Ark Extinction: All Artifact Locations

Hey fellow Ark survivors! If you're diving into the scorched and desolate world of Ark Extinction, you're probably wondering about all those shiny artifacts scattered across the map. These bad boys aren't just for show; they're crucial for understanding the lore, unlocking powerful engrams, and generally making your life a bit easier in this harsh new environment. So, let's get right down to it, guys – how many artifacts are in Ark Extinction? Well, buckle up, because we're about to break down every single one of them for you. You'll find a total of 10 artifacts hiding in the nooks and crannies of Extinction, each guarded by its own set of challenges and environmental hazards. These aren't your typical cave artifacts from The Island or Scorched Earth; Extinction's artifacts are a bit more integrated into the map's varied biomes, from the desolate Wasteland to the eerie Sunken Forest and the imposing Snow Owl Perch. Finding them often involves navigating treacherous terrain, dealing with aggressive corrupted creatures, and sometimes even solving a mini-puzzle or two. But don't worry, we've got your back! Understanding the placement and the challenges associated with each artifact is key to a successful artifact hunt. This guide will not only tell you where they are but also give you a heads-up on what to expect when you go to collect them. So, grab your best gear, tame some reliable mounts, and let's embark on this artifact-gathering adventure together. Whether you're a seasoned Ark veteran or a fresh face on Extinction, knowing the artifact locations can significantly speed up your progression and help you unlock the secrets of this post-apocalyptic world. It's not just about the count; it's about the journey and the rewards that come with conquering each challenging location. Remember, these artifacts are essential for summoning powerful bosses, so collecting them is a vital step in progressing through Extinction's endgame content. We'll be covering each of the 10 artifacts in detail, so you can plan your expeditions effectively and minimize your risks.

The Wasteland's Hidden Treasures: Artifacts 1-3

Alright, let's kick things off with the Wasteland, the iconic, dust-choked expanse that defines much of Extinction. This area is crawling with corrupted creatures, so preparation is absolutely key when you're hunting for artifacts here. You'll need sturdy armor, powerful weapons, and ideally, some tamed creatures that can handle a crowd. The first three artifacts are scattered throughout this perilous zone, and while they might seem straightforward, the environment itself is a significant threat. Getting caught out in a meteor shower or ambushed by a pack of corrupted raptors can spell disaster for your artifact run. So, let's talk about the first artifact, the Artifact of the Devourer. This one is located in the southeastern part of the Wasteland, specifically within a large canyon system. You'll need to navigate through this maze-like canyon, keeping an eye out for corrupted creatures and cave-ins. The artifact itself is usually found deep within a small cave opening within the canyon walls. The second artifact we're looking at is the Artifact of the Skylord. This artifact is a bit more challenging to reach as it's situated on a high plateau in the northern Wasteland. You'll likely need a flying mount or a good grappling hook setup to ascend the sheer cliffs. Be warned, this area is often patrolled by corrupted wyverns and other aerial threats, so be ready for an aerial battle! The third artifact in the Wasteland is the Artifact of the Brute. This one is found in a large, open cave system in the western Wasteland. The cave is known for its dense population of corrupted creatures, including some nasty corrupted reapers and gigantopithecus. It's a good idea to bring some heavy hitters with you, like an Allosaurus or a Rex, to help clear out the pathways. Remember to explore thoroughly once you're inside, as the artifact can be hidden behind rock formations or in side chambers. Each of these Wasteland artifacts presents unique challenges, from navigating treacherous terrain to fending off relentless waves of corrupted beasts. But with the right strategy and a bit of courage, you'll secure these vital artifacts and move closer to unlocking Extinction's secrets. Don't underestimate the power of exploration here; sometimes a hidden path or a less obvious entrance can lead you directly to your prize. Also, consider the time of day you attempt these runs, as certain creatures are more aggressive at night. Gear up, stay vigilant, and good luck collecting these crucial pieces of Extinction's puzzle!

Navigating the Sunken Forest and City Ruins: Artifacts 4-6

Moving on from the harsh Wasteland, we venture into the Sunken Forest and the City Ruins for our next set of artifacts. These areas offer a different kind of challenge, with dense foliage, treacherous waterlogged terrain, and the ever-present danger of mutated creatures. The Sunken Forest, as the name suggests, is a damp, overgrown area that can be difficult to navigate, especially with limited visibility. The City Ruins, on the other hand, are a maze of decaying skyscrapers and debris, offering plenty of hiding spots for both you and the creatures you'll encounter. The fourth artifact we're focusing on is the Artifact of the Primitive. You'll find this one deep within the Sunken Forest, usually located in a small, submerged cave or ruin. The water here can be deep and dark, so having a good underwater mount or the ability to breathe underwater is a huge advantage. Keep an eye out for aggressive anglerfish and other aquatic dangers. The fifth artifact is the Artifact of the Corruptor. This artifact is located in the heart of the City Ruins, often found within the basement or lower levels of a collapsed skyscraper. Navigating the ruins requires careful movement, as unstable structures can collapse, and corrupted creatures like corrupted wolves and corrupted titans can ambush you. The artifact is typically in a somewhat fortified area, so be prepared for a fight. The sixth artifact is the Artifact of the Tyrant. This artifact can be found in the ruins as well, but it's often situated in a more open, yet dangerous, area. Think exposed plazas or rooftop sections of the ruined city. This location often attracts larger corrupted creatures, so a strong defensive strategy is recommended. You might need to clear out a significant number of enemies before you can safely claim the artifact. These areas demand a different approach compared to the open Wasteland. Stealth, careful planning, and utilizing the environment to your advantage are crucial. For the Sunken Forest, consider using a Spino or a Baryonyx to navigate the water. In the City Ruins, a flyer can help you scout ahead, but be wary of the confined spaces where aerial combat can be risky. Remember to check all accessible areas thoroughly, as these artifacts can be tucked away in unexpected places. The lighting in these areas can also be a factor, so bring some flares or a headlamp. These next three artifacts are just as vital as the first three, so don't skip them on your artifact hunt. They represent a shift in the map's environmental challenges and creature types, so adapt your tactics accordingly. Good luck exploring these eerie, yet rewarding, locations!

