Artifacts are rare objects that form around anomalies and give bonuses such as protection or more carry weight. Players search for them constantly, and guides often skip the basics. This page explains how to find them, how to use them, and which ones are worth your time. It is based on a PCGamesN artifacts guide and an Epic Games Store survival guide, checked on October 13, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Equip an artifact detector near anomalies and follow the beeping.
- Throw bolts, not weapons, to trigger anomalies safely.
- Equip each artifact from the inventory after you pick it up.
- Goldfish and Spring raise carry weight, and both are found near gravitational anomalies.
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How to find artifacts
- Equip a detector when you are near anomalies. The beeping gets faster as you approach.
- Throw bolts to see the anomaly field and reset it. Regular weapons cannot reset anomalies.
- Walk carefully to the artifact and pick it up.
- Open your inventory and equip it, since an artifact in your backpack does nothing.
PCGamesN lists two detectors: the basic Echo (2,000 coupons) and the Bear (6,000), which has a clearer radar display. The Epic guide recommends the Echo for finding hidden artifacts near anomalies.
Artifacts worth knowing
| Artifact | Rarity and anomaly | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Goldfish | Uncommon, gravitational anomalies | Small carry weight bonus |
| Spring | Uncommon, gravitational anomalies | Medium carry weight bonus |
| Compass | Legendary, gravitational | Maximum physical and radiation protection |
| Liquid Rock | Legendary, acid | Maximum radiation and chemical protection |
| Weird Ball | Legendary, Bulba anomaly | Reduces bullet damage while standing still |
Balance benefits and drawbacks
Many artifacts help in one way and hurt in another. The Epic guide advises pairing them with protective items to counter radiation. Check the item description in your inventory before you equip it, and keep anti-radiation drugs with you.
Common mistakes
- Shooting at anomalies instead of throwing bolts.
- Forgetting to equip the artifact.
- Ignoring radiation until health drops.
- Running toward the artifact without watching the anomaly field.
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