Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into one of the most game-changing artifacts in Risk of Rain 2? We're talking about the Artifact of Sacrifice. This little beauty can completely flip your runs, offering a high-risk, high-reward twist that's totally worth understanding. So, let's break down everything you need to know to master the Artifact of Sacrifice and turn those challenging runs into epic loot fests.

What is the Artifact of Sacrifice?

The Artifact of Sacrifice is one of the many artifacts you can find and activate in Risk of Rain 2. When active, it disables enemy spawns of items. Instead, enemies will drop items upon defeat. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, it's a game-changer. Instead of relying on chests scattered around the map, you get your loot directly from the monsters you obliterate. Here's the lowdown on why this artifact is so popular and how to make the most of it.

To get started with the Artifact of Sacrifice, you first need to locate its corresponding artifact code. These codes are hidden within the various levels of Risk of Rain 2. The code for the Artifact of Sacrifice is found on the Abandoned Aqueduct map. Once you find the artifact code, you need to input it at the artifact terminal in the Bazaar Between Time. Using the correct code will unlock the artifact, allowing you to select it at the start of your runs.

Why is this artifact a game-changer? Well, think about it. No more desperately searching for chests while the timer ticks away and the difficulty ramps up. Every enemy becomes a potential source of items, which can lead to some seriously overpowered builds early on. The Artifact of Sacrifice encourages aggressive play and constant engagement, which can be a ton of fun. Just be ready for a chaotic and intense experience! Also, you can find more items than usual. This is because the items available in chests are included in the pool of items for the Artifact of Sacrifice to drop.

Pros and Cons

Like any good game mechanic, the Artifact of Sacrifice comes with its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these can help you decide when to use it and how to adapt your playstyle accordingly.

Pros:

• Increased Item Acquisition: This is the big one. Enemies drop items, meaning more loot, faster. You'll gear up quicker than ever before, turning you into an unstoppable force.
• Aggressive Gameplay: Say goodbye to passive farming. The Artifact of Sacrifice encourages you to hunt down enemies relentlessly, keeping the action high and the adrenaline pumping.
• Reduced Chest Dependency: No more wasting time searching for chests, especially in the early stages when every second counts. Focus on clearing enemies and watch the items roll in.
• Fun and Excitement: Let's be real, the Artifact of Sacrifice makes the game way more exciting. Each enemy kill is a mini-lottery, adding an element of surprise and anticipation to every encounter.

Cons:

• Increased Difficulty: Enemies drop items, but they also become the only source of items. If you're not efficient at killing, you'll fall behind quickly. Be prepared for a tougher challenge.
• Risk of Starvation: Bad luck can strike. If the RNG gods aren't on your side, you might encounter dry spells where enemies just aren't dropping anything useful. This can lead to a slow and painful demise.
• Overwhelming Chaos: More items mean more effects, and things can get chaotic fast. Be prepared for screen-filling explosions, projectiles, and status effects. It's all part of the fun, but it can be overwhelming.

How to Unlock the Artifact of Sacrifice

Unlocking the Artifact of Sacrifice involves a bit of exploration and puzzle-solving. But don't worry, it's not too complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Head to Abandoned Aqueduct: The first step is to load up the Abandoned Aqueduct level. This is where you'll find the artifact code.
2. Find the Hidden Buttons: In Abandoned Aqueduct, you'll need to locate two hidden buttons. These buttons are usually tucked away in corners and behind obstacles. Keep your eyes peeled and explore every nook and cranny.
3. Press the Buttons Simultaneously: This is where it gets tricky. The buttons need to be pressed at the same time. This means you'll either need a friend to help you out in co-op, or you'll have to get creative. Some survivors have abilities that can trigger the buttons, such as the Engineer's turrets or the Artificer's Nano-Bomb.
4. Locate the Artifact Code: Once both buttons are pressed, a gate will open, revealing the artifact code. The code is a series of symbols that you'll need to memorize or write down.
5. Visit the Bazaar Between Time: Next, head to the Bazaar Between Time. You can access this area through a blue portal that spawns randomly on each stage.
6. Interact with the Artifact Terminal: In the Bazaar Between Time, you'll find an artifact terminal. Interact with it and enter the code you found in Abandoned Aqueduct.
7. Unlock the Artifact of Sacrifice: If you entered the code correctly, the Artifact of Sacrifice will be unlocked. You can now select it at the start of your runs.

