Artifacts Guide

Complete Olden Era artifact database covering all 120+ items, 24 set bonuses, tier rankings, and strategic guidance. Equip your hero with the most powerful artifacts in the game.

Quick FAQ

How do I find artifacts in Olden Era?

Artifacts are found through map exploration — treasure chests, creature dwellings, Dragon Utopias (Relic/Major), Twilight Blooms (Relic/Major), Research Laboratories (Relic/Major), Black Towers (Major/Minor), Raiders' Camps (Minor/Treasure), and Ancient Crypts (Minor/Treasure). Some artifacts are crafted by combining lesser items at the Artifact Merchant, which appears randomly on adventure maps. Quest rewards and defeating enemy heroes also grant artifacts.

Can I trade artifacts between heroes?

Yes. When two friendly heroes meet on the adventure map, you can transfer artifacts between them. This is crucial for delivering key artifacts to your main hero. Artifacts are also captured if you defeat an enemy hero who carries them. Note that the Shackles of War artifact prevents retreat and surrender in combat.

What happens when a hero carrying artifacts dies?

If your hero retreats from combat, they keep all artifacts. If completely defeated (no retreat possible, or Shackles of War is active), all carried artifacts transfer to the victorious hero. The Magic Key Ring artifact negates all retreat, surrender, and ability-use restrictions — including unlocking Shackles of War locks.

How does artifact upgrading work?

Many artifacts in Olden Era can be upgraded using Alchemical Dust. Upgrading increases the artifact's primary bonus — for example, upgrading Ogre's Club of Havoc adds +2 Attack per upgrade and can be done unlimited times. Dust is obtained from map piles, resource exchanges, artifact disenchanting, and storages. Prioritize upgrading artifacts that scale well with your hero build.

How the Artifact System Works

Heroes in Olden Era can equip artifacts across nine equipment slots: Head, Weapon, Shield, Cloak, Feet, Hands, Neck, two Ring slots, and four Miscellaneous slots for tomes, orbs, belts, keys, and special items. Each artifact belongs to one of four rarity tiers that determine its power level and spawn chance. Higher-rarity artifacts are dramatically more powerful — a single Relic-tier artifact can define an entire build.

Artifacts provide permanent stat bonuses, unique passive effects, and spell access that persist as long as they are equipped. Some artifacts belong to sets — equipping multiple pieces from the same set unlocks increasingly powerful set bonuses. Set bonuses can fundamentally alter your hero's capabilities. The Angelic Alliance (6-piece) grants +3 Initiative and Speed to all creatures, while the Power of the Dragon Father (8-piece) provides complete magic immunity to your entire army.

The artifact upgrade system adds another layer of depth. Using Alchemical Dust, you can enhance an artifact's primary bonus. Some artifacts like Ogre's Club of Havoc and Crown of the Supreme Magi can be upgraded unlimited times, providing scaling value throughout the entire campaign. Disenchanting weak or duplicate artifacts yields Dust, turning obsolete items into upgrade fuel for your best equipment.

Artifact Rarity Tiers

Relic

~2% of all artifacts

The rarest and most powerful artifacts. Relics provide game-changing effects — extra spellbook casts per round, access to all spells of a school, permanent Flight, and massive stat swings. Usually found in Dragon Utopias, Twilight Blooms, and Research Laboratories. Map objectives and defeating powerful neutral stacks are the most reliable sources.

Major

~15% of all artifacts

Strong artifacts with significant stat bonuses and unique powers. Major artifacts include Holy Sigils (granting entire skill trees), powerful set components, and items like Legion's Leg (+50% creature growth). The backbone of competitive hero builds. Found in treasure zones, Black Towers, and Ancient Crypts.

Minor

~50% of all artifacts

Solid artifacts with reliable bonuses. Minor artifacts like Pelagic Hourglass (-1 spell cooldown), Fine Wand (+1 spell level), and the faction resource bags provide consistent value. Don't underestimate them — stacking multiple Minor artifacts early gives a substantial power spike. Found in most treasure chests and creature dwellings.

