Artifacts | Character development The Banner Saga Guide

Example of an artifact

The characters in The Banner Saga don't have a typical inventory but it doesn't mean there aren't any special items in the game. You can use various artifacts, each character may hold one of them. There are two things you should know about them. Firstly, each artifact has a required rank to use it. For example, rank 3 artifact can be used by characters on third, fourth and fifth rank. Secondly, the artifacts vary in effects so you should spend some time matching them to the characters. Giants are most effective with offensive artifacts and ones that make enemies focus on them (aggro). Archers and other characters weak in defence should hold items that improve armor or chance to dodge.

New artifacts can be acquired in two ways. The first one is buying them in Markets. It's not the best way because they are incredibly expensive and you should spend renown points on character development or even buying supplies. The second option is finding artifacts during journeys. You should especially pay attention to them in locations with Godstones. Almost all of them provide you with new artifacts, of course if you've chosen the right options during conversations and events (more about them in the walkthrough). Basically, you should use only the artifacts that you've found. At the end of the game you should have around a dozen of them (much more than your active party needs).