Introduction
While the profession of Archaeology hasn’t seen major updates in recent expansions, *The War Within* subtly revives it by introducing a new category of discoveries tied to subterranean conflicts. These “Inner Relics” are found during Delves, world quests, and hidden excavation nodes across zones like Azj-Kahet and the Ringing Deeps. These artifacts aren’t just cosmetic or lore items—they’re part of a larger metagame that lets players uncover ancient strategies, unlock passive buffs, and even trigger special storyline options. With the right tools and patience, Archaeology now plays a small but meaningful role in the underground war effort.
Types of Artifacts and Their Significance
Inner Battleground artifacts come in five main categories: War Tablets, Memory Crystals, Echo Bones, Titan Shards, and Corrupted Charms. Each has its own flavor and unlock path. War Tablets often grant insight into ancient battle tactics, increasing your rep gain with specific factions. Memory Crystals can unlock special dialogue in story quests, revealing alternate lore routes. Echo Bones serve as rare currency in hidden vendors, while Titan Shards are used to enhance Delve gear. Corrupted Charms function as toggled items—usable once a day for unique buffs in PvP or PvE. Their rarity makes them highly sought-after.
- War Tablets: Passive renown boost
- Memory Crystals: Reveal secret lore
- Echo Bones: Used for hidden vendor purchases
- Titan Shards: Upgrade socketed Delve gear
- Corrupted Charms: Daily-use buff items
How to Unlock Excavation Sites
To uncover these relics, players need to activate special excavation sites found only in Delves or warfront hotspots. These are revealed after completing specific story missions or finding maps dropped by elite mobs. Once unlocked, excavation zones offer limited-time dig windows—usually 5 to 10 minutes—where players must follow seismic readings to pinpoint relic caches. These caches may be protected by mini-bosses or puzzles requiring multiple party members. Successful excavations reward not only the relics themselves but bonus reputation and crafting items. Delve events such as “Seismic Surges” are the best times to hunt for these.
Artifact Curation and Museum Submissions
Players can choose to keep or donate their finds. Submitting relics to the Archivists of Azj-Kahet earns you prestige points and unlocks museum exhibits in Valdrakken. These exhibits function as both bragging rights and passive buffs. Completing full artifact sets grants permanent bonuses such as increased reputation gain or access to new cosmetic dialogue in cutscenes. Curation also unlocks the “Historical Agent” title, one of the few prestige-only rewards in *The War Within*. For collectors and lore-seekers, the museum system adds a satisfying layer of progression tied to in-game achievements.
| Set Name | Bonus | Submission Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Echoes of the First War | +10% rep with Hollowguard | Title: “Historical Agent” |
| Titanfall Recovery Set | +3% Delve damage | Socket upgrade |
| Whispers of the Deep | Unlocks secret ending line | Custom toy |
Crafting and Buff Synergies
Some Archaeology relics integrate with professions, especially Jewelcrafting and Inscription. Titan Shards can be socketed into Delve rings, granting unique bonuses that only activate during Timewalking or PvP. Inscribers can craft scrolls using Echo Bones, allowing temporary use of relic powers for guildmates. Corrupted Charms can also be alchemically enhanced, increasing duration or unlocking new visual effects. These crafting tie-ins make Archaeology more than just a passive pursuit—it’s a tool for serious character optimization. Players who invest in this system will enjoy small but consistent power advantages across content types.
Conclusion
*The War Within* quietly resurrects Archaeology by tying it to meaningful relic hunts and interwoven progression systems. Whether you’re collecting lore, unlocking museum perks, or crafting hybrid upgrades, the inner battlegrounds are filled with secrets worth unearthing. These discoveries reward not just curiosity, but commitment—and they’re proof that even sidelined professions can find new life with the right design. Dust off your pickaxe and dive deep—your next major breakthrough might be buried in the dark.