Vampire Crawlers is an indie roguelike game with card mechanics, and the races can seem pretty monotonous at first. But once you figure out the system of relics, the game opens up from a completely different perspective.
The relics here don’t work as passive damage add-ons, but as full-fledged rule modifiers. Some are changing the economy, others are opening new locations, and others are completely turning the usual tactics on their head.
The good news is that there are no donations or complicated tests. Most of the artifacts open on their own — you just need to get to new stages and go through the dungeons. Below is everything you need to know.
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Where to Find Relics in Vampire Crawlers: Locations and Unlock Conditions
Most of the items are tied to specific locations. I got to the Gallo Tower and got two relics at once. I reached the Tiny Bridge — two more. The logic is simple: the further you go, the richer the set of tools becomes.
One relic is given right at the start — in Training. This is a Combo Stack, and it immediately sets the tone for the entire card mechanics: play cards in increasing mana value — get a damage multiplier. It sounds simple, but it works very deeply.
There is also a secret artifact — Ovenkilt. The conditions for unlocking it are hidden, but the effect speaks for itself.: activates the “Overkill” ability on the last enemy in battle, but completely blocks the gold from the chests. Not for all builds, but it’s memorable.
How to Use Vampire Crawlers Relics: Effects That Change Everything
Some artifacts do not just give a bonus, but literally expand the game world. Here are the most important ones:
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Polentir (Furious Forest) — opens the Arcana Tent, a separate area with unique events
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Randomazzo (Library Sanctuary) — adds Arcana events directly inside the dungeons without leaving the race
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Stardust Anvil (Tiny Bridge) — unlocks the Blacksmith’s Workshop
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Jewel Hammer (Mad Forest) — includes the mechanics of embedding gems in maps
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Diamond Cutter’s Magnifier (Gallo Tower) — allows you to block unnecessary stones and control their fallout
These five relics form the backbone of the advanced passage. Without them, many mechanics simply won’t appear in the game.
A complete list of all the relics with locations and effects:
Relics are not just collectible items. These are the levers that determine what your game will be in this race. The Overkill + Ultimate Ultra Overkill bundle is especially indicative: if you build the build correctly to finish off bosses, the economy starts working completely differently, and you can reach the final levels with a serious gold reserve.
In addition to the relics, the game has 21 characters with unique mechanics — and unlocking them is also tied to specific tasks during the races. So there are plenty of reasons to return to the dungeons for a long time.
