15 BEST Returnal Artifacts

Eyes peeled! Look out for these 15 best Artifacts & buff up Selene as you run through biomes in Returnal!

Returnal is difficult, but Artifacts may ease the path. Players will find a variety of Artifacts with significant boosts as they explore Atropos’ alien planet. Some endure for a run, while others are single-use. The Astronaut Figurine in the Overgrown Ruins lets players revive in the same position, while the Resinous Shield Artifact absorbs a single hit damage.

Learning about the Artifacts may help players survive and prosper in Returnal, a looping roguelite game. That is why we have listed 15 best Artifacts in Returnal that you should keep an eye out & acquire them as your priority items during runs.

Key Takeaways
  • Returnal features 31 Artifacts that provide players with only positive and unambiguous buffs, making them an essential aid in their fight against Atropos’ creatures.
  • The Resin Enhancer Artifact is most useful for cutting down on the quantity of Resin needed for an upgrade.
  • In order to maximize the advantages of Calibrators throughout all of the game’s biomes, the Any and All Calibrators Artifact is the greatest way to significantly increase a player’s skill and enable them to better their weaponry and performance in runs.
  • The Progenitor Egg Artifact in Returnal is a good starting point since it can restore integrity by attaching or removing parasites.
  • As the Repair Circuit Artifact in Returnal is the most effective in restoring Integrity anytime a player acquires or cures Malfunctions, it is crucial for players to have if they want to risk using Malignant goods or opening Malignant chests.
  • The Golden Coil Artifact in Returnal is optimal for balancing monetary prosperity with strategic power, boosting damage by 5% for every 200 obolites in possession, up to a maximum of 20%.
  • Using the Blade Balancer Artifact in Returnal is the most effective method of increasing the sword’s strength so that it deals the same amount of melee damage against yellow-orange shields as against red ones, thereby allowing the player to destroy orange obstacles and unlock orange gates in later levels.
  • The Resinous Shield Artifact in Returnal is best for its power to counter a single hit, rendering it harmless and allowing players to maintain their Integrity.
  • The best thing about the Astronaut Figurine Artifact is that it can effectively double the player’s health, making it an indispensable aid in the game.

Resin Enhancer

Resin Enhancer
FunctionEnhances the natural properties of Resin for more efficient use
MaterialNormally, a full Max Integrity upgrade requires three regular Resins, but with this artifact, the requirement is lowered to two.
BenefitWith the Artifact, Integrity Increases only require two Resin slots instead of three.
WorthThis Artifact is always worth picking up as it reduces the requirement to increase max Health and is really good.
Early AdvantageObtaining the Artifact early in the game provides a stronger advantage as it reduces the amount of resources required.

The versatility and effectiveness of Resin may be substantially increased by the use of the powerful artifact known as the Resin Enhancer. In order to optimize the Integrity of one’s tools or constructions, this item is crucial since it may cut down on the quantity of Resin needed for a complete upgrade.

It’s intriguing how the Resin Enhancer boosts Resin’s inherent abilities, enabling it to perform better than it would without it. Meaningful users may get more mileage out of their Resin supply and accomplish the same goals while using less of the substance.

In addition, this item may make a big impact at the beginning of the game when supplies are low. Reduced costs for Integrity upgrades free up precious resources that may be put to better use elsewhere. This implies that acquiring the Resin Enhancer early in the game might give the player a huge edge.

Overall, the Resin Enhancer is a priceless relic that provides a novel perspective on the use of Resin to improving the Integrity of equipment. It’s a great pick-up since it lowers the need for resources, which may have a major influence on the game’s growth.

Any And All Calibrators

FunctionEnhances player proficiency by allowing the use of Calibrators in all biomes.
AvailabilityCalibrators are available in all biomes.
PurposeRaises player proficiency for better weapons and runs.
EffectivenessWorn Calibrators offer slight proficiency increases, while higher levels offer greater benefits.
CautionPlayers should skip small Calibrators in areas with disproportionate danger.
Worth InvestigatePursuing higher-level Calibrators is a worthwhile endeavor.

In-game, the Any and All Calibrators artifact is crucial and may be used to greatly increase one’s skill. All biomes have a caliper that may be used to get a certain level of proficiency. Even if the gain in effectiveness from upgrading Worn Calibrators is negligible, there is still value in doing so.

Caution should be used while searching for Calibrators in places where the risk is high in relation to the reward. If the Calibrator only gives a marginal improvement, it may be best to forego it in such cases.

