with it. However, the idea that Gearbox Software initially had for theBorderlands 3’s version of the shop does have its merits. It is reminiscent of concepts found in similar looter-shooters such asDestiny 2’s weekly merchant, Xur.ObtainingBorderlands' best skinscan often be just as big of a flex as having some of its strongest guns, soBorderlands 4should take this concept and give it a much-needed polishing to increase its longevity and gameplay relevance.
One way Gearbox Software could do this is through the regular addition of new cosmetics with every update or DLC expansion. This would add something new to look forward to once in a while, as one ofBorderlands' most notable aspects is endlessly farming for the next addition to a player’s arsenal. Limited-time offers could also add a feeling of exclusivity to cosmetics, making them more special for a player who obtains them. These features border onmakingBorderlands 4into an MMOwith live-service features, but that formula has worked forDestiny 2thus far.
It doesn’t just have to be skins for the player’s character and weapon, as emotes and Echo Device skins were something Gearbox Software experimented with as well. The eridium shop could bring in a whole new wave of customization options, and perhapsBorderlands 4could even see furniture items or similar decorations making their way into the shop, allowing players to have greater customization over their personal rooms. Whatever ends up being the case,Borderlands 4is going to need more juice than its previous installmentsto liven up the eridium shop.
Borderlands 4is still probably a long ways away, so fans shouldn’t expect to get their hands on a copy for possibly years to come. However, that gives Gearbox more time to flesh out previous systems like the eridium shop to create something more interactive and memorable, so hopefully it takes advantage of the opportunity.
Borderlands 3is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
