Artifacts (Vessels) in Black Myth: Wukong are unique equipment that offer both passive and active abilities when equipped. They are quite powerful and should be used in boss encounters or when you are in a tough spot during combat. These artifacts are also rare, so you will need to put in some effort to find them.
The passive ability usually provides a general stat boost, while the active ability can be activated to provide a much stronger buff that can turn the tide of battle.
There are 4 artifacts in Black Myth: Wukong. Finding all artifact locations unlocks the achievement «Treasure Trove.»
You can fast travel between chapters at any time. After the story, there is still the possibility to freely explore locations. After the final boss, you return to the title screen, here select «Continue» and you will be transported to the final boss. You can still revisit all locations from this point. Just do not press «Enter a New Cycle» on the main screen, as this will launch New Game+ mode and overwrite your save without the possibility to return.
When you unlock an artifact, you will be able to use it by pressing RT or R2 and the left stick. Before that, you will need to select the artifact in the menu. To do this, open your inventory, and then check the slot next to the spirits and your equipment. This is your artifact slot. When selected, build up your Qi resource as usual: either by resting or fighting enemies and accumulating it. Then you can activate the artifact.
The artifact from Chapter 2 is great for countering dust storms. This is important because one of the main mechanics of the final fight in Chapter 2 relies on tornadoes to control you. It is incredibly effective against the second and third phases of the Yellow Wind Sage, significantly lowering the difficulty of this dangerous opponent. The artifacts from Chapter 1 also provide fire resistance, which counters many attacks from the final boss of that area.
Reward for completing the secret area of Chapter 1 «Ancient Guanyin Temple.»
Reward for completing the secret area of Chapter 2 «Kingdom of Sahali.»
Reward for completing the secret area of Chapter 4 «Purple Cloud Mountain.»
You must defeat the boss named «Venom Daoist» in two separate locations to enter the secret area. Then defeat the boss in the secret area to obtain the item.
Automatic story reward for completing Chapter 5, it cannot be missed. After Chapter 5, you will receive it on the reward screen before the start of Chapter 6.
If the Plantain Fan is your 4th vessel, the «Treasure Trove» trophy for finding all vessels will unlock on the reward screen at the end of Chapter 5.