Treasure

~33% of all artifacts

Basic artifacts with small stat bonuses. Treasure-tier items like Wooden Ring (+1 Morale), Straw Hat (+1 Knowledge), and Chain Mail (+3 Defense) provide early-game value but are quickly outclassed. Can be efficiently disenchanted into Alchemical Dust once better equipment is found.

Equipment Slots

Each equipment slot serves a distinct purpose. Head and Neck slots are unique (one each). Ring slots allow two equipped simultaneously. The Miscellaneous slot can hold up to four items — tomes for spell access, orbs for effects, and belts for utility. Understanding what each slot offers helps you prioritize which artifacts to seek.

SlotQuantityDescription
👑 Headx1Crowns, helms, masks — boost Knowledge, Spell Power, spell levels, or grant unique casting abilities
⚔️ Weaponx1Swords, staves, clubs — boost Attack or Spell Power with conditional damage bonuses
🛡️ Shieldx1Shields, bucklers, off-hand items — boost Defense or provide spell utility effects
🧥 Cloakx1Cloaks, capes, armor — utility effects, movement bonuses, and stat combinations
👢 Feetx1Boots, sandals, greaves — movement bonuses, initiative, growth, and terrain effects
🧤 Handsx1Gauntlets, knuckles — combat and damage mitigation bonuses
📿 Neckx1Amulets, pendants — part of the 2-piece stat sets (Warrior/Keeper/Wizard/Scholar)
💍 Ringx2Rings — two slots available; control effects, resonance controllers, stat bonuses
📜 Miscx4Tomes, orbs, belts, keys — unique spell access, gold generation, and special abilities

Artifact Set Bonuses

Olden Era features 24 artifact sets ranging from 2-piece stat boosts to the game-defining 8-piece Power of the Dragon Father. Each set bonus unlocks at specific piece thresholds. The most powerful sets — Angelic Alliance, Power of the Dragon Father, and Beelzebub's Chosen — can single-handedly win games when fully assembled.

Set NamePiecesFactionMid-Set BonusFull Set Bonus
Angelic Alliance6All(3-piece) Creatures from different factions do not lower each other's Morale(6-piece) All friendly creatures +3 Initiative and Speed
Power of the Dragon Father8All(3-piece) All stats +2(8-piece) Friendly creatures immune to all magic damage
Shadow of Death4All(2-piece) All enemy creatures -1 Morale and Luck(4-piece) All enemy creatures deal minimum damage
Beelzebub's Chosen4Hive(2-piece) Friendly creatures +1 Speed(4-piece) Friendly creatures deal maximum damage
Dominion of Puppeteers4Schism(2-piece) Enemy spell cooldowns +1 turn(4-piece) All enemy spellbook spells at minimum level
Shamanic Soul4All(2-piece) +25% maximum Mana(4-piece) All spells in spellbook at maximum level
Knight's Honor5Temple(3-piece) +1 Morale and Luck(5-piece) Morale/Luck trigger chance +3% per point of Morale/Luck
Ethereal Knowledge4Grove(2-piece) +3 Spell Power and Knowledge(4-piece) Friendly spell and ability ongoing effects have unlimited duration
Tranquil Glass3All(3-piece) Fully restore hero Mana at the start of each day
Milos's Curse3All(3-piece) Daily +4000 Gold
Pauper's Glory6All(2-piece) +1 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge, Morale, Luck(6-piece) Above stats +1 more (total +3 each)
Dwarven Fortitude4All(3-piece) All enemy magic school spells -1 level(4-piece) Wearer immune to all negative effects in combat and on adventure map
Anesthesia3All(2-piece) Friendly creatures restore 2.5% max HP per turn (can revive fallen units)(3-piece) All friendly creatures +25% max HP
Wanderer's Way2All(2-piece) Remove all terrain penalties
Living Arrows3All(2-piece) All friendly creatures +1 Initiative(3-piece) Ranged attack creatures gain Double Shot
Duelist's Pride3All(2-piece) +3 Attack and Defense(3-piece) All friendly creatures have unlimited counter-attacks
Inner Song3All(3-piece) Friendly creatures do not end their turn after using abilities
Ukhtabar Signet2All(2-piece) +100% experience gain
Ambassador's Word2All(2-piece) Neutral creatures join the wearer's army for free
Warrior's Strength2All(2-piece) +4 Attack
Keeper's Fortitude2All(2-piece) +4 Defense
Wizard's Might2All(2-piece) +4 Spell Power
Scholar's Wisdom2All(2-piece) +4 Knowledge
Hero of Tales2All(2-piece) Hero Strike triggers twice