Best Survivors and Strategies for the Artifact of Sacrifice

Not all survivors are created equal when it comes to the Artifact of Sacrifice. Some excel at aggressive play and item acquisition, while others struggle to keep up. Here are a few of the best survivors for this artifact, along with some strategies to maximize your success.

Best Survivors

• Mercenary: With his high mobility and invincibility frames, the Mercenary is a natural fit for the Artifact of Sacrifice. He can quickly close the distance to enemies and unleash devastating combos, making him a highly efficient item collector.
• Huntress: The Huntress is another excellent choice. Her ranged attacks and mobility allow her to kite enemies and pick them off from a safe distance. Plus, her Ballista ability can deal massive damage to tougher foes.
• Loader: If you like getting up close and personal, the Loader is your gal. Her high damage output and grapple ability make her a formidable force, especially when combined with items that boost her attack speed and mobility.
• Artificer: The Artificer's burst damage and crowd control abilities make her a strong contender for the Artifact of Sacrifice. Her Nano-Bomb can also be used to trigger the buttons in Abandoned Aqueduct, making her a versatile choice for unlocking the artifact.

Strategies

• Prioritize Damage: With the Artifact of Sacrifice, your main goal is to kill enemies as quickly as possible. Focus on items that boost your damage output, such as Soldier's Syringe, Lens Maker's Glasses, and Predatory Instincts.
• Don't Neglect Mobility: Mobility is key to staying alive and collecting items. Items like Paul's Goat Hoof, Energy Drink, and Hopoo Feather can make a big difference in your ability to navigate the battlefield.
• Embrace the Chaos: The Artifact of Sacrifice is all about chaos, so embrace it! Don't be afraid to experiment with different item combinations and see what works best for you. Sometimes, the most unexpected builds can be the most powerful.
• Stay Alert: With enemies constantly dropping items, it's easy to get distracted and lose track of your surroundings. Stay alert and watch out for ambushes and dangerous enemy attacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right survivor and strategy, it's easy to make mistakes when using the Artifact of Sacrifice. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring Defense: It's tempting to focus solely on damage, but don't neglect your defense. Items like Tougher Times, Repulsion Armor Plate, and Personal Shield Generator can help you survive longer and avoid getting one-shot by powerful enemies.
• Greeding Too Much: It's easy to get greedy when you see a pile of items on the ground, but don't overextend yourself. If you're surrounded by enemies, it's better to retreat and regroup than to risk getting killed.
• Underestimating Bosses: Bosses can be a major threat with the Artifact of Sacrifice. Be prepared to kite them and use your abilities wisely to avoid taking too much damage. Items like the Chronobauble and the AtG Missile Mk. 1 can be particularly helpful against bosses.

Community Insights from Reddit

To get a broader perspective on the Artifact of Sacrifice, let's take a peek at what the Risk of Rain 2 community on Reddit has to say. Here are some insights and tips from fellow players:

• Early Game Focus: "Early game is all about getting that initial snowball rolling. Focus on clearing levels quickly to get a decent item base before the difficulty ramps up," suggests one Reddit user.
• Synergy is Key: "Don't just grab any item. Think about synergies. A few well-combined items can be way more effective than a bunch of random stuff," advises another.
• Adapt Your Build: "Be flexible! The items you get are random, so learn to adapt your build to what the game gives you," a seasoned player notes.

Final Thoughts

The Artifact of Sacrifice in Risk of Rain 2 is a thrilling way to shake up your runs. It turns every enemy into a potential treasure chest, ramping up the excitement and chaos. While it does increase the difficulty, the rewards are well worth the challenge. So, gear up, dive in, and embrace the madness! Have fun experimenting with different survivors, strategies, and item combinations. And don't forget to share your epic loot stories with the Risk of Rain 2 community. Happy looting, guys! I hope this guide helps you on your Risk of Rain 2 adventures. Remember to stay safe, have fun, and keep those items rolling!