- Unearthed Artifacts are quest items required to complete the Buried and Forgotten questline in Expedition Into Darkness.
- Sequential pickup required: You must turn in each artifact to unlock the next quest phase before collecting the next one.
- Co-op limitation: Only one player per run can pick up each artifact, so coordinate with your team.
- Three locations: Artifacts are scattered across the Cemetery, Harrowferry Brook, and Smuggler's Run.
- Herald questline: Completing this chain unlocks additional quests from the Herald NPC.
Unearthed Artifact Quest Overview
The Buried and Forgotten questline in Expedition Into Darkness tasks players with locating and excavating three hidden relics known as Unearthed Artifacts. These items are buried in specific dig spots across the map and require a methodical approach to retrieve. Each artifact is tied to a sequential quest step, meaning you cannot collect all three in a single run without first turning in the previous one.
Video Highlights:
- Full co-op walkthrough of all three artifact dig sites
- Optimal routing from Drained Passage through Smuggler's Run
- Combat encounters with goblins, bombers, and archers along the way
- Demonstration of the sequential quest turn-in mechanic
- Extraction point showcase at Smuggler's Landing
You cannot pick up Unearthed Artifact 2 or 3 without having the corresponding quest active. After collecting Artifact 1, you must extract, turn it in to the quest giver, and then re-enter the raid to collect the next one. Plan your runs accordingly.
Artifact Summary Table
| Artifact | Quest Phase | Location | Nearby Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unearthed Artifact 1 | Buried and Forgotten 1 | Cemetery (over the hill from Drained Passage) | Grave marker with "E" icon |
| Unearthed Artifact 2 | Buried and Forgotten 2 | Harrowferry Brook | Behind the Alchemist's house |
| Unearthed Artifact 3 | Buried and Forgotten 3 | Smuggler's Run area | Near the extraction point |
Artifact 1: Cemetery Dig Site
The first Unearthed Artifact is the most straightforward to locate. Starting from the Drained Passage—a location every player has access to—head up over the hill toward the Cemetery area. The dig site appears as a grave marker with an "E" icon and an interaction prompt that says "Dig."
The Cemetery is directly accessible from the Drained Passage starting point. Head over the hill and look for the grave marker. The "E" icon is your visual cue that you are at the correct dig spot.
Route to Artifact 1
| Step | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Drained Passage | Default starting area for all players |
| Move | Up and over the hill | Watch for goblin patrols |
| Arrive | Cemetery area | Look for the grave marker |
| Interact | Dig at the "E" icon prompt | Collect Unearthed Artifact 1 |
| Extract | Return to entrance | Turn in to quest giver before re-entering |
Goblins patrol the hillside between the Drained Passage and the Cemetery. Expect both melee goblins and archers. Bomber-type enemies can also spawn in this area—prioritize eliminating them before they close distance.
Once you have collected Artifact 1, you must extract and turn it in. This will unlock Buried and Forgotten 2, allowing you to re-enter the raid and search for Artifact 2.
Artifact 2: Harrowferry Brook
The second Unearthed Artifact is located at Harrowferry Brook, specifically behind the Alchemist's house. This is in the leftmost area of the map, not inside the main city. The fastest route from the Drained Passage involves cutting through the battlements and crossing toward the Harrowferry area.
Harrowferry Brook is separate from the main city area. It sits to the left side of the map. Look for the Alchemist's house—identified by cauldron-like props—and search the backyard for the dig prompt.
Route to Artifact 2
| Step | Direction | Key Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Drained Passage or preferred entrance | Ensure Buried and Forgotten 2 is active |
| Travel | Through the battlements | Fastest route to the left side |
| Navigate | Past the manor area | You can run through the manor to the other side |
| Cross | Harrowferry Brook | Watch for tentacles near the water |
| Arrive | Behind the Alchemist's house | Look for cauldron props to confirm location |
| Interact | Dig at the "E" icon | Collect Unearthed Artifact 2 |
The path to Harrowferry Brook includes several hazard zones. Tentacles can grab players near water crossings, and goblin bombers frequently patrol the manor perimeter. Keep bandages and potions ready for bleed effects sustained during transit.
Fastest Route
- Through the battlements
- Cross directly to Harrowferry
- Skip the city entirely
Alternative Route
- Through Smuggler's Landing
- Loop around from the south
- Longer but less combat
Co-op Strategy
- Designate one carrier
- Only one player picks up the artifact
- Others provide combat support
Artifact 3: Smuggler's Run Extraction
The third and final Unearthed Artifact is found near the Smuggler's Run area, close to an extraction point. After collecting Artifact 2 from Harrowferry Brook, head back toward Smuggler's Run. The dig site is located near the wall breach and the bridge area.
Artifact 3 is positioned near the Smuggler's Run extraction point. Once you dig it up, you can immediately extract from the same area without backtracking. This makes it the most efficient artifact to collect in terms of exit proximity.
Route to Artifact 3
| Step | Direction | Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Harrowferry Brook | Spider enemies in the area |
| Travel | Through the wall breach | Goblin archers on the path |
| Cross | Under the bridge | Multiple bomber goblins spawn here |
| Arrive | Smuggler's Run dig site | Heavy goblin presence |
| Interact | Dig at the "E" icon | Collect Unearthed Artifact 3 |
| Extract | Smuggler's Run extraction | Immediate extraction available |
The area between Harrowferry Brook and Smuggler's Run contains dense goblin spawns, including multiple bomber-type enemies. The video documentation shows four or more bombers spawning simultaneously in this corridor. Travel with full health and keep potions on your hotbar.
