Europe’s Lost Artifacts Guide

In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the Vatican City area hides a set of five elusive collectibles known as the Lost Artifacts of Europe. These items blend historical intrigue with classic adventure mechanics, rewarding players who explore off the main path. Collecting them advances your progress in side content and unlocks deeper lore tied to Indy’s 1937 escapades. This comprehensive guide details every location, prerequisite quests, and navigation tips to ensure you claim them all without frustration.

Why Hunt for Lost Artifacts?

These artifacts aren’t just shiny baubles; they contribute to completionist goals and tie into the game’s overarching narrative about ancient powers. Scattered across Vatican landmarks like towers, chapels, and hidden passages, they demand platforming precision, puzzle-solving, and combat readiness. Expect to revisit areas unlocked by main quests or side missions. Rewards include journal entries, map markers, and subtle story enhancements that enrich Indy’s European odyssey.

Preparation Essentials Before the Hunt

Stock up on two-handed weapons like shovels or sledgehammers for breaking weak walls. A sturdy object for smashing is crucial in multiple spots. Complete prerequisite side quests early, especially ‘A Nun in Trouble’ from Gina, which grants keys and access. Familiarize yourself with the Vatican map: key zones include Tower of Nicholas V, Sistine Chapel, Museum Wing, sewers, and Apostolic Library vicinities. Save often, as jumps can be finicky.

Artifact 1: Parade Helmet in Tower of Nicholas V

The first artifact awaits in the Tower of Nicholas V, accessible during the main quest involving the Stolen Cat Mummy. After pouring wine into a basin in a nearby small church, a hidden staircase emerges. Resist descending fully—instead, scout upward.

• Locate intact ledge segments above the staircase gaps.
• Execute running jumps across broken steps; angle precisely to grab edges.
• Persist through trial-and-error; controls require patience for mid-air adjustments.
• At the summit, the Parade Helmet gleams, ready for collection.

This helmet evokes ancient ceremonial gear, fitting the game’s relic-hunting theme. Mark it on your map post-pickup for progress tracking.

Artifact 2: Bronze Mirror in the Sewers

From the Tower of Nicholas V ground floor, seek an alternate route to the sewers. Spot a slumbering Blackshirt guard in a chair nearby.

• Grab a heavy two-handed weapon from the vicinity (shovel or pickaxe works best).
• Target the cracked wall beside the guard and demolish it thoroughly.
• Traverse the revealed tunnel to its end, descending into a well-like chamber.
• Claim the Bronze Mirror, a polished relic hinting at Roman origins.

If the path feels blocked, ensure you’ve progressed past initial tower gates. This spot tests improvised combat tools on environmental obstacles.

Artifact 3: Golden Xiphos in Sistine Chapel

Head to the Sistine Chapel’s southern sector, a hub of artistic and secretive elements.

• Enter via the southwest door adjacent to the altar.
• Descend stairs to the lower level post-Secret of Secrets puzzle.
• Overhear two priests chatting; examine the nearby wall of paintings.
• Spot the inverted one on the far right—interact to rotate it upright.
• A compartment slides open, revealing the Golden Xiphos, a gleaming ancient Greek short sword.

This discovery rewards keen observation amid post-puzzle cleanup, blending interactivity with exploration.

Artifact 4: Drinking Horn in Museum Wing

This requires the ‘A Nun in Trouble’ side quest. Follow Gina’s lead through looping paths around the Apostolic Library northward.

• Arrive at the Museum Wing after quest progression.
• Receive a key from Gina’s friend for a secret room.
• Inside, tackle the Father and Son puzzle (align symbols or levers as hinted).
• Solution unlocks the Drinking Horn, a Viking-era vessel perfect for Indy’s rugged style.

Without the quest, doors remain sealed—prioritize it for smooth access. The puzzle adds intellectual depth to the physical hunt.

Artifact 5: Final Relic in Hidden Tower Passage

Looping back to Tower of Nicholas V sewers, avoid the main metal gate.

• Cross the bridge near the sleeping guard.
• Smash another weakened wall with your two-handed tool.
• Follow the extended path beyond previous finds.
• Secure the fifth artifact, often a capstone item like a ceremonial idol.

Sources vary slightly on naming, but completion logs it universally. Double-check maps to confirm all five.

Navigation Map and Order Recommendations

Use this table for quick reference on artifact spots and prerequisites:

Optimal order: Start with Tower items (1-2,5), then Chapel (3), end with Museum (4). Total time: 20-40 minutes.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Avoid these errors for efficiency:

• Missing quests: ‘A Nun in Trouble’ blocks two artifacts—do it first.
• Weaponless walls: Always carry heavy smashers; drop and swap as needed.
• Janky jumps: Practice angles; use Indy’s whip for minor boosts if available.
• Map confusion: Zoom in on Vatican overview post-one collection.
• Post-puzzle blindness: Interact everywhere after solves.

Combine with Vatican Relics, Medicine Bottles, and Adventure Books for full zone mastery.

Game Context and Lore Ties

MachineGames’ title, published by Bethesda, slots between Raiders and Last Crusade. Artifacts nod to Europe’s rich history, from Roman mirrors to Greek blades, fueling Indy’s relic obsession. Collecting boosts your adventure book and hints at Great Circle mysteries. Replay value spikes with New Game+ modes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to collect in a specific order?

No, but quests unlock paths logically. Tower first recommended.

What if a door is locked?

Progress ‘A Nun in Trouble’ or main story for keys.

Are there rewards beyond collection?

Journal updates, map completion, lore snippets.

Can I miss them permanently?

No, all accessible post-story in free roam.

How many total in the game?

Europe has 5; more sets in other zones.

Advanced Strategies for Speedrunners

For completionists aiming under 15 minutes: Pre-equip weapons, quest-skip via main path, memorize jump pixels. Video timestamps aid visual learners: 00:51 for first, up to 05:05 for last.

Expand your playstyle by noting environmental storytelling—cracked walls and flipped art echo Indy’s puzzle prowess.