Eridium

Eridium is a new element found in Borderlands 2. It was released onto Pandora after the Vault Hunters opened The Vault in the events of Borderlands. Along with the discovery of Eridium, Slag, a by-product of refining Eridium, has been used for weapon manufacture due to its unique properties.

Eridium can be used by NPC Sirens to augment their own powers.

The maximum number of Eridium bars a player can have at any one time is 500.

Eridians and Eridium

Eridium is appropriately named after the ancient precursor race that utilized it, the Eridians. The ore has some semblance of usage as a universal power source, as the Eridian weapons from Borderlands use Eridium chunks as a reusable and rechargeable ammunition source. Neither the Eridians nor their weapons are present in Borderlands 2.

Eridium and Sirens

Lilith absorbing Eridium

Due to the mysterious relationship of Sirens to Eridians, Sirens can absorb Eridium as a means to enhance their powers. However, this has serious side effects. While Eridium increases a Siren's powers and makes them more powerful, even increasing their natural healing to the point of superhuman regeneration, the 'high' of the power boost has the potential to be addictive. Sirens that are given, willingly or forcefully, a constant flow of Eridium to absorb become unable to live without it: the Eridium essentially becomes their life support. Should the constant flow of Eridium stop, the Siren will die.

Despite this, Angel mentions in an ECHO recording that Maya (the only playable Siren) has no connection to Eridium.

Uses

Bars of refined Eridium are used as a means of underground currency, and can be used to buy character upgrades at the Black Market. These include Bank, Backpack, and Ammunition SDUs. The black market can only be accessed after commencement of the Plan B mission. A secondary use is for accessing raid bosses; it costs four Eridium to fight Terramorphous the Invincible, eight to fight Hyperius the Invincible, Master Gee the Invincible, Pete the Invincible and Voracidous the Invincible, paid when pulling a lever. Dexiduous the Invincible also requires Eridium to be deposited at four altars around Hunter's Grotto; 90 - 99 pieces in total. In Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, Eridium is given additional uses. It may be used to pay for items at special vendors, activate shrines for combat buffs and to possibly improve the loot acquired from 'd20' chests.

Eridium itself is also used as a powerful fuel source; however its method of production and full properties are unknown. While it seems to be almost like energy made solid, refined Eridium ore is formed into ingots. Eridium can also be used in weaponry, found in the form of E-tech gear possessing unique projectiles and improved elemental abilities.

Drop Guide

Eridium is an uncommon-rare drop from regular enemies and rarely found in containers like lockers and chests. Some bosses drop Eridium more frequently. It can also be obtained by playing Slot Machines around Pandora, or as a mission reward.

External Links

Click here for a video tutorial on how to farm Eridium.