Introduction
Artifacts and runes are the hidden power layer in Fate War. They amplify hero skills, lock in troop specialization, and set the real ceiling of your march. This guide explains how the system works, where the power comes from, and how to build gear that actually wins fights.
1. Artifacts: The Blueprint for Specialization
Artifacts provide broad bonuses that define your build direction. Start by understanding what each slot gives you.
| Artifact slot | Core attributes (PvP focus) |
|---|---|
| Weapon | All troop attack. Economic bonus: training speed. |
| Shield | Berserker attack. Economic bonus: construction speed. |
| Boots | Cavalry attack. Economic bonus: stamina recovery. |
| Chest piece | Berserker defense plus soldier limit. |
| Helmet | Axethrower defense. Economic bonus: infirmary stockpile limit. |
| Amulet | Beast Rider defense. Economic bonus: gathering speed. |
| Pants/Shorts | Cavalry defense. Economic bonus: research speed. |
Artifact progression is gated. You must upgrade an artifact to level 3 before advancing its rarity. Rarity tiers go from Gray to Green, Blue, Purple, Gold, and Red (Supreme). Most materials come from the Molten Pit event, so keep that in your weekly loop.
Prioritize upgrades based on your main march:
- Axethrower focus: Weapon first, then Helmet.
- Berserker focus: Chest piece first, then Shield.
- Cavalry focus: Boots first, then Pants/Shorts.
The chest piece is a universal priority because it adds soldier limit. A larger march multiplies every stat and skill you already have.
2. Runes: The Real Specialization Layer
Runes turn a general build into a purpose built march. They are the biggest difference maker once artifact basics are in place.
Main rune sources:
- Ancestral Trial: steady gray rune supply.
- Hell Wanderers: rune chests from world targets.
- Caravans: choose runes from your own or raid enemy caravans.
- Rune Roulette: spend gems for accelerated rune drops.
Rule of thumb: troop specific runes beat all soldier runes for your main march. The ceiling is higher, and it stacks better with hero skills. Use all soldier runes only for mixed marches or temporary filler.
Rune rescribing is a high risk, high reward reroll. Only gamble when the current rune is weak or you are chasing a build defining stat.
3. Synergy: How Gear Multiplies Heroes
Artifacts and runes are not just extra stats. They multiply the value of the hero you already built.
The Berserker Phalanx (Baldur and Rex)
Use Chest piece and Shield to stack Berserker defense and attack. Add Berserker HP and defense runes for a bruiser frontline. Baldur turns into a damage anchor, Rex becomes the wall that keeps the march alive.
The Axethrower Volley (Kaltas and Hilda)
Weapon gives universal attack. Stack Axethrower damage or attack runes for a high burst glass cannon march. This is where skill damage heroes get the most value per point.
The Cavalry Charge (Erin and Selena)
Boots and Pants/Shorts boost Cavalry attack and defense. Add cavalry attack or HP runes for a fast, hard hitting march that excels at flanking and chasing.
4. Conclusion
Artifacts and runes are the engine of Fate War power. Align gear with your main march, prioritize combat stats over economy once you are stable, and farm Molten Pit and Ancestral Trial consistently. Specialize first, then diversify.