How to Access and Clear Bulwark's Ambry in Risk of Rain 2

Entering Bulwark's Ambry

Bulwark's Ambry is a specialized Hidden Realm in Risk of Rain 2 that serves as the gateway to unlocking the game's various Artifacts. Unlike standard stages, you cannot reach this area through normal portal progression. Instead, you must manually activate the Compound Generator.

You can find the Compound Generator on the lower level of the Sky Meadow stage or the uppermost level of the Helminth Hatchery (added in the Seekers of the Storm expansion). Once you locate the generator, you must input the specific code for the Artifact you wish to unlock. After entering the correct pattern on the stone tablet and interacting with the console, a portal will open, transporting you to the Ambry.

Completing the Artifact Trial

Once you arrive in Bulwark's Ambry, your primary goal is to retrieve the Artifact located in the center of the arena. The process is straightforward but requires combat prowess and survival skills.

1. Locate the Reliquary: In the center of the arena, you will find the Artifact Reliquary.
2. Collect Keys: You cannot simply take the artifact. You must interact with the Reliquary to start the trial. Once activated, mobs will spawn. You must defeat these enemies to obtain Artifact Keys.
3. Power the Reliquary: Pick up the dropped keys and interact with the Reliquary to damage it. Generally, you need a total of four keys to destroy the Reliquary and claim your reward.
4. Survive: Be cautious during the fight, as the Reliquary will fire red homing missiles that track your movement. While they may not deal massive damage individually, they can become a nuisance if you are low on health.

Once the Reliquary is destroyed, all remaining enemies will vanish, and the Artifact will be yours to collect. A portal will then appear, allowing you to return to your run.

Understanding Realm Variants

Since the Seekers of the Storm update, Bulwark's Ambry can appear in one of four random variants. While the core gameplay loop remains the same, the environment layout changes significantly:

• Default: The original arena featuring block-stone architecture and an open void center.
• Tar Research: Features massive skeletons and pools of tar, reminiscent of the Abandoned Aqueduct stage.
• Aphelian Research: Based on the Aphelian Sanctuary, this variant has a winding structure that can be difficult to navigate if you have high movement speed.
• Wisp Research: Inspired by Scorched Acres, this layout consists of disconnected floating stone plates, making precise platforming essential.

Tips for Unlocking Artifacts

If you are struggling to unlock specific artifacts or challenges—such as the Loader's "Thunderslam" skill, which requires you to kill doppelgangers in the Ambry—consider adjusting your approach.

Community strategies often suggest playing on "Drizzle" difficulty to minimize the time spent fighting and maximize your chances of survival. Additionally, using specific Artifacts like the Artifact of Swarms can double the enemy spawn rate, which can help you gather keys or spawn doppelgangers faster.

Always remember to loot the stage before starting the trial. Finding extra items, especially mobility and healing items, will make the boss fight significantly easier. If you are aiming for specific achievements, check your loadout before entering the portal, as some challenges may require specific conditions or character builds that are best prepared before you leave the main stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die in Bulwark's Ambry?

If you die during the trial, your run ends, just as it would in any other stage. There are no "second chances" within the realm itself.

Can I leave the Ambry without finishing the trial?

No, you must either complete the trial by destroying the Reliquary or die trying. The portal to exit only appears after the trial is successfully concluded.

Where is the Environment Log found?

The Environment Log is hidden within the Ambry. Its location changes depending on which variant (Default, Tar, Aphelian, or Wisp) you load into. Note that the log will disappear five minutes after you enter the level, so explore quickly if you are hunting for collectibles.

Why do some players use the Artifact of Vengeance in the Ambry?

The Artifact of Vengeance spawns a "doppelganger" of your character. Some players use this to complete specific character-based challenges, such as the Loader challenge mentioned by community members, by forcing these doppelgangers to spawn within the Ambry environment.