Shape of Dreams Artifacts Guide | What Artifacts Do
Artifacts in Shape of Dreams are not like abilities or essences. They are rare items that unlock story, lore, and new progression paths. When you find an artifact, it will stay tied to your account and can carry forward into future runs (WIP).
What Artifacts Do in Shape of Dreams
Artifacts serve as permanent unlockables that expand what can appear in later runs. Picking one up may trigger dialogue, reveal hidden lore, or open new side quests. Handing an artifact to an NPC can reward you with a new artifact, adding it to the pool of items available.
They do not work like temporary buffs. Instead, artifacts act more like relics or keys that expand the game itself. The description in-game states that artifacts have “peculiar properties,” showing that their purpose goes beyond combat stats.
Examples of Artifacts
One example is Whispers of the Void. When discovered, it can be given to an NPC who responds with story dialogue and unlocks another artifact. This shows how artifacts link exploration with long-term rewards.
Other artifacts will appear as you progress deeper through regions and complete more runs. Each one connects to unique lore or unlocks, giving reasons to collect every artifact you encounter.
How to Use Artifacts
Collect artifacts during your run when they drop.
Deliver them to NPCs when prompted.
Unlocks gained from artifacts remain after your run ends.
Artifacts cannot be equipped like skills or sold to merchants. They exist only to expand future progression.
Final Blurb
Artifacts in Shape of Dreams act as special relics that unlock new content, lore, and long-term progression. Unlike abilities or concepts, they persist beyond a single run. Collect every artifact you find to unlock more secrets and expand what appears in future adventures.
FAQ
What do artifacts do in Shape of Dreams
Artifacts unlock new progression, lore, and story events that carry over to future runs.
Do artifacts give combat buffs
No, artifacts do not increase stats directly. They expand long-term content instead.
How do you use artifacts
Pick them up during runs and deliver them to NPCs. This adds new artifacts or unlocks to your pool.
Are artifacts permanent
Yes, once discovered, they remain unlocked for all future runs.