Hey there, fellow survivors! Let's dive deep into one of the most game-changing artifacts in Risk of Rain 2: the Artifact of Sacrifice. This bad boy can seriously amp up your runs, but it's not without its risks. So, if you're browsing Reddit threads trying to figure out how to best utilize this artifact, you've come to the right place. We're gonna break down everything you need to know to make the Artifact of Sacrifice work for you, turning those enemy hordes into a shower of sweet, sweet loot. Ready to get started?

What is the Artifact of Sacrifice?

Okay, so what exactly does the Artifact of Sacrifice do? In simple terms, it makes enemies drop items upon death, but it also removes chests from the game. That's right, no more leisurely strolls to open chests – you're getting your gear the hard way, by earning it from fallen foes. Specifically, enemies have a 50% chance to drop an item when they die. This might sound awesome (and it totally can be), but it fundamentally changes how you approach each run. You need to be aggressive, efficient, and ready to adapt your strategy on the fly. Because if you're not actively slaying monsters, you're not getting any stronger. And in Risk of Rain 2, stagnation equals death. Understanding this core mechanic is the first step to mastering the Artifact of Sacrifice. You'll need to adjust your playstyle, focusing on maximizing enemy kills and optimizing your item collection. Think of it as turning Risk of Rain 2 into a hyper-aggressive loot-fest. Are you up for the challenge? Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be swimming in items like never before. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility... and a whole lot of monster slaying!

Pros and Cons of Using the Artifact of Sacrifice

Alright, let's break down the good and bad of running with the Artifact of Sacrifice. On the pro side, you get a massive increase in item drops. Think about it: every enemy has a chance to drop something. This means more frequent upgrades, faster scaling, and the potential to become an unstoppable god of destruction way earlier in your run. Plus, it encourages aggressive play. No more hiding behind cover waiting for cooldowns – you're in the thick of it, constantly pushing forward and racking up those kills. This can lead to more exciting and engaging gameplay experiences. Furthermore, it can be a godsend in multiplayer. With everyone contributing to the carnage, the item drops become even more frequent, allowing your entire team to gear up at an accelerated pace. This makes for some truly epic co-op runs. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The biggest con is the removal of chests. This means no guaranteed item spawns, which can be a problem early on if the RNG gods aren't smiling upon you. You might find yourself struggling to get that initial boost you need to survive the early stages. It also means you lose out on the strategic element of choosing which chests to open based on their proximity and potential item rarity. It's all down to luck now. Another potential downside is the increased difficulty in certain situations. Some stages are easier to navigate and survive by strategically looting chests and avoiding unnecessary fights. With the Artifact of Sacrifice active, you're forced to engage with every enemy, which can be risky if you're underpowered or facing particularly challenging enemy compositions. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the Artifact of Sacrifice depends on your playstyle and your risk tolerance. If you're a gambling man (or woman) who loves high-octane action, then this artifact is definitely for you. But if you prefer a more methodical and controlled approach, you might want to think twice.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Loot

So, you've decided to embrace the chaos and run with the Artifact of Sacrifice? Awesome! Now, let's talk strategy. First off, focus on killing enemies quickly and efficiently. Area-of-effect (AoE) abilities and items are your best friends here. Anything that can clear out hordes of enemies in a single blast is going to dramatically increase your item acquisition rate. Think about items like the ** gasoline**, which creates an explosion on enemy death, or the ukulele, which chains lightning between multiple targets. These items can turn a challenging wave of enemies into a delightful shower of loot. Secondly, prioritize mobility. Being able to quickly move between enemy spawns and kite enemies into favorable positions is crucial. Items like the Energy Drink or the Paul's Goat Hoof can make a huge difference in your ability to navigate the map and stay one step ahead of the horde. Remember, a dead survivor gets no loot. Thirdly, learn the enemy spawn patterns. Knowing where enemies are likely to appear allows you to position yourself strategically and maximize your kill rate. This is especially important in the early stages when you're still undergeared and vulnerable. Fourthly, don't be afraid to reroll. If you're not getting the items you need, don't hesitate to use the Altar of Gold to reroll your luck. It's better to spend a little gold to get a useful item than to waste time struggling with a suboptimal build. Finally, adapt to the items you find. The Artifact of Sacrifice is all about embracing the randomness of item drops. Be prepared to adjust your build and playstyle based on what the game throws at you. Sometimes you'll get exactly what you need, and sometimes you'll have to make do with what you have. The key is to be flexible and resourceful. With these strategies in mind, you'll be well on your way to dominating the game with the Artifact of Sacrifice.

