In Borderlands 3, you’ll encounter numerous collectibles and loot opportunities, including elusive purple eridium crystals that can even obstruct chests.
Some elements in Borderlands 3 require you to return later for collection, especially after you have unlocked Sanctuary 3. This includes eridium writings and the numerous indestructible purple eridium crystal blocks you’ll encounter throughout your journey. Luckily, unlocking these crystals is straightforward, but it does require a bit of patience.
Borderlands 3: Breaking the Purple Eridium Crystals
To smash these pesky crystals, you simply need to progress through the main storyline until you complete the arc on the planet Promethea (around Chapter 10). Here, you will defeat a particularly memorable boss and enter a new arc that grants you the power to break the crystals with your melee attack (default key is V on PC).
Upon shattering a crystal block, you will receive a handful of eridium crystals (approximately four). Additionally, you’ll be able to access certain chests that were previously blocked by the crystals. It typically takes two or three melee strikes to access these chests. While you won’t receive any eridium from breaking the chest-openers, the loot contained within is often worth the effort.
Borderlands 3: Where to Use Eridium?
You can spend your eridium crystals aboard the Sanctuary, specifically on the lower deck in Crazy Earl’s shop. This is a special vending machine that exclusively accepts eridium, allowing you to purchase powerful weapons, cosmetic items, and other rare goodies.