Artifact Tier Rankings

Not all artifacts are created equal. The tier list below ranks artifacts based on competitive impact, versatility across factions, and how dramatically they alter the game state. S-tier artifacts are build-defining — finding one should immediately reshape your strategy. A-tier artifacts are powerful and universally useful. B-tier provides strong value in the right context. C-tier artifacts are solid performers that fill specific niches.

S

Game-Defining

  • Angelic Alliance (full set) — +3 Initiative/Speed for all units, no faction Morale penalty
  • Power of the Dragon Father (full set) — full magic immunity for your entire army
  • Spellbinder's Hat — access to all tier 5 spells regardless of hero build
  • Two-faced Mask — double spellbook usage per round, game-warping for magic heroes
  • Seven-League Boots — +30 Movement dominates map control
  • Pole Star — all adventure spells cost 0 Mana, infinite Dimension Door chains
A

Exceptional

  • Legion's Leg — +50% creature growth in all towns, massive late-game scaling
  • Fallen Angel Wings — permanent Flight transforms map mobility
  • Magic Key Ring — negates Shackles of War and all retreat/surrender restrictions
  • Seven Eyes — +1 to all spell levels, scales with every magic school
  • Demonic Heart — all spells become Mastered version, massive power spike
  • Holy Sigils (all 8) — each grants an entire skill tree's sub-skills for free
B

Strong

  • Beelzebub's Chosen set — friendly creatures deal maximum damage
  • Shadow of Death set — enemy creatures deal minimum damage
  • Dominion of Puppeteers set — enemy spellbook degraded to minimum level
  • Warlord Boots — +2 Initiative for all creatures, strong for Might heroes
  • Shaman Staff — +6 Spell Power, foundational for magic builds
  • Ambassador's Sash + Diplomatic Gifts — free neutral army recruitment
C

Solid

  • Sirin Mask — -1 spell cooldown, enables faster spell rotation
  • Pelagic Hourglass — universal spell cooldown reduction
  • Fine Wand — +1 to all spell levels
  • Dragon Scale Armor — +4 Attack and Defense
  • Endless Bag — passive daily rare resource generation
  • Skull of Milos — +1000 daily gold, strong early economic boost

Notable Artifacts Database(120+ items — Community Reported)

The following artifacts have been reported by the Olden Era community. Stats and effects may be adjusted with future patches. Artifacts marked with Upgrade can be enhanced using Alchemical Dust for increased bonuses.

