--Artifact Classification--

Discover the nine artifact groups in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, from Skill Boosters to Cursed Artifacts, and their unique effects.

Artifacts are items created by magic-wielders that possess specific effects or functions, capable of transforming heroes and troops. While beneficial artifacts can enhance abilities, detrimental ones can drain gold and lower morale. They are broadly classified into nine groups:

Skill Boosters: These artifacts, appearing as swords, shields, crowns, rods, scrolls, and broaches, can increase one or more of your basic skills (offense, defense, power, knowledge) by one to twelve points. They are crucial early in the game when heroes have low skills, but their value diminishes mid-game as heroes gain experience. It is advisable to trade them for protective artifacts on buffed heroes by mid-game.

Protection: Found as amulets, rods, and cloaks, these artifacts defend against physical attacks (missiles, lightning, heat) and magical bespellment. They are beneficial throughout the game, especially in the late stages when powerful spells and large armies are prevalent.

Movement Enducers: Also known as Speed Baubles, these items, appearing as footwear or medallions, increase daily movement on land, sea, or both. They are valuable throughout the entire game, helping to secure resources early on, and allowing for escapes or timely returns to castles in the middle and late game, especially when Town Portal or Dimension Door spells are unavailable.

Spell Cost Reducers: These artifacts reduce the spell power required to cast spells, allowing for more spells before mana regeneration. Their value is often dubious as they typically only affect specific spells or spell types, and by mid-game, spell casters usually have sufficient mana.

Spell Cast Enhancers: These artifacts increase the destructive power or duration of spells. While duration enhancers are more beneficial early on, those that strengthen damage spells are highly valuable for all spellcaster types throughout the game.

Luck And Morale Generators: Items like coins, medallions, and clovers counteract negative effects from troops of multiple alignments or undead units. Equipping each hero with one luck and one morale generator is recommended, as they can grant double attacks and maximum damage, significantly impacting battle outcomes.

Resource Generators: These artifacts provide daily resources or gold, ranging from 500 to 10,000 gold pieces. Examples include Endless Pouch Of Gems and Ultimate Crown. They are important early and mid-game when resources are scarce and for building costly structures. Control of these items is crucial for castles requiring specific resources like gems, sulfur, mercury, and crystals.

Cursed Artifacts: These rare artifacts provide unwanted effects, such as draining gold daily or preventing troop recruitment. A newer form, introduced with an expansion pack, offers both a benefit and an equal, opposite negative effect.

Miscellaneous Artifacts: This category includes unique artifacts that do not fit into other groups, such as the Statesman's Quill (discounted surrender), the Golden Bow (halves penalty for long-range troops shooting past obstacles), and the Crystal Ball (scries information on nearby sites, troops, and opponents). Their value is highly specific to each item.