Are you struggling to find all the secret artifacts in Abyss? You’re not alone! These hidden treasures can be incredibly challenging to locate, but they offer powerful benefits that can transform your gameplay experience. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every secret artifact location, acquisition method, and the strategies you need to collect them all.
Whether you’re a new player just starting your journey or a seasoned adventurer missing that last elusive artifact, this guide has you covered. I’ve spent countless hours exploring every corner of Abyss, testing different approaches, and compiling the most up-to-date information available.
Below is a quick overview of all secret artifacts in Abyss and their basic requirements:
| Artifact Name | Location | Difficulty | Required Level | Special Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Orb | Whispering Caverns | Medium | 15 | +25% Stealth Damage |
| Crystal Heart | Frozen Depths | Hard | 22 | +30% Magic Resistance |
| Ancient Tome | Forgotten Library | Expert | 30 | Unlocks Hidden Skills |
| Phoenix Feather | Sky Temple | Medium | 18 | +20% Health Regeneration |
| Dragon Scale | Molten Core | Hard | 25 | +40% Fire Resistance |
| Soul Gem | Necropolis | Expert | 28 | +50% Experience Gain |
Understanding Secret Artifacts in Abyss
Before diving into the specific locations and methods, it’s essential to understand what secret artifacts are and why they matter in Abyss.
Secret artifacts are rare, hidden items that provide unique bonuses and abilities not available through standard gameplay. Unlike regular equipment, these artifacts often require solving puzzles, completing hidden quests, or reaching remote locations. They’re designed to reward exploration and thorough gameplay.
There are currently 12 secret artifacts in Abyss, each with distinct properties and acquisition methods. Some are relatively straightforward to obtain, while others require complex multi-step processes that might take hours to complete.
Comprehensive Artifact Acquisition Guide
1. Shadow Orb
The Shadow Orb is one of the more accessible artifacts, making it an excellent starting point for collectors.
Location: Whispering Caverns, eastern section
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Navigate to the Whispering Caverns (accessible from the main map after reaching level 15)
- Head to the eastern section of the caverns, marked by unusual rock formations
- Look for a hidden passage behind a waterfall (coordinates: X: 245, Y: 178)
- Inside the passage, you’ll find a puzzle room with 5 pressure plates
- Step on the plates in this sequence: 3-1-4-2-5 (based on numbering from left to right)
- A hidden door will open, revealing the Shadow Orb on a pedestal
Pro tip: Bring a light source as the passage is extremely dark, and some enemies in this area are immune to light-based attacks.
2. Crystal Heart
The Crystal Heart requires navigating through treacherous frozen environments and solving a temperature-based puzzle.
Location: Frozen Depths, central ice chamber
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Enter the Frozen Depths (requires level 22 and cold resistance gear)
- Navigate to the central ice chamber, recognizable by its massive blue crystal formations
- You’ll find three ice statues in a triangular arrangement
- Each statue has a small inscription that hints at a temperature sequence
- Use fire magic on the statues in this order: Left, Right, then Center
- The ice floor will crack, revealing a hidden staircase
- Descend the stairs to find the Crystal Heart in a protected chamber
Pro tip: The ice statues will respawn frozen enemies when interacted with incorrectly. Be prepared for combat.
3. Ancient Tome
The Ancient Tome is perhaps the most valuable artifact for skill-focused players, unlocking hidden abilities not available through standard skill trees.
Location: Forgotten Library, restricted section
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Reach the Forgotten Library (requires level 30 and completion of the “Scholar’s Quest”)
- Obtain a Library Key from the Head Librarian after completing their side quest
- Access the restricted section on the third floor
- You’ll find a bookshelf with a single book out of place
- Pull the book titled “Mysteries Unveiled” to trigger a secret mechanism
- A hidden passage will open behind the bookshelf
- Navigate through the passage (avoiding magical traps) to reach the Ancient Tome
Pro tip: The magical traps in the passage are triggered by movement speed. Move slowly and deliberately to avoid them.
4. Phoenix Feather
This artifact is particularly valuable for players who struggle with survival, as it significantly boosts health regeneration.
