Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts: All Codes, Locations, Effects, and Unlock Guide

Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts are special gameplay modifiers that can dramatically change how a run works.

Some artifacts make a run more predictable. Others increase enemy difficulty, change item drops, alter survivor behavior, or introduce unusual mechanics that are completely different from a normal run.

The most searched artifacts include the Artifact of Command, Artifact of Sacrifice, Artifact of Glass, Artifact of Swarms, and Artifact of Chaos. To unlock most of them, you need to find or obtain the correct 3×3 Artifact Code, enter it into the Compound Generator, travel through the resulting portal, and complete the Artifact trial in Bulwark’s Ambry.

The system has also expanded beyond the original artifact roster. Current versions include newer artifacts such as Delusion, Devotion, and Prestige, while Rebirth uses a different unlock method and does not have an Artifact Code.

This guide covers the complete artifact system, including the codes, patterns, locations, portal process, Artifact Key, Command, Sacrifice, and the newer artifacts added through later updates.

What Are Artifacts in Risk of Rain 2?

Artifacts are gameplay modifiers that you can activate before starting a run.

Unlike ordinary items, artifacts do not simply increase one character’s stats. They change the rules of the run itself.

For example:

• Artifact of Command lets you choose your items instead of receiving random item selections.
• Artifact of Sacrifice removes chests and makes monsters drop items.
• Artifact of Glass massively increases damage while reducing health.
• Artifact of Swarms doubles monster spawns while reducing their maximum health.
• Artifact of Chaos enables friendly fire.
• Artifact of Kin restricts each stage to one monster type.
• Artifact of Honor makes enemies spawn as elites.

Because these modifiers affect the entire run, combining several artifacts can produce radically different gameplay.

Once an artifact has been unlocked, it becomes available as a selectable modifier when setting up another run.

How to Unlock Artifacts in Risk of Rain 2

The standard artifact unlock process has four main stages:

1. Reach the location containing the Compound Generator.
2. Enter the correct Artifact Code.
3. Activate the generator and enter the Artifact Portal.
4. Complete the Artifact trial and destroy the Artifact Reliquary.

For the standard system, the Compound Generator is found in Sky Meadow, the fifth stage. With the Seekers of the Storm DLC, a Compound Generator is also available in Helminth Hatchery.

Step 1: Reach Sky Meadow

During a normal run, continue until you reach Sky Meadow.

Look for a way below the main map where the Compound Generator is located.

The generator consists of a 3×3 arrangement of interactable symbols.

Step 2: Enter the Artifact Code

Each artifact has a specific pattern made from four possible symbols:

• Square
• Circle
• Triangle
• Diamond

The pattern contains nine symbols arranged in three rows of three.

For example, the Artifact of Command pattern is:

■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
▲ ▲ ▲

The symbols must be entered into the Compound Generator in the correct arrangement.

Step 3: Activate the Generator

After entering the pattern, interact with the associated activation device.

A portal to Bulwark’s Ambry will appear.

Step 4: Enter the Artifact Trial

Travel through the portal.

Bulwark’s Ambry contains the Artifact Reliquary associated with the trial.

An Artifact Key initially appears on an elevated platform. Picking it up allows you to interact with the Artifact Reliquary.

Enemies then begin spawning, and additional Artifact Keys can drop from defeated enemies.

Use the keys on the Reliquary until it is destroyed.

Once the Reliquary is destroyed, the Artifact becomes available to collect and unlock.

Risk of Rain 2 Artifact Locations

Artifact locations can mean two different things:

1. The location of the Artifact Code
2. The location of the Artifact trial

These should not be confused.

The code is generally hidden somewhere in the game’s environments. The code is then entered at the Compound Generator, which sends you to the Artifact trial in Bulwark’s Ambry.

Some of the traditional code locations include:

The exact presentation of some codes can be unusual. For example, the Dissonance code can be found on a fallen tablet, while some codes are split between locations or appear in unusual environmental positions.

Newer artifacts added through updates have their own unlock methods or code locations.

Risk of Rain 2 Artifact Codes and Patterns

The most useful thing to know about Risk of Rain 2 artifact codes is that the codes are fixed patterns.

They are not randomly generated for each player.

