In The Outer Worlds, particularly within the Murder on Eridanos expansion, players encounter a quirky and memorable character known as Black Hole Bertie. This NPC (nonplayer character) contributes to both the worldbuilding and the mystery at the heart of this storydriven update. Called Black Hole Bertie because he sucks up every ball that comes his way, this character blends humor, sport culture, and intrigue into one of the many engaging narrative threads players uncover while exploring the drifting asteroid islands of Eridanos. His full name is Bertie Holcomb, and he’s introduced as a famous tossball player whose reputation, allies, and alibis become central to one of the expansion’s key quests. This topic explores who Black Hole Bertie is, his role in the game’s story, and why his inclusion enriches the overall Outer Worlds experience.
Who Is Black Hole Bertie?
Black Hole Bertie, also known as Bertie Holcomb, is an NPC found in the Murder on Eridanos expansion of The Outer Worlds. He resides at the Copper Bottom Cantina inside the Piraeus Spaceport on Eridanos, a location where the protagonist meets various characters tied to the central mystery of the expansion. While not a companion character for the player, Bertie plays a part in the unfolding narrative involving Halcyon Helen, a wellknown figure whose untimely death becomes the main mystery to solve.
Character Background and Reputation
Bertie Holcomb is famed within the Outer Worlds universe for his prowess in the sport of tossball, playing for the Rizzo’s Rangers team. His nickname, Black Hole, comes from his seemingly impossible ability to collect and control every ball that comes his way during games, much like a black hole would attract matter in space. He has also collected a variety of other playful nicknames throughout his career, including The Holemeister and HackAttack, reflecting his unique personality and flamboyant sporting history. Despite the humorous nature of these monikers, he is treated like a major celebrity on Eridanos due to his athletic fame.
Black Hole Bertie’s Role in the Murder on Eridanos Expansion
The Murder on Eridanos expansion is a narrativerich addition to the Outer Worlds, centered on solving a crime involving the famous entertainer Halcyon Helen. Black Hole Bertie becomes one of the suspects in the main quest titled Prince of Tossball. This quest involves interrogating several potential suspects and piecing together clues related to Helen’s untimely death. Players must track down Bertie, talk with him, and assess his alibi at different stages of the investigation.
The Prince of Tossball Quest
In Prince of Tossball, players progressively gather leads about where Bertie might have been at the time of Halcyon Helen’s murder. Initially, there is suspicion surrounding his presence and possible motivation because he was her boyfriend before she died. However, when players finally find him at the Piraeus Spaceport’s cantina, Bertie presents an alibi involving another character named Orick West, which players can follow up on as an optional step in the quest. Whether players confirm his story or not, Bertie’s interactions contribute to the depth and complexity of the mystery.
Personality and Dialogue
Part of what makes Black Hole Bertie memorable isn’t just his backstory but how he behaves and how other characters react to him. Dialogue with Bertie reflects a personality that is jovial, a bit selfabsorbed, and unmistakably tied to his fame as a tossball star. He doesn’t come across as a hardened criminal but rather as someone caught up in circumstances that might be bigger than his sporting persona suggests. Players who bring party members who are fans of tossball, like Felix or Vicar Max, will hear additional commentary that adds humor and personal reactions during conversations with Bertie. These moments help flesh out his character while making the investigative gameplay more engaging.
Optional Dialogue and Companion Reactions
When engaging in dialogue with Bertie, players can invite companions to participate in the interrogation. Different companions bring varied reactions based on their own personalities and backstories, offering additional flavor to the conversation. For example, characters who love tossball will chime in with their opinions, providing comic relief and making the world feel more alive. These optional interactions do not drastically change the outcome of the quest, but they help expand character relationships and player experience.
Black Hole Bertie’s Legacy in the Outer Worlds
While Bertie himself is not the central villain or the final resolution of the mystery, his inclusion serves important narrative purposes. First, he helps establish how expansive the Murder on Eridanos DLC is, incorporating not only mystery and intrigue but also cultural elements like sports and celebrity culture within the game’s universe. Characters like Bertie bridge the gap between lore and player experience, reminding players that the world of The Outer Worlds is as much about personal stories as it is about overarching plots.
Cultural Flavor and Worldbuilding
Black Hole Bertie contributes to the worldbuilding of the Halcyon colony system by representing how society values sport, fame, and personal identity within this science fiction setting. His reputation as one of the greatest tossball players ever and his colorful personality reflect a society where entertainment and celebrity matter, even amid larger issues like corporate control and political intrigue. By engaging players with these smaller stories, the DLC deepens the richness of its environment and expands on how life unfolds across Eridanos’s drifting islands.
Fan Reception and InGame Notes
Among fans of The Outer Worlds, Black Hole Bertie has become a quirky and enjoyable part of the Murder on Eridanos experience. His character is frequently discussed among players who share their encounters with him, favorite dialogue moments, and theories about his involvement in the murder mystery. While Bertie is cleared of being the murderer in many playthroughs, his charm, sporting prowess, and the humorous way he interacts with the player create lasting impressions.
Trivia and Player Observations
- Bertie’s nickname Black Hole highlights his athletic ability in tossball, a fictional sport within the Outer Worlds universe.
- His character is voiced by an English voice actor, adding to the personality and dramatic delivery in conversations.
- Players may find logs or memorabilia connected to Bertie, such as signed tossball items, that enhance the lore around him and provide additional context within the game world.
Black Hole Bertie is one of The Outer Worlds’ more intriguing NPCs introduced in the Murder on Eridanos DLC. As both a famous tossball athlete and a suspect in the central murder mystery, he adds humor, depth, and narrative richness to the player’s investigation. His colorful personality, optional dialogue interactions, and involvement in quests like Prince of Tossball reinforce the game’s reputation for engaging storytelling and character development. Whether players remember him for his tossball legend or for his own unique contribution to the mystery on Eridanos, Bertie remains a memorable part of the Outer Worlds experience that highlights how even side characters can leave a lasting impression.