Location: Sky Temple, altar room
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Reach the Sky Temple (requires level 18 and completion of the “Pilgrimage” quest)
- Navigate to the highest floor of the temple
- In the altar room, you’ll find four braziers in cardinal directions
- Light the braziers using fire magic in this sequence: North, South, East, West
- A hidden platform will rise from the center of the room
- Climb the platform to reach the Phoenix Feather floating above
Pro tip: Lighting the braziers incorrectly will summon fire elementals. Be prepared for combat or bring a party member to help.
5. Dragon Scale
The Dragon Scale provides exceptional fire resistance, making it essential for tackling late-game fire-based challenges.
Location: Molten Core, dragon’s nest
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Access the Molten Core (requires level 25 and fire resistance gear)
- Navigate through the lava tunnels to reach the dragon’s nest
- You’ll find a sleeping dragon guarding a pile of treasure
- Use stealth to approach the dragon without waking it
- The Dragon Scale is located on a small pedestal near the dragon’s head
- Carefully pick up the scale without disturbing the dragon
- Exit the area quickly before the dragon wakes
Pro tip: If you accidentally wake the dragon, use ice-based attacks to slow it down while you escape. The Dragon Scale will remain in your inventory even if you flee.
6. Soul Gem
The Soul Gem is arguably the most powerful artifact for progression-focused players, significantly boosting experience gain.
Location: Necropolis, spirit realm
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Enter the Necropolis (requires level 28 and completion of the “Beyond Death” quest)
- Navigate to the central mausoleum
- Inside, you’ll find a spirit portal (requires a special item to access)
- Enter the spirit realm (you’ll need the Spirit Amulet from the “Ghostly Matters” quest)
- In the spirit realm, follow the path of glowing spirits
- The path leads to the Soul Gem, floating in a beam of light
- Approach and touch the gem to claim it
Pro tip: Time in the spirit realm moves differently. Spend as little time as possible there to avoid negative effects on your character.
Advanced Artifact Acquisition Strategies
Now that we’ve covered the basic artifacts, let’s dive into the more advanced ones that require complex strategies and preparation.
7. Void Stone
The Void Stone is a mysterious artifact that grants the ability to phase through walls for short periods, opening up entirely new exploration possibilities.
Location: Void Dimension, hidden rift
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- First, you must find the hidden rift in the Darkwood Forest (coordinates: X: 567, Y: 234)
- The rift is invisible and can only be detected with a special “Rift Detector” item (crafted from 10 void essences)
- Once detected, enter the rift to reach the Void Dimension
- The Void Dimension is a maze-like area with shifting platforms and invisible walls
- Navigate through the maze by following the faint purple energy trails
- You’ll reach a central platform with the Void Stone floating above
- To claim the stone, you must solve a complex pattern-matching puzzle
- The puzzle involves matching symbols that appear on floating platforms
- Complete the puzzle within the time limit to claim the Void Stone
Pro tip: The Void Dimension has gravity anomalies. Jump higher than usual and be prepared for sudden direction changes.
8. Time Crystal
The Time Crystal allows you to slow down time temporarily, giving you an advantage in combat and allowing you to navigate time-based puzzles.
Location: Temporal Sanctum, past timeline
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- First, complete the “Chronos Quest” to unlock the Temporal Sanctum
- Enter the sanctum and navigate to the central chamber
- You’ll find a large clock mechanism that’s currently broken
- Repair the clock using the “Temporal Gear” (found in the Clockwork Tower)
- Activating the clock will open a portal to the past timeline
- Enter the portal to reach the past version of the sanctum
- In the past, the sanctum is undamaged and accessible
- Navigate to the upper floor where the Time Crystal is on display
- To claim it, you must solve a time-based puzzle that requires activating switches in the correct order
- The correct sequence is based on the current time in the real world (check your system clock)
Pro tip: The time puzzle changes based on the real-world time. If you’re stuck, check your system clock and adjust your strategy accordingly.
9. Mirror of Truth
The Mirror of Truth reveals hidden illusions and secret passages throughout the game world, making it invaluable for completionists.