ArtifactSlotRarityEffectSet
Demon ClawWeaponRelic+12 Attack, -4 Defense. Upgrade: +4 AttackBeelzebub's Chosen
ExcaliburWeaponRelicHero Strike kills +1 extra unit (up to tier 7). Upgrade: +1 unitHero of Tales
Sword of JudgementWeaponRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Dark HatchetWeaponMajor+4 Attack, then total Attack +15%. Upgrade: +2 AttackShadow of Death
GarotteWeaponMajorAll enemies -1 Speed
Shaman StaffWeaponMajor+6 Spell Power. Upgrade: +3 Spell PowerShamanic Soul
Shroomwood BowWeaponMajorRemoves friendly ranged damage penalty. Upgrade: ranged damage +5%Living Arrows
TruthmakerWeaponMajorEnemy creatures -10% Attack. Upgrade: additional -5%Dominion of Puppeteers
LanceWeaponMinor+3 Attack. Upgrade: +2 AttackKnight's Honor
Ogre's Club of HavocWeaponMinor+4 Attack. Upgrade: +2 Attack, unlimited upgrades
RapierWeaponMinorFriendly creatures +10% melee damage. Upgrade: +5%Duelist's Pride
Red Dragon Flame TongueWeaponMinor+2 Attack and Defense. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Fish-to-the-FaceWeaponTreasure+1 Attack. Upgrade: +1 AttackPauper's Glory
Chitinous ShieldShieldRelic+12 Defense, -4 Attack. Upgrade: +4 DefenseBeelzebub's Chosen
Lion's Shield of CourageShieldRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Dragon Scale ShieldShieldMajor+3 Attack and Defense. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
TruthseekerShieldMajorEnemy creatures -10% Defense. Upgrade: additional -5%Dominion of Puppeteers
CaduceusShieldMinorHero Strike restores 6 Mana. Upgrade: +6 ManaHero of Tales
Crescent DaggerShieldMinorSpells and abilities ignore 40% enemy magic resistance. Upgrade: +20%Ethereal Knowledge
Fine WandShieldMinorAll spells +1 level
Pelagic HourglassShieldMinorAll spell cooldowns -1 turn
Shield of the Rampaging OgreShieldMinor+4 Defense. Upgrade: +2 Defense, unlimited upgrades
BucklerShieldTreasureFriendlies can counter-attack Swift Strike enemies. Upgrade: melee damage +5%Duelist's Pride
MisericordeShieldTreasure+2 Attack. Upgrade: +1 AttackKnight's Honor
Shoddy ShieldShieldTreasure+2 Defense
Singing Pan-PipeShieldTreasureFriendly ongoing effects +1 turn. Upgrade: +1 turnInner Song
Amelchia's LawHeadRelicEnemy creatures -1 Initiative. Upgrade: additional -1Dominion of Puppeteers
Beelzebub's BoonHeadRelic+12 Knowledge, -4 Spell Power. Upgrade: +4 KnowledgeBeelzebub's Chosen
Crown of DragontoothHeadRelic+4 Spell Power and Knowledge. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Helm of Heavenly EnlightenmentHeadRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Seven EyesHeadRelicAll spells +1 level. Upgrade: +1 levelEthereal Knowledge
Sirin MaskHeadRelicAll spell cooldowns -1 turn. Upgrade: additional -1 turnShamanic Soul
Spellbinder's HatHeadRelicHero can cast all tier 5 spells
Two-faced MaskHeadRelicHero can use spellbook 1 extra time per combat round
Mirror TiaraHeadMajorRestore 8 Mana each morning. Upgrade: +8 ManaTranquil Glass
Crown of the Supreme MagiHeadMinor+4 Knowledge. Upgrade: +2 Knowledge, unlimited upgrades
Scholar's TiaraHeadMinor+2 Knowledge. Upgrade: +1 KnowledgeScholar's Wisdom
ArmetHeadTreasure+2 Defense. Upgrade: +1 DefenseKnight's Honor
Fancy MaskHeadTreasureGenerate 2 Focus at combat start. Upgrade: +2 FocusInner Song
Head TorchHeadTreasure+1 vision radius
Straw HatHeadTreasure+1 Knowledge. Upgrade: +1 KnowledgePauper's Glory
Armor of WonderCloakRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Dragon Scale ArmorCloakRelic+4 Attack and Defense. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
