In the multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons, there are all kinds of magical artifacts. Not only are they unique, but they can also grant you power that you definitely want to call your own. We have compiled 5 particularly powerful ones for you.
What are artifacts in Dungeons & Dragons? Artifacts are extremely powerful, unique magical items that each have their own story and origin. They possess unimaginable powers.
They often appear when they are needed the most or shake the world when found. In campaigns, they usually serve more as tools for the story than as classic equipment for the player characters.
Therefore, they are often main objectives for campaigns or later campaign sections. However, using their power often comes at a price, and if one wants to destroy them, one often faces great challenges.
Whether sought as a salvation or seized from a powerful villain to save the multiverse: Artifacts offer a wide range of possibilities for your adventure – for both players and the game master.
How was the list created? For our list, we selected 5 artifacts that are particularly powerful in their own way. We paid attention to a diverse lineup so that every player and game master can find something useful. We limited ourselves to the 5th Edition while considering the new rulebooks (version 2024).
In addition to the predefined individual properties, each artifact has additional properties that can either be determined by the game master or rolled randomly. We ignored these in our selection.
We opted against a direct ranking, as the power of an artifact depends on too many factors to be easily compared. An artifact can be powerful because it can greatly manipulate the world around it or because it can cause significant damage – or simply because a player or enemy uses it cleverly at an opportune moment.
Sword of Kas (Sword of Kas)
- Dungeon Master’s Guide (2024), Page 313
- Artifact at DnD Beyond
Kas was a powerful warrior who served Vecna. As a sign of his loyalty, he received this bloodthirsty longsword. Ultimately, the sword convinced Kas to destroy his master Vecna, which also heralded his own downfall. All that remained was the sword and an insatiable thirst for blood.
His thirst for fresh blood is so great that it must be appeased within a minute (i.e., in combat for 10 rounds). If this does not happen, the wielder must succeed on a Charisma saving throw of 15 to avoid being dominated by it until their desire is fulfilled.
The sword communicates telepathically with its bearer and can thus influence their mind. Its absolute goal is to destroy Vecna and those under his influence. Additionally, its bearer can cast 3 spells, each of which can be used once per day.
It is considered a magical weapon that deals an additional 2D10 damage to undead and grants its bearer resistance to necrotic damage. Additionally, its attack bonus can be fully or partially applied to one’s own armor class.
A powerful artifact for anyone who wants to fight against Vecna or hordes of undead. To destroy the sword, the one in possession of the artifacts of Vecna’s Eye and Hand must be attuned to them. The user can then utilize the ability to cast the spell “Wish“. If successful, the sword is destroyed.