The standard format is a 3×3 grid using combinations of:

• ■ Square
• ● Circle
• ▲ Triangle
• ♦ Diamond

You can therefore use a code discovered by another player rather than physically finding the corresponding tablet yourself.

All Risk of Rain 2 Artifact Codes

The following reference uses the current artifact roster. Rebirth is the exception because it does not use an Artifact Code.

The codes and effects above are based on the current artifact reference and corroborating code databases.

Artifact of Rebirth has no code

The Artifact of Rebirth is different.

It was added with the Seekers of the Storm content and is unlocked through the Experienced Rebirth challenge rather than by entering a 3×3 code. The current artifact reference explicitly lists its code as N/A.

That means you should not waste time searching for a Rebirth tablet or trying to enter a Rebirth pattern into the Compound Generator.

How to Use the Risk of Rain 2 Artifact Portal

Once you enter a correct code into the Compound Generator, the next step is the Artifact Portal.

The basic sequence is:

Artifact Code → Compound Generator → laptop/activation → Artifact Portal → Bulwark’s Ambry → Artifact trial

The portal does not immediately give you the Artifact.

You must complete the associated trial.

What happens inside Bulwark’s Ambry?

After arriving, find the Artifact Reliquary.

An Artifact Key appears on a raised platform.

Pick it up and use it on the Reliquary.

This starts the encounter.

Enemies spawn around the arena, and some can drop additional Artifact Keys.

Use the new keys on the Reliquary again.

Continue until the Reliquary is destroyed.

The Artifact can then be collected.

What is the Artifact Key?

The Artifact Key is the item used to damage the Artifact Reliquary during the trial.

The first key is available when the trial begins.

Additional keys can drop from enemies.

Importantly, the system prevents players from simply stockpiling keys in multiplayer: using a key removes the relevant keys from players’ inventories.

Risk of Rain 2 Artifact of Command

The Artifact of Command is one of the most searched artifacts in Risk of Rain 2.

Its defining effect is simple:

You choose your items instead of relying entirely on random item drops.

Its code is:

■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
▲ ▲ ▲

The Command code can be found in the Bazaar Between Time, behind the Newt area.

How does Artifact of Command work?

Normally, when an item drops, you receive the item determined by the game’s normal loot system.

With Command active, item drops are replaced with Command Essences.

You then choose an item from the available choices for that item’s rarity.

This makes it possible to build around specific items rather than simply accepting whatever random drops appear.

For example, if you want to build around critical hits, attack speed, bleed, healing, mobility, or another mechanic, Command gives you much more control over the items entering the build.

Why is Command useful?

Command is especially useful for:

• Learning item interactions
• Testing survivor builds
• Experimenting with equipment
• Completing specific item-based challenges
• Practicing difficult survivors
• Creating unusual builds
• Understanding how item stacking works

It also changes the strategic side of the game because item rarity no longer determines the exact item you receive.

Artifact of Command pattern

For quick reference:

■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
▲ ▲ ▲

This is one of the easiest artifact codes to memorize because it consists of two complete rows of squares followed by a row of triangles.

Risk of Rain 2 Artifact of Sacrifice

The Artifact of Sacrifice changes the normal loot system in the opposite direction.

Its effect is:

Monsters drop items on death, but chests no longer spawn.

Its code is:

▲ ▲ ▲
▲ ▲ ▲
▲ ♦ ▲

The code is associated with the Gilded Coast, where it can be found underwater near the Aurelionite area.

How Sacrifice changes a run

Without Sacrifice, opening chests is one of the normal ways to acquire items.

With Sacrifice enabled, chests are removed and enemy kills become a major source of item drops.

That changes how you move through stages.

Instead of primarily thinking:

Where are the chests?

you are encouraged to think:

How efficiently can I kill enemies?

Sacrifice and Command

Command and Sacrifice can be combined.

That creates a particularly controlled item-acquisition system:

• Sacrifice determines that enemies provide the item opportunities.
• Command lets you choose the resulting item.

This can be useful for players experimenting with builds, although it also changes the normal progression of a run considerably.

Other Important Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts

Command and Sacrifice receive much of the attention, but the other artifacts can completely change a run too.