Calibrators allow players to improve their skills and hence their weapons and their performance in runs. While improving Calibrators is an useful goal in itself, investing in the Any And All Calibrators Artifact is a good idea. The advantages of Calibrators may be maximized throughout all of the game’s biomes for a more satisfying experience.

Progenitor Egg

Progenitor Egg
Artifact FunctionAttaching or Detaching Parasites repairs Integrity
AdvantageCan offset forced damage from Malfunctions or Parasite prefixes

Inside Returnal, the Progenitor Egg Artifact’s special capacity to restore integrity by attaching or removing parasites is what sets it apart. If obtained at the beginning of a run, it may cancel out the harm that malfunctions or parasitic prefixes would otherwise do. Nonetheless, its use is fairly limited since it is sometimes preferable to just avoid harm rather than attempt to recover from it.

If the player is ready to take chances with parasites, it may be a handy item to have. The Progenitor Egg, like other artifacts in Returnal, is destroyed once the run is restarted or the player dies. It is crucial to the player’s survival and advancement that they keep an eye out for this artifact as they travel through the game’s biomes.

Repair Circuit

Repair Circuit
EffectRepairs Integrity by gaining or fixing Malfunctions
BenefitRewards the player for taking risks with Malignant Items or chests
UsefulnessWorth taking since Malignant chests tend to have better items

In Returnal, the Repair Circuit Artifact is a helpful item that restores Integrity whenever the player acquires or cures Malfunctions. With it, the player is rewarded for taking chances on Malignant Items or chests, making it an important artifact. It is especially helpful since Malignant chests often have nicer things than other types of chests. The player may safely experiment with Malignant objects while wearing the Repair Circuit Artifact.

This is particularly helpful as the game progresses and the player faces increasingly tough foes and situations. If you want to increase your chances of winning in Returnal, the Repair Circuit Artifact is a crucial addition to your collection. It’s a helpful item that allows players to overcome more challenging foes and advance in the game.

Music Box

Music Box
FunctionThe Music Box indicates a secret room with undiscovered items.
Signal CriteriaSignal is generated if undiscovered items are present in the room.
EffectivenessThe usefulness of the artifact is debatable.
LimitationsThe artifact relies on sound and may not be effective for all players.
BenefitsDiscovering secret rooms can lead to money, additional artifacts, and consumables.
UtilityThe Music Box serves a singular purpose and offers no additional benefits.

The Music Box is an in-game artifact that sounds an alarm if the player enters a room containing undetected secret nearby. Only when there are things present will the signal be sent out, and loot from defeated foes does not count. The Music Box is useful since it plays music to reveal the location of a hidden chamber, which may be stocked with currency, supplementary items, and consumables.

The artifact’s efficacy is in question, however, since it is dependent on sound and hence may not work for players who listen to music while playing, play without loudness, or play without vibration. The Music Box serves just one function and provides no other advantages, severely limiting its usefulness.

In conclusion, the Music Box is a purposeful artifact that plays music to reveal the location of a hidden chamber containing unknown objects. The Music Box, however, relies on the player’s hearing, thus it may not be beneficial to everyone. Although it is certainly exciting to find hidden chambers, the Music Box may be less valuable than other relics that serve numerous purposes.

Golden Coil

Golden Coil
FunctionThe Golden Coil grants 5% extra damage for every 200 obolites held, up to 20%.
UtilityAllows spending obolites without losing the damage buff.
FlexibilityProvides flexibility in managing wealth and health.
PenaltySpending obolites to recover health results in the loss of the damage buff.
AdvantageHelps balance wealth and power in Returnal.

Each and every artifact and item a player acquires in Returnal comes with some kind of cost. For the Golden Coil, players must strike a delicate balance between financial security and strategic might. This artifact increases damage by 5% for every 200 obolites in possession, up to a maximum of 20%.

Even if a player has obolites that would put them above the limit, they may still use the Golden Coil to expend them and get a free passive damage bonus. If you want to store your obolites in a reliable relic while also wielding a potent weapon, go no further.

The Golden Coil not only delivers a passive damage bonus but also allows for adaptive management of both riches and health. In Returnal, players may have to put their health ahead if they get into trouble. The Golden Coil removes all penalties for making this decision, and players who do so may continue to benefit from the passive damage bonus so long as they have enough obolites.

In Returnal, the Golden Coil is an item that aids in striking a healthy balance between material prosperity and artifact influence. This is the best option for gamers that value damage output above obliterating their obolites.

