You're rowing through that thick, eerie fog in Midgard, the World Serpent just finished moving its massive body, and suddenly the water level drops. It opens up everything. If you've played the 2018 reboot of God of War, you know that feeling of scale. But then you see it: a little glint on the sand. You pick up a figurine. It’s part of a set. Most players just see these as a quick way to grab some Hacksilver, but the shores of nine artifacts are actually the connective tissue of the game's world-building.
Collecting things in games can be a massive chore. It’s often just busywork to pad out the runtime. Santa Monica Studio did something a bit different here, though. Each of these "Lost and Found" items or "Abandoned Ship" pieces tells a story about the people who lived—and died—before Kratos and Atreus showed up. It’s not just about the XP. It’s about understanding why Midgard feels so lonely.
What People Get Wrong About Collecting Near the Lake of Nine
A lot of guides make it sound like you can just zip around the Lake of Nine and grab everything in twenty minutes. That's not how it works. The Lake is a living map. Because the water level drops twice during the main story, certain shores of nine artifacts are literally underwater for the first half of your playthrough.
If you’re stressing because you can’t find a specific mask or a figure, you probably haven't progressed the story far enough. Patience is a virtue, even for a God of War. Specifically, the "Abandoned Ship" set—those beautiful, intricate figureheads—requires you to explore the peripheral docks like the Forgotten Caverns and the Cliffs of the Raven. You can't just stick to the main path.
Honestly, the loot isn't even the best part. When you pick these up, Atreus usually has something to say. His journal entries provide the actual context. He’s a kid trying to make sense of a world that’s basically been ruined by the Aesir gods. Each artifact is a piece of evidence of Odin’s cruelty or the desperation of the mortal Men who used to sail these waters.
The Abandoned Ship Set: A Path Through the Mist
Let's talk about the Abandoned Ship artifacts specifically. There are nine of them. They are scattered across the various islands and docks that surround the Tyr's Temple hub.
🔗 Read more: Why the 20 Questions Card Game Still Wins in a World of Screens
One of the easiest to miss is at the Lookout Tower. You have to hit these spinning paddles to lower spikes. It’s a rhythmic puzzle. Most people rush it, get hit by the spikes, and leave. But if you look behind the chest area, the artifact is tucked away in the sand. Another one sits at Niflheim's Tower. You take the lift up, and it’s just lying there near a corpse. It’s grim.
The figurehead at the Isle of Death is also a bit of a pain. You have to use the fire pots to clear out the debris. If you aren't looking for the red canisters, you'll walk right past it. This isn't just "go to waypoint" gameplay. It’s "look at the environment" gameplay. The game rewards you for actually being present in the space.
Why the Rewards Matter More Than You Think
You sell these to Brok or Sindri. That’s the loop.
- Find the thing.
- Listen to Atreus talk.
- Sell it for Hacksilver.
- Get a nice chunk of XP for completing the set.
But here’s the kicker: the XP you get from completing a full set of shores of nine artifacts is often what pushes you over the edge to unlock a new skill right before a boss fight. It’s a stealthy way to level up without grinding enemies. If you're playing on "Give Me God of War" difficulty, that extra XP is a lifeline. It's the difference between having a new shield bash or getting stomped by a heavy Draugr.
The Cultural Significance of Midgard’s Trash
If we look at the research into Norse mythology used by the developers—guys like Cory Barlog and the writers worked closely with experts—the artifacts represent the "Age of Men." This is the period where humans tried to exist under the shadow of the giants and the gods.
💡 You might also like: FC 26 Web App: How to Master the Market Before the Game Even Launches
The masks you find? They aren't just random assets. They represent the diverse cultures that once traded in Midgard. The "Family Heirloom" set in Helheim (though not strictly on the Lake shores) shows the tragedy of the dead. But on the shores of nine, it’s all about the maritime history. The figureheads represent a time when the Lake of Nine was a bustling trade hub, not a graveyard for hel-walkers.
It’s easy to forget that Kratos is an immigrant in these lands. He doesn't know the history. We learn through him. When he looks at a discarded horn or a broken toy, he’s seeing the wreckage of a civilization that didn't have a Spartan to save them.
Tracking Down the Hardest Artifacts
The "Bottoms Up" set is famously annoying. You’ll find these in the mountain and around the mines. One is hidden behind a breakable wooden wall that looks like every other wall in the game. You have to listen for the slight audio cue or just be incredibly thorough with your axe throws.
Then there’s the "Horn of Veithurgard" set. Veithurgard is a massive area tucked away behind the big gold gates. You have to open them by turning a wheel on the shore. Once you’re in there, the artifacts are everywhere—on the bridge, by the dragon, and inside the castle.
The dragon, by the way, is a great distraction. You’re so worried about getting fried by lightning that you miss the artifacts lying in the grass. Take out the shrines first. Quiet the dragon. Then go back for the loot. It’s much easier on the blood pressure.
📖 Related: Mass Effect Andromeda Gameplay: Why It’s Actually the Best Combat in the Series
Pro-Tips for the Completionist
Don't sell them one by one.
Wait.
Collect the whole set, then go to the shop.
There's something incredibly satisfying about watching the "Labor" notification pop up on the screen and seeing your XP bar fly to the right. Plus, Brok usually has some sarcastic comment about the quality of the junk you’re bringing him. It adds flavor.
- Check the map: The game actually tells you how many artifacts are in each sub-region. If the map says 1/2, stop moving. Look around.
- Use the sound: Artifacts have a distinct shimmering sound when you are close. If you play with headphones, you can literally "hear" the location of a mask or a figurehead.
- The Raven trick: Often, artifacts are placed near Odin's Ravens. If you see a green bird, look down. There’s a good chance an artifact is within ten feet.
Is the Platinum Trophy Calling?
If you want that Platinum trophy, you have no choice. You need every single one of the shores of nine artifacts. It’s one of the more manageable "collect-a-thons" in modern gaming because the world is so beautiful you actually want to see every corner of it. It’s not like those games with 500 feathers scattered across a boring city. Midgard is dense.
The real value, though, is in the narrative. By the time you find the last piece, you've seen the rise and fall of the Lake's inhabitants. You've seen the remnants of the scholars, the warriors, and the sailors. You realize that Kratos isn't just walking through a forest; he's walking through a museum of a dead world.
To get started on finishing your collection, head back to the Lake of Nine once the water has dropped for the second time. This is usually after the journey to the Mountain is well underway. Use the fast travel points to hit the "Big Three" docks: Stone Falls, The Forgotten Caverns, and the Cliffs of the Raven. Clear those out first, then focus on the smaller towers. You'll have the full set—and the "Curator" trophy—before you even reach the final act of the game.
Check your journal under the "Artifacts" tab right now. See which sets are missing just one or two pieces. Usually, it's the ones tucked behind the "Light of Alfheim" crystals or the red sap that you couldn't break earlier in the game. Go back with your upgraded arrows and finish the job.