--Rating Artifacts By Hero Type--

Discover the best artifacts for different hero types in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Learn artifact strategies for non-spellcasters, spellcasters, and necromancers.

The value of an artifact for a hero in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era depends not only on general factors like map size and terrain but also specifically on the hero type. Even with the same map, starting point, and troops, different hero types require different artifacts to enhance their effectiveness. Non-spellcasters like Knights and Barbarians need different artifacts than spellcasters like Wizards, Warlocks, and Sorceresses. Necromancers, while spellcasters, also have unique artifact needs due to their distinct skills and troop deployment strategies. We will look at three basic hero types: non-spellcasters, spellcasters, and necromancers.

For Any And All Heroes

Some artifacts provide maximum benefit regardless of the hero type. These are always good to acquire:

• Ultimate Crown: Increases ALL primary skills +4, takes 1 slot.
• Breastplate, Helm, And Sword Of Anduran: Combined, these three artifacts provide +5 to attack, defense, and power, maximum luck and morale, and the town gate spell, taking only 1 slot.
• Legendary Scepter: Increases ALL primary skills by +2, takes 1 slot.
• Ultimate Shield: Increases both attack and defense by +6, takes 1 slot.
• Ultimate Staff: Greatly increases spell power and knowledge, takes 1 slot.
• Lightning Helm: Halves damage from lightning.
• True Compass Of Mobility: Gives extra movement everywhere.

Non-SpellCasters (Barbarians and Knights)

Barbarians and Knights are hired without spellbooks, indicating spellcasting is not their primary strength. While they can learn spells, they will always lag behind true spellcasters unless enhanced by spell-boosting artifacts. The expansion pack offers two methods to equalize spell power:

Method Number One: Sphere Of Negation

The Sphere Of Negation artifact makes combat between non-spellcasters and spellcasters entirely fair by preventing all magic spells during combat. This artifact is invaluable for Barbarian and Knight heroes, removing the threat of powerful spells like Armageddon or Elemental Storm. With magic neutralized, these heroes can leverage their natural offensive and defensive troop attributes. If using the Sphere Of Negation, avoid spell-enhancing artifacts for that hero and focus on offense, defense, mobility, luck, and morale artifacts.

Method Number Two: Spell Enhancement

If the Sphere Of Negation is unavailable, non-spellcasters need elevated spell power, knowledge, expert Wisdom (a secondary skill), and spells. Wisdom is gained through experience, and spells from mage guilds, shrines, and scrolls. Spell power and knowledge are significantly boosted by artifacts. These heroes should prioritize finding spell-enhancing artifacts while roaming. Offense and defense skills increase rapidly for Barbarians and Knights and are well-supported by their typical troop types. Focus on spell power and knowledge artifacts first, especially those increasing spell knowledge, to cast more spells without frequent returns to castles. Once spell power and knowledge are sufficient, focus on increasing Wisdom for medium and high-level spells. Protection, luck, and morale artifacts are also beneficial, especially in mid-game combat.

Recommended Artifacts for Non-Spellcasters (without Sphere Of Negation):

For Spell Power and Knowledge:

• Knowledge Scrolls: Increase knowledge by +2 to +5, allowing more spells.
• The Pearls: Each increases spell power and knowledge, taking only 1 slot.
• Enchanted Hourglass: Increases spell duration.

For Protection:

All protection artifacts are beneficial, except the Pendant Of Death. These four offer significant aid:

• Holy Pendant: Protects from curse spells, allowing bless spells to be more effective.
• Serenity Pendant: Grants immunity to berserk spells.
• Pendant Of Life: Grants immunity to death spells.

Miscellaneous Enhancements:

These help after building up spell power, knowledge, and protection.