Phantom Limb

Phantom Limb
FunctionThe Phantom Limb recovers a set amount of integrity per enemy killed.
Healing ChanceThe artifact has a 10% chance of occurrence.
UsageThe Phantom Limb is useful in situations with numerous small enemies that die quickly.
UtilityIt mitigates damage and allows players to recover quickly.

In Returnal, players of all skill levels will inevitably suffer damage. Artifacts such as the Phantom Limb are intended to lessen the severity of such injuries or speed up the healing process. The Phantom Limb is a vampiric item that, with a 10% chance, restores some degree of integrity whenever an adversary is slain.

Although the Phantom Limb’s healing effect is minimal and inconsistent, it may be quite helpful in the tower and in places with numerous little opponents who perish rapidly. Taking use of this artifact demands players to defeat a large number of enemies, so they will need a well-thought-out plan and some patience.

The Phantom Limb may only have a tiny healing effect, but its use is clear, and it benefits players of all levels. As the game progresses and more regular and severe damage becomes a factor, this is an invaluable tool. To make the most of this artifact’s vampiric properties, you’ll need to be patient, kill many of foes, and use it strategically.

In Returnal, the Phantom Limb artifact is crucial for avoiding death and getting back on your feet swiftly. Despite the fact that it isn’t the most potent relic, it’s still quite helpful and may completely turn the tide of a battle.

Unfed Pod

Unfed Pod
FunctionUnfed Pod grants +20% staggering power per attached parasite.
AcquisitionContained within Unfed Pod datacube.
UnlockingBring datacube to datacube processor in hub area or after beating a boss.
BenefitProvides a valuable tool for mini-boss fights.
StrategyRequires players to engage in a parasite-heavy run.

As in other roguelite games, the Unfed Pod in Returnal may be traded for a boost in strength. It is necessary to transport the Unfed Pod datacube to a datacube processor in a hub region or defeat a boss in order to get access to the Unfed Pod.

Anyone willing to take parasites will benefit greatly from the Unfed Pod artifact. Twenty percent of the player’s already massive strength is added with each parasite they have attached, making mini-boss battles significantly simpler. Nevertheless, this calls for a run that is particularly high in parasites, which might have its own challenges.

The Unfed Pod isn’t the most potent artifact in Returnal, but it’s still useful to have on hand in case you ever need to stun an opponent. Because of the game’s focus on clever transactions for power, players are able to tip the scales in their favor.

As a whole, the Unfed Pod artifact in Returnal exemplifies the game’s emphasis on tactical maneuvering and the exchange of resources for control. Its increased staggering power makes it a potentially useful tool for any player, but the risk of parasite infection makes it a double-edged weapon.

Spaceship Model

Spaceship Model
Artifact NameSpaceship Model
EffectsIncreases dash speed, turns dash ability into an attack, and can be used in combos.
DrawbackNot permanent equipment and doesn’t provide a second life
Obtaining MethodFound in chests, obtained from fabricators, and can be obtained from public/closed locations
Usage TipsHold dash button to deal damage, combo dash with melee for great damage, spend ether to obtain

In Returnal, the Spaceship Model is a powerful artifact that can be used to significantly boost the player’s dash speed and transform their dash ability into a deadly strike. Using this ability allows players to charge headfirst toward foes, delivering massive damage upon contact. When the Spaceship Model is used in conjunction with melee strikes, it is possible to generate a devastating combination that can one-shot lesser foes. Nevertheless, unlike other artifacts in the game, the Spaceship Model cannot be upgraded to a higher level and does not provide players with an additional life.

The Spaceship Model’s assault requires players to dash into their foes and keep the dash button pressed until the attack is complete. The Spaceship Model may be acquired via a number of sources in the game, including random chest drops in all of Atropos’s biomes and the fabricators dotted throughout the world. The item may be purchased from the fabricator for ether, or it can be found as a prize.

To optimize one’s fighting potential in Returnal, the Spaceship Model is a necessary artifact. It’s a flexible artifact that may be utilized in a wide variety of combinations to deliver more damage to foes. With its potent punch, it is among the most coveted items in the game. Players should remember that the Spaceship Model is not a permanent source of health and should not be counted on in the event of a death. Players in the harsh environment of Atropos need to always be on the lookout for new tools that will help them survive and prosper. With possession of the Spaceship Model, adventurers may boldly face the dangers of this strange world.