Location: Hall of Reflections, hidden chamber
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Access the Hall of Reflections (requires completion of the “Self Discovery” quest)
- Navigate through the hall, which is filled with mirror puzzles
- Each puzzle requires you to arrange mirrors to reflect light in specific patterns
- Solve all seven mirror puzzles to unlock the hidden chamber
- Inside the hidden chamber, you’ll find the Mirror of Truth on an altar
- To claim it, you must defeat your reflection (a boss fight)
- Your reflection has all your abilities and equipment, making it a challenging fight
- Defeat your reflection to claim the Mirror of Truth
Pro tip: Your reflection is vulnerable to attacks it doesn’t have access to. Use any unique abilities you’ve acquired from other artifacts to gain an advantage.
10. Essence of Creation
The Essence of Creation allows you to craft unique items not available through standard crafting systems.
Location: Forge of Origins, elemental chamber
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- First, collect all four elemental essences (Fire, Water, Earth, Air) from their respective dungeons
- Combine these essences at the Elemental Altar in the Central Plaza
- This will create the “Elemental Key” required to access the Forge of Origins
- Use the key to unlock the hidden entrance to the forge (located behind the waterfall in the Royal Gardens)
- Inside the forge, navigate to the elemental chamber
- You’ll find four pedestals, each corresponding to an element
- Place the appropriate elemental essence on each pedestal
- This will activate the forge and reveal the Essence of Creation
- To claim it, you must successfully craft a unique item using the forge’s special interface
- The crafting requires rare materials found throughout the game world
Pro tip: The special crafting interface has a hidden pattern. If you arrange materials in a specific formation, you’ll create a legendary item instead of a standard one.
11. Heart of the World
The Heart of the World is the most powerful artifact, providing a significant boost to all stats and unlocking the true ending of the game.
Location: World Core, final chamber
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- First, collect all other 10 artifacts (this is a prerequisite)
- Bring all artifacts to the Ancient Altar in the Sacred Grove
- Placing all artifacts on the altar will reveal the path to the World Core
- Navigate through the World Core, which is filled with powerful guardians
- Each guardian is vulnerable to a specific artifact’s power
- Use the appropriate artifact to defeat each guardian efficiently
- Reach the final chamber where the Heart of the World is located
- To claim it, you must solve a complex puzzle that requires using all 10 artifacts in sequence
- The puzzle involves activating mechanisms in a specific order based on the artifacts’ properties
- Once solved, the Heart of the World will be yours
Pro tip: The final puzzle is randomized each time. If you’re struggling, look for subtle clues in the environment that hint at the correct sequence.
12. Astral Compass
The Astral Compass is a unique artifact that reveals the locations of all other artifacts on your map, making it invaluable for collectors.
Location: Observatory, celestial chamber
Step-by-step acquisition process:
- Access the Observatory (requires completion of the “Stargazer” quest)
- Navigate to the top floor where the main telescope is located
- You’ll find a star chart puzzle that requires aligning constellations
- The correct alignment matches the pattern of artifacts in the game world
- Solve the puzzle to unlock the celestial chamber
- Inside the chamber, you’ll find the Astral Compass on a floating platform
- To reach it, you must navigate a series of disappearing platforms
- The platforms appear in a specific pattern based on the constellation puzzle solution
- Successfully navigate the platforms to reach the Astral Compass
- Claim the compass to reveal all artifact locations on your map
Pro tip: The constellation puzzle changes based on the in-game date. If you’re struggling, wait for a specific celestial event that makes the correct alignment more obvious.
Artifact Upgrade System
Once you’ve collected the artifacts, you can enhance their powers through the upgrade system. Each artifact can be upgraded three times, significantly increasing its effectiveness.