Artifact of Glass

Glass increases survivor and ally damage to 500% while reducing health to 10%.

Code:

♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦

This creates a very high-damage, extremely fragile style of play.

Artifact of Swarms

Swarms doubles monster spawns while halving their maximum health.

Code:

● ● ▲
▲ ♦ ▲
▲ ● ●

The result is more enemies but weaker individual targets.

This can substantially change item and gold generation because you are fighting more enemies throughout a stage.

Artifact of Chaos

Chaos enables friendly fire for both survivors and monsters.

Code:

● ▲ ●
● ▲ ●
● ▲ ●

This makes multiplayer especially dangerous because teammates can damage each other.

Artifact of Kin

Kin restricts a stage to one monster type.

Code:

● ▲ ▲
♦ ● ▲
♦ ♦ ●

This can make some stages considerably more predictable while producing very different encounters depending on which monster type is selected.

Artifact of Honor

Honor makes enemies spawn as elites.

Code:

■ ■ ■
■ ▲ ■
■ ■ ■

Because elite enemies have additional modifiers, Honor can make even ordinary encounters significantly more dangerous.

Artifact of Frailty

Frailty doubles fall damage and makes it lethal.

Code:

● ● ●
▲ ● ▲
▲ ▲ ▲

Movement becomes particularly important because falls that might normally be survivable can become fatal.

Artifact of Enigma

Enigma gives the player random equipment that changes whenever the equipment is activated.

Code:

♦ ■ ■
▲ ■ ▲
● ♦ ♦

This is useful for players who want equipment choices to become unpredictable.

Artifact of Evolution

Evolution gives monsters items between stages.

Code:

♦ ♦ ♦
■ ■ ■
● ● ●

The longer the run continues, the more unusual enemy encounters can become because monsters gain item effects.

Artifact of Dissonance

Dissonance allows monsters to appear outside their usual environments.

Code:

● ■ ■
■ ■ ■
■ ■ ●

It removes some of the normal relationship between stages and their expected monster pools.

Artifact of Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis makes players spawn as random survivors.

Code:

♦ ■ ●
♦ ■ ●
♦ ■ ●

This can create a very unpredictable run because your survivor is no longer guaranteed to be the one you selected in the normal way.

Artifact of Death

Death creates an extreme multiplayer rule:

When one player dies, everyone dies.

Code:

● ● ●
■ ▲ ■
● ▲ ●

This artifact is therefore especially significant in cooperative play.

Newer Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts

Older Risk of Rain 2 artifact guides can be confusing because the artifact roster has changed since the original Artifact update.

Two artifacts were added in the Devotion Update:

• Artifact of Delusion
• Artifact of Devotion

The Devotion Update was released in May 2024.

Later, Seekers of the Storm introduced the Artifact of Rebirth, while Alloyed Collective, released in November 2025, added the Artifact of Prestige.

Artifact of Delusion

Delusion introduces a memory-based mechanic after Teleporter events.

Its code is:

■ ● ■
● ● ●
■ ▲ ■

After the Teleporter event, certain opened chests can become available again, but the player must correctly identify what was previously obtained to benefit from the mechanic.

Artifact of Devotion

Devotion changes broken drones into Lemurian Eggs.

Its code is:

▲ ♦ ▲
■ ♦ ■
♦ ▲ ♦

Players can give an eligible item to an egg to hatch an allied Lemurian, and the resulting followers receive the item’s effect.

Artifact of Rebirth

Rebirth is part of Seekers of the Storm.

Unlike most artifacts, it does not have an Artifact Code.

It is unlocked through the Experienced Rebirth challenge by using the Shrine of Rebirth.

Artifact of Prestige

Prestige was added with the Alloyed Collective expansion.

Its code is:

▲ ● ●
■ ● ▲
● ● ■

Prestige causes at least one Shrine of the Mountain to spawn on each eligible stage, and its effects become permanent between stages.

That means the difficulty introduced by activated Shrines can continue accumulating while the additional rewards also accumulate.

Risk of Rain 2 Artifact Codes: Quick Reference

If you only need the codes and do not want to read the full guide, use this condensed reference.