Blade Balancer

Blade Balancer
AvailabilityUsually found at the same station as the Obolite Repository
CostPricey; exchange ether for obolites
FunctionPowers up the sword; shatters yellow-orange shields
Recurring artifactPurchase for 250 obolites
BenefitsOpens orange gates with valuable boons
CautionNot permanent; you must find it again if the player dies and restarts the game

In order to succeed, players will need to put up their very best effort in Returnal, a difficult roguelike. You’ll need every edge you can get if you want to win, which is why the Blade Balancer artifact is so important. This item is necessary for destroying orange obstacles located all across the game and entering new zones with useful benefits.

Fabricators, which may be found at the same station as the Obolite Repository, are required to create the Blade Balancer artifact. It’s a little pricy, however, so you may have to trade some ether for obolites. When donned, the Blade Balancer boosts your sword’s strength, allowing you to deal the same amount of damage in melee against yellow-orange shields as you would against red ones.

The Blade Balancer is a reusable item that may be bought for 250 obolites at the game’s first “store.” Although this is a fair price, players may always spend it on greater maximum integrity or a different artifact. The Blade Balancer’s use, however, extends well beyond just boosting melee damage.

A major perk of the Blade Balancer is that it unlocks orange gates in the game’s later levels, which may offer a wide variety of bonuses. The Blade Balancer is an artifact that pays dividends into the future of the run because of the free benefits it provides upon possession. Obtaining the Blade Balancer on a regular basis is very beneficial for most players since it opens up new locations and grants powerful buffs.

Keep in mind that in Returnal, artifacts like the Blade Balancer are temporary. If a player loses their life and begins a new game, they will not be able to take the item with them. Yet, the Blade Balancer is an investment that may pay off and provide you access to previously inaccessible regions and perks in Returnal. If you want to improve your odds of winning in Returnal, the Blade Balancer is an item you absolutely must have.

Visceral Knot

Visceral Knot
FunctionCauses enemies to explode on death
Chance20% chance of triggering explosion
Bonus damageProvides a small area of effect damage
EffectivenessWorks best on large groups of enemies
LimitationsNot a permanent artifact; it will be lost upon death and restart
AdvantagesCan be a powerful tool for clearing out enemies

Returnal’s Visceral Spores are an item that, when used properly, has a 20% chance to cause foes to explode upon death. Despite the modest magnitude of the explosion, this artifact is nonetheless useful due to the additional area of effect damage it does upon death. The Visceral Spores shine in scenarios when the player must deal with a huge number of foes all at once, according to their effectiveness against big groupings. The Visceral Spores artifact is a great addition to your arsenal in Returnal if you’re trying to increase your damage output and acquire a tactical edge in the fight.

Remember that the Visceral Spores are not a permanent artifact in Returnal, despite their usefulness in cleaning out large numbers of opponents. If a player dies and restarts their run, the Visceral Spores are gone forever, as is the case with all artifacts. Players shouldn’t let it stop them from using the explosive potential of this artifact. The Visceral Spores provide a fresh and fascinating way to approach battle in Returnal, whether your goal is to increase your damage output or to test out a new playstyle.

Wound Seekers

Wound Seekers
FunctionIncreases damage dealt to enemies under 30% health
UsefulnessAlways worth taking
EffectivenessHighly useful in boss fights and against tougher enemies
AbilityIt grants players a 30% buff in damage against low-health targets
BenefitsIt helps players to quickly end an enemy’s life

Returnal’s Wound Seekers are a powerful artifact that improves attack power against targets with less than 30% health. This artifact is always beneficial due to the huge damage increase it delivers, which is particularly helpful in boss battles and when facing up against more powerful foes. A passive ability, the Wound Seekers increases damage done to low-health targets by 30%, making it simpler to deal the killing blow.

The Wound Seekers are most powerful when used in tandem with other damage enhancements. The Wound Seekers are useful in boss battles since they may help reduce the monster’s health bar and end the battle faster. When a boss is down to their final few bars of health, they may be very risky to take on without the Wound Seekers to speed them through.

It’s worth noting that in Returnal, artifacts like the Wound Seekers aren’t really permanent; if a player dies and starts a new run, they’ll have to find a new way to get their hands on one. Yet, the Wound Seekers are an excellent weapon due to the advantages they provide. The Wound Seekers may provide you a large damage increase that can be the difference between victory and defeat, whether you’re going up against a challenging boss or merely attempting to wipe out a bunch of opponents. The Wound Seekers artifact is essential in Returnal if you want to improve your damage output and get an edge in fight.