HeartbeatCloakRelic+12 Spell Power, -4 Knowledge. Upgrade: +4 Spell PowerBeelzebub's Chosen
Iridescent CloakCloakMajor+6 Knowledge. Upgrade: +3 KnowledgeShamanic Soul
Ribcage ArmorCloakMajor+4 Defense, then total Defense +15%. Upgrade: +2 DefenseShadow of Death
Robe of EnlightenmentCloakMajorHero can cast all tier 3 spells
Eagle ArmorCloakMinor+2 Morale and Luck
Plate ArmorCloakMinor+3 Defense. Upgrade: +2 DefenseKnight's Honor
Tunic of the Cyclops KingCloakMinor+4 Spell Power. Upgrade: +2 Spell Power, unlimited upgrades
Vortex RobeCloakMinorRegain 40% of enemy spell mana cost when they cast. Upgrade: 60%Ethereal Knowledge
Chain MailCloakTreasure+3 Defense
RagsCloakTreasure+1 Spell Power. Upgrade: +1 Spell PowerPauper's Glory
Ambassador's SashCloakRelicDiplomacy persuasion +10%. Upgrade: +5%Ambassador's Word
Fallen Angel WingsCloakRelicGain permanent Flight ability
Banner of Six WindsCloakMajorFriendly creatures +1 Speed
Flag of TruceCloakMajorRetain army when fleeing from combat
Light-and-Shade CloakCloakMajorFriendly ranged units can shoot in melee. Upgrade: ranged damage +5%Living Arrows
Second ShadeCloakMajor+4 Knowledge, then total Knowledge +15%. Upgrade: +2 KnowledgeShadow of Death
Automated Antimagic ShieldCloakMinor-10% magic damage received. Upgrade: additional -5%Dwarven Fortitude
BackpackCloakMinorHero +10 Movement. Upgrade: +5 MovementWanderer's Way
Dragon Wing TabardCloakMinor+2 Spell Power and Knowledge. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Wizard's CloakCloakMinor+2 Spell Power. Upgrade: +1 Spell PowerWizard's Might
Monster HeadCloakTreasureEnemy -1 Morale and Luck
OmencallerCloakTreasureEnemy -1 Luck
Celestial Sash of BlissMiscRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Magic Key RingMiscRelicNegates all restrictions on retreat, surrender, spellbook and hero ability use (unlocks Shackles of War)
Spells in BottlesMiscRelicHero can cast all tier 4 spells
Skull of MilosMiscMajorDaily +1000 Gold. Upgrade: +1000 GoldMilos's Curse
Slithering SashMiscMajor+3 Spell Power and Knowledge. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Endless BagMiscMinorDaily +1 Gem/Crystal/Mercury (depends on faction)
Flask of OblivionMiscMinorFriendly negative effects last -1 turn. Upgrade: additional -1 turnAnesthesia
SpyglassMiscMinor+2 vision radius
Warrior's BeltMiscMinor+2 Attack. Upgrade: +1 AttackWarrior's Strength
Rope BeltMiscTreasure+1 Defense. Upgrade: +1 DefensePauper's Glory
Soulless SashMiscTreasureEnemy creatures -1 Morale
Sandals of the SaintFeetRelic+2 Attack, Defense, Spell Power, Knowledge. Upgrade: all stats +1Angelic Alliance
Seven-League BootsFeetRelic+30 Movement
Warlord BootsFeetRelicFriendly creatures +2 Initiative
Bone BootsFeetMajor+4 Spell Power, then total Spell Power +15%. Upgrade: +2 Spell PowerShadow of Death
Legion's LegFeetMajorAll town creature growth +50%
Shackles of WarFeetMajorNo surrender or retreat in combat (both sides)
Swamp BootsFeetMajorRemove all terrain penalties
Boots of TravelFeetMinor+10 Movement. Upgrade: +5 MovementWanderer's Way
Dragonbone GreavesFeetTreasure+1 Spell Power and Knowledge. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Magic SlippersFeetTreasureSpells cost -2 Mana. Upgrade: additional -1 ManaEthereal Knowledge
Brass KnucklesHandsMajorFriendly creatures take -30% counter-attack damage. Upgrade: additional -15%Duelist's Pride
Soulcaller RingRingRelicEnemy all magic school spells -1 level
Lord's RingRingMajorFriendly creatures +1 Initiative
Ring of NeutralityRingMajorAll creatures' Morale and Luck permanently neutral in combat
