While playing through Battleborn you’ve undoubtedly come across these gold crystals known as Shards. These crystals are only obtainable while playing and are lost one you finish the session you’re in. They actually serve as a currency used to boost your abilities and gain assistance throughout the various Versus modes and the Story. Deciding how to use them, however, depends on what it is you want to accomplish.
Before you can spend Shards, you must collect some. You can earn some by blowing up the large Crystals that are usually found powering shields in the Story, or on the side of maps during Versus. There are also smaller crystals scattered around some levels. Killing minions provides a small amount, and, during Versus only, you’ll earn a little bit over time.
There are two ways that you can spend Shards in a session: Activating Gear, and building things.
- Activating Gear – After setting up a loadout you’ll have access to three pieces of gear while playing. To activate them, simply hold down left on your d-pad and press the corresponding button to select the Gear you want. You’ll have to exchange Shards to do this. The amount of Shards needed varies, but the rarer the Gear, the more expensive the activation.
- Build Drones/Traps/Turrets – Scattered around every map are nodes with floating numbers over them. These nodes allow you to build either Drones, Traps, or Turrets. If you have the amount indicated over the node, walk up and interact by pressing Square on the PS4 or “X” on the Xbox One. This will bring up a small menu, similar to the one used to pick Gear. Press the corresponding button, and voila, you have some new support.
It’s a good idea to apply some strategy to how you’re going to spend. Building can be very useful as it provides a lot of support to you and your team, but Gear can give you a serious edge depending on your play style.
For more guides, tips, tricks, and information on Battleborn, be sure to check out our wiki.