Step-by-Step Quest Completion
Accept Buried and Forgotten 1
Speak with the quest giver to activate the first phase. This unlocks the ability to see and interact with the Artifact 1 dig site at the Cemetery. Without this quest active, the dig prompt will not appear.
Collect and Turn In Artifact 1
Enter the raid from Drained Passage, navigate to the Cemetery, and dig up Artifact 1. Extract immediately and return to the quest giver to complete the first phase. This unlocks Buried and Forgotten 2.
Collect and Turn In Artifact 2
Re-enter the raid with Buried and Forgotten 2 active. Travel through the battlements to Harrowferry Brook. Dig behind the Alchemist's house to recover Artifact 2. Extract and turn in to unlock the final phase.
Collect Artifact 3 and Extract
Enter the raid once more with the final quest phase active. Navigate to Smuggler's Run, dig up Artifact 3 near the extraction point, and extract immediately from the nearby exit.
Unlock the Herald Questline
After completing all three Buried and Forgotten turn-ins, the Herald NPC will begin offering additional quests. This also progresses toward unlocking the Scholar and the Library Key.
In co-op, each player must complete the quest steps individually. However, you can accompany teammates to the dig sites even if you have already collected your artifact. Only one player can pick up each artifact per run, so coordinate who goes first.
Preparation and Hazards
Proper preparation is essential for surviving the Buried and Forgotten questline. The routes between artifact sites are packed with hostile encounters and environmental dangers that can quickly deplete your health.
Raid Preparation Checklist:
- Stock at least 5 healing potions on your hotbar
- Carry 3 or more bandages for bleed effects
- Bring elixirs for additional sustain
- Equip weapons suited for close-quarters goblin combat
- Coordinate with co-op partner on artifact pickup order
- Ensure the correct quest phase is active before entering
Enemy Types Encountered
| Enemy Type | Threat Level | Counter Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Goblin (Melee) | Moderate | Block and counterattack; group aggro manageable |
| Goblin Archer | Moderate | Close distance quickly; use cover from terrain |
| Goblin Bomber | High | Prioritize elimination; dodge explosive attacks |
| Goblin Horde Caller | High | Eliminate immediately to prevent summoning waves |
| Spider | Moderate | Watch for ambushes near cave entrances |
| Tentacles (Environmental) | High | Avoid water edges; maintain distance from hazard zones |
Random "Investigate" boxes spawn throughout the map. These can provide powerful enchantments—such as weapon upgrades—but they can also trigger explosions. Approach with caution and be prepared to retreat immediately after interaction. The box spawn location is randomized each run.
Notable Environmental Features
| Feature | Location | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Investigate Box | Random spawn | Enchantment or explosion (random outcome) |
| Breach Coffers | Various | Lootable containers with gear |
| Wall Breaches | Near Harrowferry | Shortcut passages between areas |
| Locked Doors | Various | Can be destroyed with explosives |
| Cave Entrance | Near Harrowferry path | Secret room with additional loot |
Expedition Into Darkness features dynamic battlefield effects that can activate during your raid. Observed effects include Rain of Fire—which signals a potential dragon encounter—as well as fog, glaciers, and runes. These effects appear to trigger at specific times and can significantly alter combat conditions.
Post-Quest Unlocks and FAQ
Completing the Buried and Forgotten questline and turning in all three Unearthed Artifacts opens up new content paths. The Herald NPC will begin offering quests, expanding your available mission roster. Additionally, progression through the Herald questline can lead to unlocking the Scholar NPC and the Library Key, granting access to further game systems.
The Buried and Forgotten questline functions as a gateway to deeper content. After all three artifacts are turned in, both the Herald and eventually the Scholar become available as quest givers. Prioritize completing this chain early to access the full quest ecosystem.
Q: Can I collect all three Unearthed Artifacts in a single raid run?
No. The quest is sequential. You must collect Artifact 1, extract, turn it in, then re-enter with the next quest phase active to collect Artifact 2. The same applies for Artifact 3. Each artifact requires its corresponding quest to be active before the dig prompt appears.
Q: In co-op, can both players pick up the same artifact?
No. Only one player per run can collect each Unearthed Artifact. If you are playing co-op, coordinate which player will pick up the artifact during that run. The other player will need to wait for a separate run to collect their own copy.
Q: Where exactly is the Alchemist's house for Artifact 2?
The Alchemist's house is located at Harrowferry Brook, which is the leftmost area of the map—not inside the main city. Look for cauldron-like props near the building. The dig site for Artifact 2 is directly behind the house in the backyard area.
Q: What happens after I turn in all three Unearthed Artifacts?
Completing the Buried and Forgotten questline unlocks the Herald as a quest giver. The Herald offers two additional quests immediately. Further progression through the Herald questline can also unlock the Scholar NPC and the Library Key, expanding your access to game content.
Q: Are the Investigate boxes worth opening during the artifact quest?
Investigate boxes offer randomized outcomes—they can enchant your weapons or trigger explosions. If you encounter one, approach with caution. The potential rewards are significant, but the risk of damage means you should be at full health before interacting with them.