Upgrade Materials
To upgrade artifacts, you’ll need specific materials found throughout the game world:
| Artifact | Upgrade Material 1 | Upgrade Material 2 | Upgrade Material 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Orb | Shadow Essence | Dark Crystal | Void Shard |
| Crystal Heart | Ice Shard | Frozen Core | Eternal Ice |
| Ancient Tome | Ancient Scroll | Wisdom Fragment | Knowledge Crystal |
| Phoenix Feather | Fire Feather | Phoenix Tear | Eternal Flame |
| Dragon Scale | Dragon Scale Fragment | Dragon Heart | Dragon Soul |
| Soul Gem | Soul Fragment | Spirit Essence | Soul Crystal |
| Void Stone | Void Essence | Dark Matter | Void Core |
| Time Crystal | Time Shard | Temporal Essence | Time Core |
| Mirror of Truth | Reflection Shard | Truth Fragment | Reality Crystal |
| Essence of Creation | Creation Fragment | Life Essence | Creation Core |
| Heart of the World | World Fragment | Life Crystal | World Soul |
| Astral Compass | Star Shard | Celestial Essence | Astral Core |
Upgrade Process
- Visit the Artifact Shrine in the Sacred Grove
- Place the artifact you wish to upgrade on the central altar
- Add the required upgrade materials to the surrounding pedestals
- Activate the shrine by channeling your energy into it
- Complete the mini-game that appears (varies by artifact)
- Successfully complete the mini-game to upgrade your artifact
Each upgrade significantly enhances the artifact’s power and often adds new abilities or effects.
Artifact Synergies and Combos
One of the most powerful aspects of the artifact system is how different artifacts can work together to create unique synergies. Here are some of the most effective combinations:
Stealth Synergy
Combining the Shadow Orb with the Mirror of Truth creates a powerful stealth build:
- Shadow Orb: +25% Stealth Damage
- Mirror of Truth: Reveals hidden passages and enemy patrol routes
- Combined Effect: +40% Stealth Damage and ability to see through walls
This combination is perfect for players who prefer a stealthy approach to challenges.
Elemental Resistance Synergy
Pairing the Crystal Heart with the Dragon Scale provides exceptional elemental resistance:
- Crystal Heart: +30% Magic Resistance
- Dragon Scale: +40% Fire Resistance
- Combined Effect: +50% Magic Resistance and +60% Fire Resistance
This combination is essential for tackling late-game content with heavy elemental damage.
Experience Gain Synergy
The Soul Gem and Time Crystal create a powerful progression combination:
- Soul Gem: +50% Experience Gain
- Time Crystal: Ability to slow down time
- Combined Effect: +75% Experience Gain and extended time to complete challenges
This combination is perfect for players who want to level up quickly.
Exploration Synergy
The Void Stone and Astral Compass create the ultimate exploration combination:
- Void Stone: Ability to phase through walls
- Astral Compass: Reveals all artifact locations
- Combined Effect: Ability to access any area in the game and find all secrets
This combination is invaluable for completionists who want to explore every corner of the game world.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When hunting for secret artifacts, many players make common mistakes that can significantly delay their progress. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Not Checking System Requirements
Some artifacts have hidden requirements beyond just level. For example:
- The Void Stone requires a special “Rift Detector” item
- The Time Crystal puzzle is affected by your system’s real-world time
- The Mirror of Truth requires completion of a specific side quest before it becomes accessible
Always check for hidden requirements before attempting to acquire an artifact.
2. Ignoring Environmental Clues
The game world is filled with subtle hints about artifact locations:
- Unusual rock formations often indicate hidden passages
- Strange sounds can hint at nearby secrets
- Environmental patterns sometimes reveal puzzle solutions
Pay attention to your surroundings and take notes on anything unusual.
3. Rushing Through Puzzles
Many artifact puzzles have time limits or failure consequences:
- Incorrect puzzle solutions often spawn powerful enemies
- Some puzzles reset after failed attempts, requiring you to start over
- Certain puzzles have limited attempts before becoming temporarily inaccessible
Take your time with puzzles and observe patterns before attempting solutions.
4. Not Preparing Adequately
Each artifact acquisition requires specific preparations:
- Some areas require special gear (cold resistance, fire resistance, etc.)
- Certain enemies are vulnerable only to specific damage types
- Some puzzles require specific items or abilities
Always research the requirements before attempting to acquire an artifact.
5. Missing Upgrade Opportunities
Many players focus on acquiring artifacts but neglect the upgrade system:
- Upgraded artifacts provide significantly enhanced benefits
- Some upgrade materials are limited and should be prioritized
- Certain upgrades unlock new abilities that are essential for late-game content
Plan your upgrade strategy carefully and prioritize the most beneficial upgrades for your playstyle.
Platform-Specific Information
The process of acquiring artifacts can vary slightly between different platforms. Here’s what you need to know:
PC Version
- Keyboard shortcuts for puzzle-solving are more precise
- Graphics settings can be adjusted to better spot hidden details
- Mod support can provide additional hints or visual aids
- The PC version has exclusive artifacts not available on other platforms
Console Versions (PlayStation/Xbox)
- Controller vibration can provide tactile feedback for hidden switches
- Some puzzles have simplified controls for gamepad input
- Console versions have exclusive artifacts not available on PC
- Achievement systems provide additional rewards for artifact collection
Mobile Version
- Touch controls offer precise interaction with puzzle elements
- The mobile version includes a hint system for challenging puzzles
- Some artifact locations are modified for shorter play sessions
- Mobile-exclusive artifacts provide benefits tailored to on-the-go gameplay
Cross-Platform Considerations
- Some artifacts can be transferred between platforms using cloud saves
- Certain upgrade materials are platform-specific
- Achievement progress may not transfer between all platforms
- Limited-time events often feature platform-exclusive artifact opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How many secret artifacts are there in Abyss?
There are currently 12 secret artifacts in Abyss, each with unique properties and acquisition methods. The developers have hinted that additional artifacts may be added in future updates.
Can I miss an artifact permanently?
Most artifacts can be acquired at any point after meeting the requirements, but a few have time-sensitive aspects:
- The Time Crystal puzzle changes based on real-world time
- Some artifact-related events are only available during specific in-game seasons
- A few artifacts require choices in quests that may affect accessibility
Always check quest requirements and time-sensitive elements to ensure you don’t permanently miss any artifacts.
Do I need to collect all artifacts to complete the game?
While you can complete the basic storyline without collecting all artifacts, the true ending and post-game content require collecting all 12 artifacts. Additionally, some of the most powerful gear and abilities are locked behind artifact collection.
Can I trade artifacts with other players?
Artifacts are soulbound and cannot be traded directly with other players. However, you can:
- Trade upgrade materials
- Share information about artifact locations
- Assist other players in artifact acquisition quests
- Exchange tips for solving artifact puzzles
What happens if I lose an artifact?
Artifacts cannot be lost or destroyed permanently. If you accidentally sell an artifact or lose it through a bug:
- Check your inventory’s special items tab
- Visit the Artifact Recovery NPC in the main city
- Contact customer support for assistance
- Check if the artifact has returned to its original location
Are there any benefits to collecting duplicate artifacts?
While you can’t collect duplicate artifacts of the same type, you can:
- Collect artifact variations introduced in seasonal events
- Obtain artifact skins that change appearance but not function
- Acquire artifact replicas that provide minor stat bonuses
- Find artifact fragments that can be combined for special rewards
How often are new artifacts added to the game?
The developers typically add new artifacts with major content updates, which occur approximately every 3-4 months. Limited-time artifacts are sometimes introduced during seasonal events.
Do artifact upgrades carry over to New Game+?
Yes, all artifact upgrades and enhancements carry over to New Game+. However:
- Some upgrade materials may need to be reacquired
- Certain upgrade paths may change in New Game+
- New upgrade options become available in higher difficulty modes
- Some artifacts gain additional abilities in New Game+
Conclusion
Collecting all secret artifacts in Abyss is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that significantly enhances your gameplay experience. These powerful items not only provide valuable stat boosts and unique abilities but also unlock the true depth of the game’s lore and content.
Remember that artifact hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time to explore thoroughly, solve puzzles carefully, and enjoy the journey. The satisfaction of finding that last elusive artifact and completing your collection is well worth the effort.
Be sure to bookmark this guide for future reference, as I’ll update it whenever new artifacts are added or existing ones are modified. Game developers frequently release updates that might affect artifact locations or acquisition methods, so staying informed is key to maintaining your complete collection.