Best Survivors for Artifact of Sacrifice Runs

Not all survivors are created equal when it comes to the Artifact of Sacrifice. Some characters naturally synergize better with the artifact's aggressive playstyle and reliance on item drops. So, who are the top contenders? Let's start with the Artificer. Her AoE abilities, like the Charged Nano-Bomb and Flamethrower, make her incredibly efficient at clearing out large groups of enemies. This translates to a higher item drop rate and faster scaling. Plus, her crowd control abilities, such as the Snapfreeze, can help her stay safe while she's racking up the kills. Next up is the Huntress. Her mobility and ranged damage output make her a formidable force in the early stages. She can quickly zip around the map, picking off enemies and collecting loot with ease. Her Laser Glaive is also a fantastic item for clearing out groups of enemies, making her even more effective with the Artifact of Sacrifice. Then there's the Mercenary. His invincibility frames and high damage output make him a natural choice for aggressive play. He can dive into the thick of the action, unleash a flurry of attacks, and then quickly escape before taking too much damage. His Eviscerate ability is especially useful for clearing out hordes of enemies, making him a valuable asset in any Artifact of Sacrifice run. The Loader is another excellent choice. Her high damage output and grappling hook make her incredibly mobile and dangerous. She can quickly traverse the map, smash enemies into walls, and then grapple away to safety. Her Thundershock ability is also a fantastic way to clear out groups of enemies. Finally, don't underestimate the Engineer. While he may seem like a more defensive character, his turrets can provide a constant source of damage, allowing him to focus on collecting loot and staying safe. His Pressure Mines are also surprisingly effective at clearing out groups of enemies. Ultimately, the best survivor for you will depend on your playstyle and preferences. But these are some of the top contenders to consider when running with the Artifact of Sacrifice.

Items to Prioritize

Okay, let's talk items. With the Artifact of Sacrifice active, certain items become absolutely crucial for maximizing your effectiveness and survivability. Here are some of the top-tier items you should be prioritizing: First up is anything that boosts your area-of-effect damage. As we've already discussed, AoE is king when it comes to clearing out hordes of enemies and maximizing item drops. Items like the gasoline, ukulele, and will-o'-the-wisp are all fantastic choices. The gasoline creates an explosion on enemy death, the ukulele chains lightning between multiple targets, and the will-o'-the-wisp creates a fiery explosion when you kill an enemy. All of these items can turn a challenging wave of enemies into a delightful shower of loot. Next, you'll want to prioritize mobility items. Being able to quickly move between enemy spawns and kite enemies into favorable positions is crucial. Items like the Energy Drink, Paul's Goat Hoof, and Hopoo Feather can make a huge difference in your ability to navigate the map and stay one step ahead of the horde. The Energy Drink increases your sprint speed, Paul's Goat Hoof increases your movement speed, and the Hopoo Feather allows you to jump higher and more frequently. All of these items can help you stay alive and maximize your item acquisition rate. Then, you'll want to focus on items that boost your sustain. Since you'll be constantly engaging with enemies, you'll need ways to heal yourself and mitigate damage. Items like the Leeching Seed, Tri-Tip Dagger, and Armor Plate are all excellent choices. The Leeching Seed heals you for a small amount each time you deal damage, the Tri-Tip Dagger gives you a chance to bleed enemies on hit, and the Armor Plate reduces incoming damage. All of these items can help you stay alive longer and keep the loot flowing. Finally, don't forget about damage multipliers. Items like the Soldier's Syringe, Lens Maker's Glasses, and Tougher Times can significantly increase your damage output and survivability. The Soldier's Syringe increases your attack speed, the Lens Maker's Glasses increases your critical hit chance, and the Tougher Times gives you a chance to block incoming damage. All of these items can help you dish out more pain and stay alive longer. With these items in mind, you'll be well on your way to dominating the game with the Artifact of Sacrifice. Just remember to adapt to the items you find and prioritize those that synergize well with your chosen survivor and playstyle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best strategies and item builds, it's easy to fall into common traps when using the Artifact of Sacrifice. Let's take a look at some mistakes you should avoid: First, don't be afraid to spend your gold. Many players hoard their gold, waiting for the perfect item to appear in the shop. However, with the Artifact of Sacrifice, you need to be more proactive. If you see an item that will significantly boost your build, don't hesitate to buy it. The sooner you start scaling, the easier it will be to survive. Secondly, don't neglect your defense. It's tempting to focus solely on damage items, but you also need to prioritize survivability. Items that boost your armor, health, or healing can make a huge difference in your ability to withstand enemy attacks. Remember, a dead survivor gets no loot. Thirdly, don't get greedy. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of collecting items, but you need to be aware of your surroundings. Don't overextend yourself by chasing after loot in dangerous areas. It's better to leave a few items behind than to risk getting killed. Fourthly, don't underestimate the power of movement. Being able to quickly move between enemy spawns and kite enemies into favorable positions is crucial. Make sure you have some form of mobility, whether it's through items, abilities, or a combination of both. Finally, don't give up. The Artifact of Sacrifice can be challenging, especially in the early stages. You might have runs where you get terrible item drops or face particularly difficult enemy compositions. But don't get discouraged. Keep experimenting with different strategies and builds, and eventually, you'll find something that works for you. The Artifact of Sacrifice is all about embracing the randomness of item drops and adapting to the challenges the game throws at you. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to master this artifact and dominate the game. So, there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to master the Artifact of Sacrifice in Risk of Rain 2. Now get out there and start looting!