Seal of SilenceRingMajorEnemy all spell cooldowns +1 turn
Chain LinkRingMinorPrevents hero and enemy from casting tier 1-2 spells in combat
Emerald Resonance ControllerRingMinorEnemy hero Spell Power -10%. Upgrade: additional -5%Dwarven Fortitude
Keeper's RingRingMinor+2 Defense. Upgrade: +1 DefenseKeeper's Fortitude
Ring of LifeRingMinorFriendly positive effects +1 turn. Upgrade: +1 turnAnesthesia
Shard of SerenityRingMinorRestore 6 Mana each morning. Upgrade: +6 ManaTranquil Glass
Sixth FingerRingMinorEnemy -2 Morale and Luck
Tabar Signet-RingRingMinor+1 Luck. Upgrade: +1 LuckUkhtabar Signet
Clenching RingRingTreasureHero-cast ongoing spells +1 turn. Upgrade: +1 turnShamanic Soul
Quiet Eye of a DragonRingTreasure+1 Attack and Defense. Upgrade: each +1Power of the Dragon Father
Wooden RingRingTreasure+1 Morale. Upgrade: +1 MoralePauper's Glory
Holy Sigil of EridoreMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Logistics, Combat Magic, and Wisdom while equipped
Holy Sigil of InsaraMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Leadership, Insight, Diplomacy, and Tactics while equipped
Holy Sigil of MeareaMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Luck, Economy, and Daylight Magic while equipped
Holy Sigil of QuixMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Arcane Magic, Scouting, Combat Art, and Sorcery while equipped
Holy Sigil of RophMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Ascension, Necromancy, Whispers, Triad Power, Abyssal Communion, and Swarm Summoning while equipped
Holy Sigil of The Second ManMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Offense, Avatar Summoning, Siege, and Combat while equipped
Holy Sigil of The Seven MagiMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Sorcery, Nightshade Magic, and Resistance while equipped
Holy Sigil of UurdtMiscMajorGrants all unlearned sub-skills of Defense, Primal Magic, and Recruitment while equipped
Arcane TomeMiscRelicHero can cast all Arcane spells
Daylight TomeMiscRelicHero can cast all Daylight spells
Demonic HeartMiscRelicReplaces all hero spells with Mastered versions where available
Diplomatic GiftsMiscRelicDiplomacy persuasion +10%. Upgrade: +5%Ambassador's Word
Lifeblood FaeMiscRelicFriendly creatures +2 HP. Upgrade: +1 HPAnesthesia
Nightshade TomeMiscRelicHero can cast all Nightshade spells
Pole StarMiscRelicHero's adventure-map spells cost 0 Mana
Primal TomeMiscRelicHero can cast all Primal spells
Protective BeltMiscMajor-10% magic damage received. Upgrade: additional -5%Dwarven Fortitude
Crimson Resonance ControllerRingMajorEnemy hero Spell Power -20%. Upgrade: additional -10%Dwarven Fortitude
Drum of WarMiscMajor(Upgradeable) — part of Knight's Honor setKnight's Honor
Magic MirrorMiscMajorPart of the Tranquil Glass setTranquil Glass
Liquid SilenceMiscMajorPart of the Dominion of Puppeteers setDominion of Puppeteers
Quivering QuiverMiscMajorPart of the Living Arrows setLiving Arrows
Music SheetMiscTreasurePart of the Inner Song setInner Song
Ukh SignetRingMinorPart of the Ukhtabar Signet setUkhtabar Signet
Warrior's AmuletNeckMinorPart of the Warrior's Strength setWarrior's Strength
Keeper's AmuletNeckMinorPart of the Keeper's Fortitude setKeeper's Fortitude
Wizard's AmuletNeckMinorPart of the Wizard's Might setWizard's Might
Scholar's AmuletNeckMinorPart of the Scholar's Wisdom setScholar's Wisdom
Golden PigMiscMajorPart of Milos's Curse (daily gold bonus)Milos's Curse
Golden MothMiscMajorPart of Milos's Curse (daily gold bonus)Milos's Curse

