Hey guys! Ready to become the ultimate artifact hunter in Darksiders 1? Finding all those artifacts can be a real game-changer, unlocking cool lore and boosting your achievements. This guide will walk you through every single location, making your quest a total breeze. Let's dive in and snag those ancient treasures!

Why Bother Collecting Artifacts in Darksiders?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why you should even bother with these artifacts. I mean, sure, collectibles are cool and all, but do they really matter? Absolutely! In Darksiders, artifacts aren't just shiny objects to look at. They unlock achievements/trophies and dive into the lore of the game. Here’s the breakdown:

• Achievements/Trophies: Collecting all the artifacts is a direct path to unlocking achievements or trophies, which is a huge win for completionists. If you're aiming for that 100% completion, you can't skip this step.
• Lore Expansion: Each artifact comes with a snippet of backstory that enriches the game's narrative. The Darksiders universe is deep and complex, and these artifacts provide extra layers of understanding.
• Completionist Satisfaction: Let's be real—there's a certain joy in finding every last collectible in a game. It's a testament to your dedication and thoroughness. Plus, you get bragging rights!

So, now that we've established why artifact hunting is worthwhile, let's get into the locations. I've organized them by area to make it super easy to follow along.

Artifact Locations in Darksiders

Twilight Cathedral

The Twilight Cathedral is a sprawling, multi-level area filled with puzzles and enemies. Keep your eyes peeled, as artifacts here are often hidden in plain sight or require a bit of puzzle-solving to reach.

1. First Artifact: As you enter the cathedral, head towards the large, central chamber. Before going up the stairs, look to your left. There's a small alcove hidden behind some debris. Break through the debris to find the first artifact. This one is pretty straightforward, so it's a great way to start your collection.
2. Second Artifact: After solving the puzzle involving the rotating platforms, you'll find yourself in a room with a large stained-glass window. Instead of heading through the main exit, look for a cracked wall on the side. Use Ruin (your horse) to charge through the wall and reveal a hidden chamber containing the artifact. This one requires a bit of backtracking and exploration.
3. Third Artifact: Once you defeat the Stygian boss and obtain the Chronomancer ability, return to the main chamber. Use Chronomancer on the large, central statue to slow down time. This will allow you to reach a previously inaccessible ledge where the artifact is located. Timing is key here, so practice your Chronomancer skills.

The Twilight Cathedral offers a decent challenge in finding its artifacts, but with a keen eye and some puzzle-solving skills, you'll snag them all in no time!

Scalding Gallow

The Scalding Gallow is a fiery, desolate region, and the artifacts here are often tucked away in hard-to-reach places. Be prepared for some tricky platforming and combat encounters while you're searching.

1. First Artifact: As you enter Scalding Gallow, look to your right. You'll see a series of platforms leading up to a high ledge. Use your Angel Wings to glide across the platforms and reach the ledge, where the artifact awaits. This one is all about precise gliding.
2. Second Artifact: After crossing the large bridge, you'll encounter a group of enemies guarding a ruined tower. Clear out the enemies and then look around the base of the tower for a breakable wall. Smash through the wall to reveal a hidden chamber containing the artifact. This one requires a bit of combat and exploration.
3. Third Artifact: In the area with the geysers, use your Abyssal Chain to swing across the gaps and reach a hidden platform. The artifact is located at the end of this platform, guarded by a few pesky enemies. Timing and precision are crucial for this one.

Scalding Gallow tests your platforming skills and combat prowess, but the rewards are well worth the effort!

Drowned Pass

The Drowned Pass is a waterlogged area filled with underwater passages and flooded ruins. Be prepared to swim and explore every nook and cranny to find the hidden artifacts.

1. First Artifact: As you enter Drowned Pass, dive into the water and look for an underwater tunnel. Follow the tunnel to a hidden chamber containing the artifact. This one is a bit tricky to find, so make sure to explore every underwater passage.
2. Second Artifact: After draining the water from the central area, explore the newly accessible ruins. Look for a cracked wall that you can break with Ruin. Behind the wall, you'll find the artifact. This one requires a bit of backtracking and environmental manipulation.
3. Third Artifact: In the area with the rotating platforms, use your Angel Wings to glide between the platforms and reach a hidden ledge. The artifact is located on this ledge, guarded by a few aquatic creatures. Timing and precision are key here.

Drowned Pass requires you to dive deep (literally!) and explore every corner to uncover its hidden treasures.

Broken Stair

The Broken Stair is a chaotic, ruined cityscape with plenty of verticality. The artifacts here are often located on high ledges or in hidden alcoves, so be ready for some serious climbing and gliding.

