There are many ways that you can become stronger in Crusader Kings 3. One of the most interesting mechanics, though, is artifacts.
These legendary artifacts can increase stats, get you resources, and change how other people perceive you.
Recommended Read: What Are the Best Artifacts in Crusader Kings 3
However, the game never really explains properly how you are supposed to get them. Can you just craft them? Can you steal them from other rulers?
Well, to help you have the greatest throne room in history, here is how to get artifacts in Crusader Kings 3.
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How to Get Artifacts in Crusader Kings 3
There are 3 ways to get artifacts in CK3:
- Commission
- Claim
- Inspiration
Commission Artifacts
The straightforward way to get artifacts in CK3 is to use the Commission Artifact decision. This means that you will pay a local crafter to make your artifact from scratch.
These artifacts are usually lower level than unique artifacts that come with Adventure inspiration. However, they can still be incredibly powerful.
Players will have the option to use this decision every 5 years, and they might often get disappointed with the artifacts they get.
After you pay the Gold for the decision and the artisan comes to ask you about your preferences, you will see the skills of this crafter.
If you open the artisan’s profile, you will see a little yellow sign next to their image that looks like two crossed brushes. If you hover over that icon, you will see the skill of the artisan.
Usually, the higher the skill of the crafter, the better the artifact. You should aim to get artisans described as “master” or “legendary.”
Choosing the Commission Artifact decision also starts an event chain where the artisan works on the artifact and you will have to make choices to influence the outcome.
Depending on your choices, the artifact can turn out to have one of four rarities:
- Common
- Masterwork
- Famed
- Illustrious
Claim Artifacts
Though commissioning artifacts is cheap and reliable, it usually doesn’t yield incredible results. This is why, if you really want to get the best artifacts out there, you need to claim them.
If you go down the Diplomat Diplomacy Lifestyle tree, the last perk you can get is called, and it will allow you to fabricate claims on artifacts.
You will just need to interact with a ruler that has the artifact you want and choose the “Buy Artifact Claim” option.
Luckily, you will only have to spend Piety or Prestige to get these claims. Once you have a claim on an artifact, there are many ways you can go about stealing that artifact:
- Demand Artifact
- Steal Artifact Scheme
- Challenge for Artifact
- Artifact Claim War
The easiest way to get the artifact is by just asking for it. If your enemy is afraid of a possible war, they can just accept a demand for the artifact without a fight.
If not, you can try to steal the artifact by starting a scheme. This can be a bit risky, and it will take a longer time, but it is the best way to get the artifact if there are no other options.
Luckily for prowess-proficient rulers, you can also challenge the other ruler to a non-lethal duel for the artifact. If they accept, you will then battle each other and see if you can win the artifact in a relatively noble way.
Otherwise, if push comes to shove, you can just declare an Artifact Claim War to get the artifact. If the artifact is really special and you feel like it deserves the lives of your men, you can always just force your enemies to give it up.
Inspiration
There are random landless NPCs in CK3 that will get inspiration to craft new artifacts. These artisans will approach you with a possible artifact idea if you have a royal court.
Luckily, you can search for these inspired artisans using the Find Character function. Press C, and the Find Character menu will open.
Then, set Relation to “All” and Inspiration to “Has Inspiration.” You will now see all the people of the world that have an inspiration at the moment.
If you hover over the yellow artisan icon next to their portrait, you will also see their skill level. When you see a master or legendary artisan, invite them to your court and wait for them to offer to make an artifact.
Otherwise, if you don’t want to put that much effort into it, just make sure that your royal court is prestigious, and random inspired artisans will come over to your lands for work.
That’s everything you need to know about how to get artifacts in Crusader Kings 3!
Have any input or suggestions for this guide? Let us know in the comment section below.