CHAOS
● ▲ ●
● ▲ ●
● ▲ ●

COMMAND
■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
▲ ▲ ▲

DEATH
● ● ●
■ ▲ ■
● ▲ ●

DELUSION
■ ● ■
● ● ●
■ ▲ ■

DEVOTION
▲ ♦ ▲
■ ♦ ■
♦ ▲ ♦

DISSONANCE
● ■ ■
■ ■ ■
■ ■ ●

ENIGMA
♦ ■ ■
▲ ■ ▲
● ♦ ♦

EVOLUTION
♦ ♦ ♦
■ ■ ■
● ● ●

FRAILTY
● ● ●
▲ ● ▲
▲ ▲ ▲

GLASS
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦

HONOR
■ ■ ■
■ ▲ ■
■ ■ ■

KIN
● ▲ ▲
♦ ● ▲
♦ ♦ ●

METAMORPHOSIS
♦ ■ ●
♦ ■ ●
♦ ■ ●

PRESTIGE
▲ ● ●
■ ● ▲
● ● ■

SACRIFICE
▲ ▲ ▲
▲ ▲ ▲
▲ ♦ ▲

SOUL
● ■ ●
● ♦ ●
■ ♦ ■

SPITE
▲ ● ▲
● ● ●
▲ ● ▲

SWARMS
● ● ▲
▲ ♦ ▲
▲ ● ●

VENGEANCE
♦ ■ ■
♦ ● ■
♦ ■ ■

Rebirth is not included in the code list because it has no Artifact Code.

How to Read the Artifact Code Symbols

The Compound Generator uses a limited group of shapes.

The four standard symbols are:

• ■ = Square
• ● = Circle
• ▲ = Triangle
• ♦ = Diamond

Think of the code as a 3×3 grid.

For example:

■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■
▲ ▲ ▲

Do not read it as a continuous nine-symbol password.

Instead, reproduce the same visual arrangement on the generator.

Why artifact patterns can be confusing

Some code tablets are not presented perfectly upright.

A tablet can be lying on its side, partially hidden, split across an environment, or incorporated into scenery.

That is why looking only at the symbols without considering their orientation can lead to mistakes.

What Is the Risk of Rain 2 Code Portal?

The Artifact Portal is the gateway created after correctly entering an Artifact Code at the Compound Generator.

It is not the same thing as the Compound Generator.

The process is:

Code tablet or code reference → Compound Generator → portal → Bulwark’s Ambry → Artifact Reliquary

The portal takes you to the hidden Artifact trial.

Once the trial is completed, the Artifact is unlocked for future runs.

Are Artifact Codes the Same for Everyone?

Yes.

Artifact Codes are fixed patterns rather than player-specific passwords.

That means you can use a published code to unlock an artifact without finding the corresponding tablet yourself.

The hidden tablets are primarily there as an exploration and discovery mechanic.

If your goal is simply to unlock an artifact, using the known pattern is enough.

Do You Need to Find the Artifact Code Yourself?

No.

Finding the code in the environment is optional if you already know the correct pattern.

The important part of the unlock process is entering the correct pattern into the Compound Generator and completing the associated trial.

This is why an artifact-code reference can save considerable time for players who want to experiment with the modifiers immediately.

What Happens After You Unlock an Artifact?

After completing the Artifact trial and obtaining the Artifact, it becomes available in the run setup interface.

You can then decide whether to activate it for future runs.

Artifacts are not ordinary inventory items that you need to find again every time.

The unlock is persistent.

In multiplayer, artifact availability can also be shared within the lobby according to the game’s artifact system.

Which Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts Are Useful for Different Playstyles?

There is no single artifact that is objectively the best for every player.

Different artifacts change the game in different ways.

For controlled item builds

Command is the obvious choice when the goal is to control item selection.

It is particularly useful for testing builds or learning item interactions.

For enemy-drop farming

Sacrifice changes the source of items from chests to enemy drops.

It can therefore appeal to players who prefer a combat-heavy progression loop.

For high-risk damage

Glass creates a high-damage, low-health environment.

It is suited to players deliberately looking for a fragile, high-output run.

For more enemies

Swarms creates larger enemy groups by doubling monster spawns while reducing their maximum health.

For unpredictable enemy encounters

Dissonance changes the normal relationship between stages and monster types.