Murmuring Cocoon

Murmuring Cocoon
FunctionIncreases positive effects of parasites
UsefulnessAlmost always a good artifact to grab
Ideal ParasitesWiretail and Sagetooth
CollectionWorth collecting all parasites with decent positive characteristics
AdvantagesSignificantly outweigh disadvantages of attaching parasite to suit

In Returnal, the Murmuring Cocoon is a very helpful item that boosts the beneficial benefits of parasites. It’s crucial to note that not all parasites work well with this artifact, despite the fact that it might be useful for players wanting to gain an edge in combat circumstances. Yet, when used in conjunction with the Murmuring Cocoon, parasites like the Wiretail and the Sagetooth become devastating.

As soon as you have the Murmuring Cocoon artifact, it is in your best interest to gather all of the parasites with good attributes, such as those that increase the integrity bar. There are potential drawbacks to affixing a parasite to your suit, but the benefits of amplifying them may sometimes be worth it.

Remember that the Murmuring Cocoon, like other artifacts in Returnal, is not a permanent item and will be lost if the player dies and restarts their run. With the correct parasites, though, the Murmuring Cocoon may provide you a major edge in the fight and increase your chances of survival. Having the Murmuring Cocoon artifact is helpful if you want to boost your odds of surviving in Returnal.

Resinous Shield

Resinous Shield
FunctionPick up resin to gain a shield against the next hit.
Silphium ResinFound in all areas, grants a point towards max health upgrades.
ImportanceMust-have if player wants to keep integrity full.
BenefitsProvides a constant supply of shields and blocks all damage from the next hit.
CombinationsCan be used with other artifacts for improved survivability.

In Returnal, the Resinous Shield Artifact is a useful tool for reducing injury. The player is able to pick up resin, which acts as protection from harm. As Silphium is fully repaired, it turns into resin and provides the player with an endless source of protection. As a result, the artifact is crucial for players who value maintaining their Integrity.

You may find silphium resin everywhere in the game, and it serves as a currency for purchasing health enhancements. The Resinous Shield artifact elevates the usage of resin to a new level, rendering a single strike harmless. So, the item is quite useful in prolonging the life of the player.

Remember that the Resinous Shield is a consumable artifact; if you die, you will have to start your run again. It’s worth noting that the artifact may be much more useful when combined with other items and upgrades that boost the player’s survival rate.

All things considered, the Resinous Shield is a fantastic addition to any Returnal player’s armory. The artifact’s power to counter a single assault is crucial to a player’s survival. Once the item becomes accessible, gamers of all experience levels should not think twice about snatching it up.

Astronaut Figurine

Astronaut Figurine
FunctionRevives player to 50% Integrity after fatal damage
LocationFound in 20th Century House, locked at first
AdvantageExtends life of run, useful for new biomes and boss fights
BenefitGrants player essentially two full health bars
UsefulnessEspecially helpful for novice or intermediate players

Players of Returnal will find the Astronaut Figurine Artifact to be an indispensable aid. It is essential for exploring new biomes or taking on difficult enemies since it may restore the player to 50% integrity after they have taken fatal damage. The relic may be located in the 20th Century House, a closed room that can only be entered by trial and error.

The Astronaut Figurine may not seem like much at first glance, but it can make a huge difference in the game for newer or less experienced players. The Astronaut Figurine may be a game-changer during boss fights because to its capacity to effectively double the player’s health.

The figurine departs from the player’s inventory upon death and instantly restores one full health bar. The artifact can only be used once every run, but it may have a major effect on the player’s outcome. While more experienced players won’t need the Astronaut Figurine as much to advance through the game and discover its many ecosystems, it’s still a great tool for anybody trying to do so. For those who are having trouble surviving through tough interactions, this may be a lifesaver.

To sum up, the Astronaut Figurine Artifact is a powerful and irreplaceable resource for players of Returnal. Each player who wants to advance in the game and get more out of their runs should have this item since it may restore the player to 50% health and provide them an important edge in boss battles. To that end, don’t be coy about going on the hunt for an Astronaut Figurine to bolster your collection.

Summary

This brings us to the end of your Returnal Best Artifacts guide. Do you have any other artifact recommendation that should be in top 15 list? Let us know about it then in comments section below. Meanwhile, you can read our Returnal Best Weapons, How long to beat Returnal, and Biome 5 Fractured Wastes guides.

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Irfan Ansari


With four years of Video Game Journalism and Tremendous love for Gaming, Irfan loves chatting and writing everything about video games.

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