Reaching the High Peaks and Deep Frost: Artifacts 7-10

Now, let's ascend to the more challenging and visually distinct regions of Extinction to find the remaining artifacts. We're heading towards the Snow Owl Perch and the Frozen Teeth area, and perhaps even some deeper, more mysterious locations. These areas are known for their extreme cold, dangerous predators, and often, tricky verticality. Getting here and surviving requires top-tier gear and careful preparation. The seventh artifact is the Artifact of the Alpha. This artifact is typically found in the Snow Owl Perch region, a series of high, windswept plateaus. Reaching it often involves significant climbing or careful flying, and you'll need to contend with aggressive Snow Owls, Yutyrannus, and other cold-dwelling creatures. The artifact itself is usually located in a sheltered cave or crevice on one of the higher peaks. The eighth artifact is the Artifact of the Horde. This one is often located in the Frozen Teeth area, a jagged mountain range characterized by icy caves and treacherous drops. The artifact itself might be found deep within an ice cave, requiring you to navigate icy pathways and avoid falling into chasms. Expect to face corrupted wolves and other frigid-zone inhabitants. The ninth artifact is the Artifact of the Giant. This artifact is often found in a cave system within the southern, more mountainous part of the map, sometimes referred to as the southern ice caves. Similar to the Artifact of the Horde, navigating these icy caverns is the main challenge, along with the creatures that call them home. Be prepared for extreme cold, so ensure you have high-quality fur armor or other thermal protection. The tenth and final artifact is the Artifact of the Voidstar. This artifact is often considered one of the more challenging to find, located in a specific, sometimes hidden, cave system that might be near the edge of the map or in a particularly remote area. It often requires precise navigation and dealing with a concentrated group of corrupted enemies. Sometimes, this artifact can be found in a more dangerous, boss-like arena, so be ready for a tougher fight. Collect all ten artifacts to unlock the full potential of your Extinction journey. Each artifact is a testament to your survival skills and your ability to overcome the diverse and deadly challenges Extinction throws at you. Remember to always check your surroundings, especially in these higher-altitude and colder regions, as fall damage and hypothermia can be just as dangerous as any corrupted creature. Plan your routes wisely, bring plenty of healing items, and don't be afraid to retreat if a situation becomes too overwhelming. These final artifacts are the culmination of your exploration, so enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction of completing your collection! They are crucial for summoning the Overseer and progressing further in Ark's story.

Why Artifacts Matter in Ark Extinction

So, why should you guys bother hunting down all 10 artifacts in Ark Extinction? It’s not just about ticking a box or achieving a completionist's dream, though that's part of it for some of us! Artifacts are fundamentally important for your progression and understanding of the Extinction storyline and its challenges. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, artifacts are required to summon the bosses in Ark. Specifically, the artifacts collected from Extinction are needed to summon the King Titan and the Megapithecus (though Megapithecus is more commonly summoned via the Tek Cave on The Island, Extinction offers its own path). Summoning these bosses is a major milestone in Ark; it unlocks high-level gear, provides significant experience, and is a prerequisite for tackling even greater challenges, like the Overseer. Without these artifacts, your ability to progress in the game's endgame content is severely limited. Think of them as keys that unlock the next level of difficulty and reward. Secondly, artifacts often provide valuable lore insights. Each artifact has a description that hints at the history of the Ark, the creatures, and the events that led to its current state. Piecing together these lore snippets can give you a much deeper appreciation for the world you're surviving in and the narrative Ark is trying to tell. It adds a layer of storytelling that goes beyond just surviving and building. Thirdly, collecting artifacts can grant you access to powerful engrams. While many engrams are learned through leveling up, some of the more advanced or unique ones are tied to artifact unlocks or boss fights. Securing these artifacts means you're also securing the knowledge and technology needed to craft better weapons, armor, and structures, which is, you know, pretty darn useful out there. The journey to collect these artifacts will also naturally lead you to explore almost every corner of the Extinction map. You'll encounter different biomes, face a variety of creatures, and learn valuable survival strategies for each unique environment. This exploration is an inherent reward in itself, expanding your understanding of the map and its dangers. So, while the initial question might have been how many artifacts are in Ark Extinction, the more important takeaway is why you need them. They are the gatekeepers to progression, the keepers of lore, and the unlockers of essential technology. Don't skip out on them; make artifact hunting a priority in your Extinction playthrough. It's a core part of the Ark experience, and the rewards are well worth the effort and risk involved. Your survival and success on Extinction depend on it!