For chaotic multiplayer

Chaos introduces friendly fire.

For random survivor runs

Metamorphosis removes the certainty of starting as your expected survivor.

For challenge-focused runs

Artifacts such as Honor, Death, Frailty, Evolution, and Spite can introduce significant additional hazards.

The best choice therefore depends on whether your goal is experimentation, farming, challenge, unpredictability, or simply changing the normal flow of the game.

Risk of Rain 1 vs Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts

The original Risk of Rain also had an Artifact system, but it is not identical to Risk of Rain 2’s system.

Risk of Rain 1 had 10 original artifacts, including:

• Honor
• Kin
• Distortion
• Spite
• Glass
• Enigma
• Sacrifice
• Command
• Spirit
• Origin

Several familiar names carried into Risk of Rain 2, including Command, Sacrifice, Glass, Enigma, Honor, Kin, and Spite. However, their exact implementation and the overall unlocking system differ between the games.

Risk of Rain 2 expanded the concept substantially with its 3×3 Artifact Code system, Bulwark’s Ambry trials, and later artifact additions.

So searches such as “ror1 artifacts” and “artifacts ror1” should not be treated as simply another name for the Risk of Rain 2 artifact list.

Why Older Artifact Guides Can Be Outdated

This is important when searching for Risk of Rain 2 artifacts.

Many older guides were written when the game had only the original artifact roster.

Later updates added additional artifacts.

The Devotion Update added Delusion and Devotion. Seekers of the Storm added Rebirth, while Alloyed Collective added Prestige.

As a result, you may find guides claiming that Risk of Rain 2 has 16 or 18 artifacts.

Those numbers can describe an earlier version of the game.

For a current guide, it is better to distinguish:

• Original/base artifact roster
• Later free-update additions
• DLC-linked artifacts
• Artifacts that use codes
• Artifacts with different unlock methods

Final Thoughts on Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts

Risk of Rain 2 Artifacts are one of the game’s most flexible ways to change how a run works.

The system starts with a simple idea: find or learn a 3×3 code, enter it into the Compound Generator, enter the Artifact Portal, complete the Bulwark’s Ambry trial, and unlock the resulting modifier.

But the effects can be dramatically different.

Command gives control over item selection. Sacrifice changes how items are obtained. Glass creates a fragile high-damage run. Swarms increases enemy numbers. Chaos introduces friendly fire. Dissonance changes monster variety. Other artifacts can randomize survivors, equipment, enemy items, or entire stages of progression.

The artifact system has also grown beyond its original roster. Current versions include Delusion and Devotion, while DLC content introduced Rebirth and Prestige.

If you only need to unlock one artifact, you do not need to memorize the entire list.

Find the pattern you need, enter it into the Compound Generator, use the portal, and complete the trial.

If you want to experiment with builds, Command is particularly useful because it changes item selection itself. If you want a different progression system, Sacrifice changes where your items come from.

And if you’re looking for a challenge, the more disruptive artifacts can turn a familiar Risk of Rain 2 run into something that feels almost like a different ruleset.

Looking for more games to play? Check out the best VR Quest games in 2026 for multiplayer and free picks.

People also search for

Can you unlock multiple Risk of Rain 2 artifacts in one run?

The normal Artifact Code system is designed around selecting a code at the Compound Generator and completing its corresponding trial. If you want to unlock several artifacts, the straightforward approach is to complete their individual trials across runs.

Do Artifact Codes change between Risk of Rain 2 versions?

The known Artifact Codes are fixed rather than randomly generated. However, the overall artifact roster can change when new updates or DLC add additional artifacts.

Can Artifact Codes be used in multiplayer?

Yes. The Artifact system supports multiplayer, and the unlock process can be completed while playing cooperatively. Artifact availability is also pooled within the multiplayer lobby according to the game’s system.

Does Artifact of Command change chest locations?

No. Command changes the item-selection process rather than removing normal chests. Sacrifice is the artifact that removes chests and causes monsters to drop items instead.

Is Artifact of Rebirth entered through the Compound Generator?

No. Rebirth is an exception to the normal code system. It is unlocked through the Experienced Rebirth challenge rather than through a 3×3 Artifact Code.