The Artifact Reliquary in Risk of Rain 2 serves as the unique boss encounter residing within Bulwark's Ambry. Fighting this central structure requires a complete shift in combat approach, as standard attacks deal no direct damage to its massive health pool. Players must navigate endless waves of hostile monsters while executing key mechanics to slowly deplete the boss's life.
Understanding the Artifact Reliquary Mechanics
Unlike standard bosses in Risk of Rain 2, the Artifact Reliquary is completely immune to traditional weapons, skills, and item-based damage. To deal damage to the Reliquary, players must acquire specialized Artifact Keys that periodically drop from defeated monsters in the arena. Depositing an Artifact Key into the central structure consumes the key and forces the boss to lose a fixed fraction of its total health.
Every time an Artifact Key is used, the Reliquary emits a powerful shockwave that pushes nearby players and monsters far across the floating platforms. Managing your positioning right before interacting with the boss prevents unexpected falls into the void below. Utilizing mobility abilities or defensive items helps maintain safe positioning during these continuous knockback phases.
Navigating Arena Hazards and Escalating Attacks
Once activated by the first key, the Reliquary awakens and begins firing targeted laser projectiles at players throughout the trial. As its health drops lower, its attack rate increases substantially, making lasers travel faster with enhanced homing capabilities. Continuous movement and kiting around cover become essential strategies to avoid taking lethal ranged damage while gathering keys.
In addition to the Reliquary's direct attacks, players must handle the specific modifier tied to the chosen Artifact Trial. For instance, during the Trial of Spite, every slain enemy releases multiple bouncing, explosive grenades upon death. Choosing mobile ranged survivors, such as Huntress or Artificer, allows players to stay clear of dangerous area-of-effect hazards while continuously clearing waves.
Best Strategies for Solo and Team Encounters
When playing in multiplayer, coordinating who holds and deposits the Artifact Keys prevents wasted opportunities and unnecessary knockbacks. Inserting a single key automatically consumes all keys currently on the ground or in player inventories, dealing chunk damage instantly. Communicating key usage ensures team members are not caught off guard by sudden shockwaves mid-combat.
Survivors with strong crowd control and survivability excel during this extended endurance test. Prioritizing movement speed items and defensive options helps players navigate the block-shaped floating platforms safely. Once the fourth key is successfully turned in, the Reliquary collapses, permanently unlocking your chosen Artifact for future runs.