1. First Artifact: As you enter Broken Stair, look for a tall building with a series of platforms leading up to the top. Use your Angel Wings and Abyssal Chain to navigate the platforms and reach the top of the building, where the artifact awaits. This one requires a combination of platforming skills.
2. Second Artifact: In the area with the subway tunnels, explore the tunnels thoroughly. Look for a side passage that leads to a hidden chamber containing the artifact. This one is a bit tricky to find, so be sure to check every tunnel.
3. Third Artifact: After defeating the Silitha boss, return to the main chamber and look for a cracked wall that you can break with Ruin. Behind the wall, you'll find a hidden passage leading to the artifact. This one requires a bit of backtracking and exploration.

Broken Stair will test your climbing and gliding abilities, but the view from the top (and the artifacts you find along the way) is well worth the effort!

The Hollows

The Hollows is a maze-like area filled with tight corridors and hidden passages. The artifacts here are often located in obscure corners or behind secret doors, so be prepared to explore every inch of the environment.

1. First Artifact: As you enter The Hollows, look for a series of interconnected rooms with rotating platforms. Use your Angel Wings and Chronomancer ability to navigate the platforms and reach a hidden alcove where the artifact is located. This one requires precise timing and coordination.
2. Second Artifact: In the area with the lava flows, use your Abyssal Chain to swing across the gaps and reach a hidden platform. The artifact is located at the end of this platform, guarded by a few fiery demons. Timing and precision are crucial for this one.
3. Third Artifact: After solving the puzzle involving the water wheels, return to the main chamber and look for a cracked wall that you can break with Ruin. Behind the wall, you'll find a hidden passage leading to the artifact. This one requires a bit of backtracking and puzzle-solving.

The Hollows challenges your navigation skills and puzzle-solving abilities, but the rewards are well hidden and well worth the effort!

Eden

Eden, a serene and somewhat hidden location, offers a stark contrast to the war-torn environments War typically traverses. Finding the artifact here requires a keen eye and a bit of exploration off the beaten path.

1. The Hidden Grove: After entering Eden, stick to the outer edges of the map. Look for a small, almost unnoticeable path leading away from the main area. This path will wind through some dense foliage and open up into a hidden grove where the artifact rests. Keep an eye out for butterflies; they sometimes mark the way.

Eden's artifact is more about observation than combat, offering a peaceful break from the usual mayhem.

Black Throne

The Black Throne is a labyrinthine structure filled with puzzles and traps. The artifacts here are often hidden behind complex mechanisms or in hard-to-reach locations, so be prepared for a mental workout as well as a physical one.

1. First Artifact: As you navigate the shifting hallways, keep an eye out for pressure plates. Some of these plates trigger hidden doors that lead to small chambers containing artifacts. Be methodical and explore every possible path to uncover these secrets.
2. Second Artifact: In the area with the portals, experiment with different portal combinations to reach previously inaccessible areas. One of these combinations will lead you to a hidden ledge where the artifact awaits. Trial and error are key here.
3. Third Artifact: After solving the puzzle involving the rotating bridges, return to the central chamber and look for a cracked wall that you can break with Ruin. Behind the wall, you'll find a hidden passage leading to the artifact. This one requires a bit of backtracking and puzzle-solving.

The Black Throne challenges your spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills, but the satisfaction of finding all the artifacts is immense!

Tower Summit

The Tower Summit, being the climactic location, only houses one artifact, but it's hidden well enough to warrant attention.

1. Final Ascent Reward: After the final battle, before fully completing the area, take a moment to explore the immediate surroundings. Look for a small, unassuming ledge near the edge of the tower. The artifact sits there as a reward for your perseverance. It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing to finish the game.

General Tips for Artifact Hunting

• Use Your Map: Regularly check your map for unexplored areas. Artifacts are often hidden in corners or side passages that you might otherwise miss.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the ambient sounds. Sometimes, you can hear a faint hum or chime indicating the presence of an artifact nearby.
• Break Everything: Smash every pot, crate, and destructible object you come across. Artifacts are sometimes hidden inside these containers.
• Check High and Low: Look up and down, and explore every nook and cranny. Artifacts are often hidden on high ledges or in dark corners.
• Backtrack: As you acquire new abilities, revisit old areas to access previously unreachable locations. Many artifacts require specific abilities to obtain.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to finding all the artifacts in Darksiders 1! With these tips and locations in hand, you'll be well on your way to completing your collection and unlocking those sweet achievements. Happy hunting, and may the artifacts be ever in your favor! Whether you're a seasoned Darksiders veteran or a newcomer to War's adventures, collecting these artifacts adds a new layer of depth and enjoyment to an already fantastic game. So get out there, explore every corner of the world, and claim those ancient treasures! Good luck, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!