In Minecraft Dungeons, you can power up by changing out your gear for better versions, or spending enchantment points to upgrade your existing equipment. Beyond that, you can also use artifacts to gain an advantage over your enemies with unique abilities and skills. Here's everything you need to know about them.
What are artifacts in Minecraft Dungeons?
Artifacts (or artefacts, depending on where you are) can come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes resembling everyday items like fishing rods or mythical items like, erm, death cap mushrooms(?). Whatever the item, artifacts grant the user special abilities and skills you can't get elsewhere. This can be a temporary boost to your speed, strength, health or other stats, unique explosive or area-of-effect attacks, the summoning of powerful companions, or strong attacks you wouldn't normally be able to accomplish.
Artifacts are vital to besting every foe, and using them wisely can completely turn the tide of a battle. We're hard at work compiling a complete list of all the artifacts and their skills in Minecraft Dungeons, which you can check out to decide which artifacts best fit your personal playstyle.
How do I use artifacts in Minecraft Dungeons?
Using artifacts in Minecraft Dungeons couldn't be easier, since they're a pillar of the Dungeons gameplay formula. Using your inventory, you can equip up to three different artifacts at the same time, and use them in battle. If you're using a controller, three of the face buttons will be assigned to your artifacts, while PC uses number keys, which you'll be able to check through your HUD at the bottom of the screen. Whenever you want to use an artifact, simply tap the button assigned to the artifact.
Different artifacts have different purposes, which may change how you use them. Some artifacts give stat boosts and other advantages, so they're best used when going into a tough battle. Others unleash devastating area-of-effect attacks, so they're best when surrounded or facing a large group of foes. Some even summon companions, like a loyal wolf that will attack nearby foes. This can be useful for keeping weaker enemies off of you while you focus on a boss.
Make sure to read about the artifacts in the inventory screen, and test it out a little bit, so you're familiar with how to use it and how they can help you in battle. Also bear in your thoughts the cooldown effect that artifacts have. You can't use the same artifact in a row rapidly, as they're a cooldown period between each usage. This time will fluctuate depending on the artifact. Anything that applies a long-lasting effect or has a lot of explosive power likely has longer cooldown times, while artifacts designed to be used dynamically through battle may have shorter timers.
Make sure to experiment with different artifacts to find the perfect combination, and try out each artifact to become accustomed to their unique quirks and characteristics. Artifacts add further depth to Minecraft Dungeons' equipment system, and can exponentially increase your effectiveness on the field.
Everyday items with immense power
Feeling like your sword can't keep up with hoards of baddies? Need a faithful friend to guard your back while you charge your super-powered bow? Just need a moment to breathe before you're overwhelmed? Whatever you need to turn the tides, there's an artifact that can help you out. Once you've mastered them, you'll be unstoppable. Creepers are still awful, though.
Minecraft grows up and and reaches out.
Minecraft Dungeons is the next saga in Minecraft's story, and it looks like Mojang and Microsoft are hitting another one out of the park. Minecraft Dungeons combines the familiar world we all grew up on with an injection of Diablo, a whole lot of fun. Available on every platform you're on, for a ridiculously tempting price, what's not to love?
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