How Artifact Collection Works in 2026
Even after the 2021 server shutdown, artifact hunting is 100% local. You can do this on Windows 11, PS5 backward compatibility, Xbox Series X/S, and the Switch 2 port launching September 30, 2026. Once you unlock each region's Forge Towers, all artifact icons appear on your map. Use Wraith Vision (V on PC, L1 on PS, LB on Xbox) to reveal the white markers. Interact, then rotate the item until the telltale glow appears. Trigger it to unlock the audio memory and earn 50 Mirian. Clearing a full set gives extra Mirian, and grabbing all 42 awards the 'Shadows of the Ancient Past' achievement. All progress saves offline.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Region
Artifacts
Base Mirian
Bonus
Udûn
19
950
Set completion
Sea of Nurn
23
1150
Set completion
Total
42
2100
'Shadows of the Ancient Past'
Udûn Artifact Locations: 19 Relics of the Black Gate
Unlock every Forge Tower in Udûn first. That declutters the map and lets you plan a clean route. Here are the priority pickups:
Pestle at Uruk's Hollow
Scraper near Udûn Crossing
Cracked Urn deep in Southern Udûn
Dried Herb close to the Black Gate
Iron Rim and Tattered Note around Durthang
Whetstone at East Garrison
Broken Padlock guarding West Garrison
Mortar in the south, which pairs with its Pestle for a storytelling sweep
The remaining nine — Pipe, Stone Artifact, Broken Blade, and other household remnants — are spread among minor outposts and enemy camps. Efficient routing after tower reveals ensures no double-backs or missed intel worms. Every relic here breathes Gondorian domestic life, ranger last stands, and the first shock of Sauron's occupation.
Sea of Nurn Artifact Locations: 23 Relics of Slaves and Sailors
Once Udûn is clean, move to the green expanse of Nurn. Use Forge Tower reveals to batch-collect. Key items:
Branding Iron at Fern Outpost
Scrimshaw art at Harad Basin
Broken Bowl on the Nurnen Peninsula
Ranger's Cloak Pin at Cape of Nurn
Graug Extractor at Cab-Gathrum
Weathered Map in Fort Morn
Odd Rock at Ethir Poros — a favorite with Wraith Vision pings
Sixteen more scatter among fisheries, slave pens, and watch posts, including set pieces like the Ceremonial Pipe and Slaver's Whip. Clean routing avoids classic overland backtracking and highlights the lives of Nurnen fishermen, enslaved tribes, long-dead rangers, and the crushing weight of Uruk industry.
Lore Unlocks: Why Every Artifact Memory Matters
Collecting artifacts rewires the story. You see how Celebrimbor recovers his identity, his connection to Talion, and the legacy of the Rings of Power. Each item anchors you in the fading Watchful Peace: Gondorian scripts, tools, and messages chart the descent from men holding darkness at bay to bleak Orc control. Memories tied to later relics frame Sauron's industrial corruption of what was once fertile Mordor. The game itself tells the tale — no external links needed.
Completion Route and Legacy Title Buying Advice
For a bulletproof 42/42 relic run: unlock all region Forge Towers first, clear Udûn's 19 before shifting south for Nurn's 23, rotating every item to trigger audio. Current status: Nemesis Forge and leaderboards are defunct, but artifact collection remains 100% functional. Platforms: Windows 11, PS5 backward compatibility, Xbox Series X/S, and the September 30, 2026 Switch 2 launch. The GOTY Edition is standard at $19.99 on Steam, PSN, and Xbox, usually dropping to $4.99 during sales. Before starting your comprehensive Mordor cleanup, check your favorite store for the lowest price.
So there you have it. 42 relics, two regions, one legendary journey. Even in 2026, with servers lost to time, Talion and Celebrimbor still call. Grab your Wraith Vision, rotate those artifacts, and enjoy the memories. Happy hunting, Gravewalker.