Artifact Strategy Tips

Prioritize Your Main Hero

Your main hero should receive all the best artifacts. Secondary heroes need only enough to clear neutral stacks — items like Ogre's Club of Havoc or Shield of the Rampaging Ogre provide solid combat stats. Transfer artifacts via hero meetings to concentrate power. A main hero with a full set of Relics will solo maps.

Plan Around Set Bonuses

Even a 2-piece set bonus can be stronger than mixing higher-rarity standalone items. The 2-piece bonus from Warrior's Strength (+4 Attack) is equivalent to four Treasure-tier weapons. If you find a strong set piece, adjust your exploration route to search areas where more pieces might spawn.

Build Around Tome Artifacts

Arcane/Nightshade/Daylight/Primal Tomes grant access to entire spell schools. Finding a Tome for a magic school your hero does not already know instantly doubles your tactical options. Spells in Bottles (tier 4 spells) and Spellbinder's Hat (tier 5 spells) work similarly — build your hero plan around these if you find them early.

Disenchant Treasure-Tier Items for Dust

Treasure-tier artifacts provide minimal benefits in the mid-to-late game. Disenchant them for Alchemical Dust at towns or Artifact Merchants. The Dust is almost always more valuable than the negligible stat bonus. One disenchanted Straw Hat (+1 Knowledge) yields Dust that upgrades an Ogre's Club (+2 Attack) — a clear value upgrade.

Control Artifact Spawn Locations

Dragon Utopias and Research Laboratories are the most reliable sources of Relic and Major artifacts. Control these map locations early and return to them. Twilight Blooms are another Relic-grade source. If you see an enemy heading toward one of these objectives, intercept them — denying a Relic to your opponent is as valuable as gaining one yourself.

Use Holy Sigils to Fill Skill Gaps

The eight Holy Sigils are among the most versatile artifacts in the game. Each one grants all sub-skills of specific skill categories while equipped. Holy Sigil of Eridore (Logistics, Combat Magic, Wisdom) instantly gives any hero access to Logistics — arguably the best adventure skill. Slot a Sigil, learn the skills you want permanently, then replace it while retaining the learned abilities.

Where to Find Artifacts

Relic-Tier Sources

  • Dragon Utopia — the most reliable Relic source
  • Twilight Bloom — Relic and Major artifacts
  • Research Laboratory — high-grade artifact drops
  • Map objective rewards — campaign-specific Relics
  • Defeating enemy main heroes — capture their equipped artifacts
  • The Monty Hall — special neutral object

Major & Minor Sources

  • Black Tower — Major and Minor artifacts
  • Ancient Crypt — Minor and Treasure artifacts
  • Raiders' Camp — Treasure and Minor artifacts
  • Artifact Merchant — buy artifacts using Gold
  • Tomb of a Nameless Hero — guaranteed artifact
  • Quest rewards — faction-specific artifact quests

Acquisition Tips

  • Scout Dragon Utopias early — mark them for return visits
  • Build an Artifact Merchant in your towns for direct purchases
  • Intercept enemy heroes carrying artifacts you want
  • Search every corner of the map — artifacts can be hidden anywhere
  • Complete all faction quests for guaranteed artifact rewards
  • Use Spells in Bottles/Spellbinder's Hat to bypass magic guild requirements

Last updated: July 8, 2026