Learn how to find all artifact shards in Risk of Rain Returns!
Risk of Rain Returns became popular after its November 8, 2023 release. This roguelike title has generally received positive reviews from critics and players alike. It showcases unique playable characters and a challenging campaign that allows players to obtain in-game items, skills, and achievements to strengthen their character.
Although every resource or item in the game is just as important, artifacts hold a slight edge above the rest. Artifacts have unique properties that, once activated, will stay active throughout your entire campaign run. This article will discuss how you can find all artifact shards in Risk of Rain Returns to maximize your character’s capabilities.
Related: All Artifacts in Risk of Rain Returns (& Their Effects)
How to Find All Artifact Shards in Risk of Rain Returns
The First Artifact Shard
You will need to reach level 3 to collect the first artifact shard. The first shard is in a secret underground room in the Sunken Tumb.
Once you get there, navigate through until you find a wall leading to an underground location. Find a way to climb down the wall to reach the hidden passage. Be prepared to maneuver your way down, as the game is quite known for its challenging elements in platforming.
All you need to do is hug the wall until you reach the bottom of the secret room. The first artifact shard should be inside the secret room. There will be a couple of enemies along your way, so be careful when climbing. When you reach the artifact shard, simply collect the item and continue locating the next one.
The Second Artifact Shard
The second artifact shard is also located on the third level in the Ancient Valley. When you are within the area, find a way to get to the top of the mountain. Multiple enemies roam this area, so stay alert and be ready for combat. At the top of the mountain, there should be a temple.
Once you reach the top, go towards the right side of the temple and search for a hanging rope from above. Climb down the rope to reveal a hidden chamber underneath the mountain. The chamber will contain the second artifact shard. Simply collect it and proceed to the third shard.
The Third Artifact Shard
The third artifact shard can only be obtained when you reach level 4. It is located in the Hive Cluster. Obtaining the third shard is more challenging as it requires precise platforming skills while fending off incoming waves of enemies, so proceed with caution.
You will find a secret room underneath the ground in the Hive Cluster. Go towards the top and hug the wall on the left side going down. There should be an invisible passage entrance leading to the secret room. Make your way to the passage until you reach the hidden room where the third shard is. Be sure to collect it before proceeding to collect the final artifact shard.
The Fourth Artifact Shard
The fourth and final artifact shard is in a secret room in the Magma Barracks. Collecting the final shard is the most challenging, requiring deft maneuvering.
Go to the map’s highest point, where several pillars of platforms lie. Beneath the platforms is where the hidden room is located. You need the Hopoo Feather item to get to the secret room, allowing you to double jump. You can obtain this item by defeating a boss or as loot inside one of the rare chests hidden throughout the campaign.
When you get to the top, search for a protruding rock formation. Next to it, there is a hidden pathway going down. Jump down and use your double jump skill to maneuver toward the hidden entrance on your left. Go to the entrance to reveal the secret room and collect your fourth artifact shard.
Once you have all four artifact shards, you can unlock the Artifact of Dissonance. That’s all you need to know about how to find all artifact shards in Risk of Rain Returns. Be sure to check out our other Risk of Rain Returns guides here:
