Artifacts | Character advancement The Banner Saga 2 Guide

An example of an artifact

Each character in The Banner Saga 2 can have one active artifact that you can assign them in the management panel. Each artifact has a minimum level requirement. This means, for example, that a level 4 character cannot use a level 6 artifact. Each artifact has some bonuses so you should spend a moment to match the items to a character. For example, an artifact that increases the range of attacks for an archer will be completely useless for a warrior. The Varl should be given artifacts that increase melee effectiveness and overall defense. Archers, on the other hand, should wield items that improve their agility and basic damage.

You can obtain new artifacts in two ways. The first one is visiting markets that offer random objects in cities and villages. I strongly discourage you from doing it, since artifacts tend to be really expensive. Upgrading characters or even buying supplies are much better ways of spending your Renown points. The second option is acquiring artifacts on your way. Be careful especially in Godstone locations. Nearly all of them will grant you a new artifact, as long as you select the correct options (more on that in the walkthrough). As a rule, you should only use artifact that you find.

Sometimes you will manage to find an artifact during other events along your journey (also described in the walkthrough.) Another situation is recruiting random heroes. Sometimes they carry an artifact that you can give to another character.