Unlocking Every Artifact in Risk of Rain Returns

Risk of Rain Returns brings back the intense roguelike action with a twist: powerful artifacts that dramatically alter gameplay. These collectibles, totaling 14 in number, are hidden across various stages, often requiring sharp platforming skills, timed puzzles, and knowledge of stage variants. Unlocking them permanently enables their use in future runs, allowing for custom challenges and strategies. This guide details every artifact’s location, activation method, and tips drawn from player discoveries.

Understanding Artifacts and Stage Variants

Artifacts spawn on specific stage variants, which are randomized layouts (1, 2, 3, or 4). A key tip: disable newer variants in the game rules menu to force appearances of variants 1-3, simplifying hunts for many artifacts. They appear on shrines that players must interact with after solving environmental puzzles. Some demand speed, others precision jumps or button sequences. Collecting them requires reaching the stage early and exploring thoroughly before the teleporter activates.

Early Game Artifacts: Building Your Collection

Start your artifact hunt in the initial stages, where accessibility meets clever secrets.

Artifact of Honor

Found in Desolate Forest variants 1 and 2, this artifact sits centrally, sometimes exposed or tucked behind a wall. Use mobility tools like dashes or jumps to cross gaps. In variant 3, a hidden vine offers an alternate descent. It forces elite enemies, ramping up difficulty for rewarding runs.

Artifact of Kin

Dried Lake variants 1-3 host this one on the right side. Break a destructible wall, enter the path, and rapidly activate three buttons in sequence. Timing is crucial—miss one, and reset. Success reveals the shrine.

Artifact of Distortion

In Damp Caverns variants 1-3, head to the top-center. A horizontal leap to a distant button activates the platform holding the artifact. Mobility items shine here.

Artifact of Spite

Ancient Valley variants 1-3 feature this mid-map. Navigate elevated paths via drops and platforms to reach it. Watch for environmental hazards.

Artifact of Glass

Back in Ancient Valley, seek a secret mountain path for a timed button puzzle. Hit multiple switches quickly before they reset, unveiling the fragile powerhouse.

Mid-Game Challenges: Precision and Puzzles

As stages grow complex, artifacts demand more from your platforming and timing.

Artifact of Enigma

Hive Cluster variants 1-3, upper region. Solve a riddle-like sequence amid buzzing foes. Look for interactive nodes.

Artifact of Sacrifice

In Sky Meadow variants 1-3, descend hidden paths post-button activation. Platforming follows, leading to the reward.

Artifact of Command

Hive Cluster east side: ropes bridge a chasm. Even invisible platforms remain jumpable—trust your timing.

Artifact of Spirit

Temple of the Elders variants 1-3, far right. Drop to a jumping puzzle; complete it for the shrine.

Late-Game and Special Artifacts: High Stakes

These require speed, prerequisites, or final boss victories.

Artifact of Origin

Spawns on the final stage after defeating Providence, but only if the prior nine artifacts are enabled. A capstone collectible.

Artifact of Prestige

Details emerge in player logs: tied to elite-heavy runs in late stages, often post-teleporter events.

Artifact of Dissonance

Audio-visual cues in Temple of the Elders; sync with stage music for activation.

Artifact of Tempus (Tempest)

Temple of the Elders, all variants—but only within the first 16 minutes. Rush there under 15 for safety; it vanishes after.

Artifact of Cognation

Exclusive to Desolate Forest variant 4. Load in and scout immediately—rare spawn.

Artifact Effects Overview

Each artifact modifies runs uniquely. Here’s a table summarizing key effects:

Pro Tips for Efficient Artifact Hunting

• Toggle stage variants off in rules for variants 1-3 priority.
• Stack mobility early: Jumps, dashes essential for 80% of locations.
• Time trials for Tempus: Aim for Temple under 15 minutes.
• Enable multiple artifacts per run for Origin.
• Practice puzzles in single-player; co-op adds chaos.
• Map exploration: 100% clears often reveal extras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many artifacts are in Risk of Rain Returns?

There are 14 unique artifacts, each tied to specific stages and conditions.

Do artifacts carry over between runs?

Once unlocked, they appear in the artifact menu for future runs, customizable per game.

What’s the hardest artifact to get?

Tempus demands speedrunning to Temple of the Elders under 16 minutes; Cognation’s variant 4 rarity adds challenge.

Can I get multiple artifacts in one run?

Yes, plan routes through required stages, but teleporter timers limit this.

Are there prerequisites for Origin?

Enable the first nine artifacts; defeat final boss.

Advanced Strategies: Combining Artifacts

Layering artifacts creates wild synergies. Honor + Glass = brutal elite swarms with amplified damage. Spirit offers safety nets for aggressive plays. Experiment in custom lobbies. Community runs showcase Prestige + Tempus for time-attack metas. Track progress via in-game logs; full collection unlocks mastery achievements.

Mastering these secrets transforms Risk of Rain Returns from survival scramble to strategic powerhouse. Explore, adapt, conquer.