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What Are Cores in Borderlands?

In "Borderlands," cores are a part of the armor worn by the Crimson Lance. There are three different types of cores that can be found from the armor, each one offering a different effect. Only one effect can be active at a time, however some have instant and lasting effects. Collecting these cores is also the objective of the "Core Collection" mission offered by Marcus later in the game. The cores are only dropped by the Crimson Lance members when the "Core Collection" mission is active.

Power Cores
- Power Cores dropped by the Crimson lance are colored red. These cores act to increase your damage with projectile weapons, as well as melee weapons. The effect from the red Power Cores is not stackable, and the effect will wear off with time, being reactivated by picking up another Power Core.
Shock Cores
- When dropped, Shock Cores are colored blue. When picked up, a Shock Core has the instant effect of recharging your shields. Shock Cores also have a timed effect of emitting Shock Novas. When the Shock Nova is emitted, it will also have the effect of detonating any exploding barrels nearby, so it is important to destroy them before coming within range of them. The effect of Shock Cores can be stacked by picking up another of the same core, increasing the rate at which the Shock Nova is emitted.
Speed Cores
- When dropped, Speed Cores are colored yellow. These cores have no immediate benefit when picked up. The Speed Core does have two timed effects that are activated when picked up. Movement speed is increased, as well as the amount of experience gained from each kill. The effects gained from Speed Cores are not stackable at all, however the effects can be reactivated by picking up another Speed Core.
Core Collection
- The Core Collection mission is picked up from Marcus in T-Bone Junction. It is made immediately available after completing the "Big Crimson Brother is Watching." The goal of the mission is to kill members of the Crimson Lance, and collect the cores that they drop. To complete the mission, 50 of the red Power Cores, 25 Speed Cores and 100 Shock Cores must be collected. The mission is completed after collecting all of the required cores and returning to Marcus.

Xbox 360