For lots of players jumping into Diablo IV, Artificer’s Stones have quickly become the crafting ingredient they can’t live without; these gems open big Glyph upgrades and let you enchant the gear you love. Stock up on a few, and you can tweak late-game builds for top-tier Nightmare Dungeons or dial in every Paragon Board node you need.
The catch is that hunting them down never feels as quick or easy as hoped. In this guide, you will learn about the best spots to farm Artificers, tease apart the hidden factors that affect their drop rate, and share straightforward tricks that squeeze extra stones from every run. You can also boost your gameplay with a Diablo 4 carry and conquer endgame content faster than ever.
What Are Artificers Stones?
Before chasing routes, it’s worth pausing to see precisely what these stones do. They sit near the top of the crafting hierarchy and feed the Occultists’ table when players want to boost Paragon Glyphs or add fresh affixes to endgame gear. A single upgrade can nudge damage, defense, or even survivability in the right direction, making the stones all but required for the hardest content.
Because of that, squads racing through Nightmare runs or casual solo adventurers end up asking the same question: how do I snag more of these? Team carries, seasonal events, and plain persistence will turn Artificers into a regular part of the endgame loop before long.
Where to Start: World Tier and Difficulty
Before anything else, know that Artificers’ Stones only drop in higher World Tiers. To snag them regularly, you have to step into World Tier 3-Nightmare or dive even higher into World Tier 4-Torment. Those levels throw more formidable foes your way, but they also hold the best rewards, including the Stones you seek.
If either Tier still feels too rough, spend your time leveling up and tuning your gear; once you clear that hurdle, the real grind kicks in, and so does the fun of chasing those prized drops.
Best Places to Farm Artificer’s Stones
Now, let’s look at where you should go when you’re ready to farm these stones. The drop rates can vary depending on the activity, but the following areas and events are your best bet.
1. Nightmare Dungeons (Tier 21 and Above)
Once you unlock Tier 3, Nightmare Dungeons become your go-to spot. However, Artificer’s Stones are more likely to drop from Tier 21+ Nightmare Dungeons, which are part of the new seasonal activities.
Here’s why they’re great for farming:
- Each cleared dungeon has a chance to drop Artificer’s Stones upon completion.
- Higher-tier dungeons are equal to better drop rates.
- You also farm Glyph XP at the same time, hitting two birds with one stone.
If you’re running with a group, coordinate dungeons with short layouts and fewer annoying modifiers. Quicker runs mean more chances per hour.
2. Whispers of the Dead (Grim Favors)
Another great way to get your hands on Artificer’s Stones is by farming Whispers. Completing 10 Grim Favors lets you turn them in at the Tree of Whispers. The rewards include:
- Nightmare Sigils (which unlock more high-tier dungeons)
- Crafting materials
- Artificer’s Stones
You’ll want to focus on Whispers that are:
- Near each other on the map
- Relatively easy (slay mobs, clear events, etc.)
- In high-density zones like Scosglen or Hawezar
Turn in Grim Favors when you’re in World Tier 4 to maximize drop potential.
3. Helltide Events
Helltides are chaotic but rewarding. During these world events, you farm Cinders, which you use to open Tortured Gifts chests scattered around the map. While Helltides don’t guarantee Artificer’s Stones, they often drop:
- Rare crafting mats
- Forgotten Souls
- Occasionally, Artificer’s Stones
To make the most of it:
- Focus on elite-heavy areas within the Helltide
- Stack up on Cinders fast and open high-cost chests
- Equip gear with bonus resource find or drop rate perks
Helltides are especially good if you’re farming with a team or carrying lower-level friends through.
4. World Bosses
World Bosses spawn at regular intervals and provide a loot chest upon defeat. These chests can include Artificer’s Stones among other high-tier loot.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Join a group to take down the boss quickly
- Try to join World Bosses in World Tier 4
- Make sure to participate fully — no AFK farming
Even if the drop isn’t guaranteed every time, World Bosses are worth hitting up because the time investment is low, and the rewards can be huge
5. Seasonal Events & Weekly Caches
Blizzard often introduces seasonal mechanics and events that include additional loot systems. For example, a recent season allowed players to earn Artificer’s Stones via seasonal currencies and weekly caches.
Be sure to:
- Check the Seasonal Journal and track objectives
- Complete the weekly bounty or cache reward
- Look for temporary vendors who trade seasonal currency for rare mats
These methods are less grind-heavy and more about logging in regularly and completing your objectives.
How to Increase Drop Chances
Farming smarter means boosting your odds. Here’s how:
Group Play
Playing with others increases efficiency. You can clear dungeons faster, tackle Helltides more easily, and take down World Bosses without wasting time.
High Magic Find Gear
While Magic Find isn’t as straightforward in Diablo IV as in previous entries, certain items and effects increase drop rates for rare materials. Look for gear with +Material Find or +Monster Gold Drop (as it sometimes affects mat drops too).
Target Efficient Routes
Don’t waste time traveling across the map. Create rotation loops between Nightmare Dungeons, local Whispers, and Helltide chests in one region (like Kehjistan or Hawezar).
Avoid Long Dungeons
Not all dungeons are equal. Some like Uldur’s Cave or Aldurwood are relatively short and filled with elites. Avoid sprawling, maze-like dungeons that take too long for little return.
Tips for Newer Players
If you’re just stepping into World Tier 3 or trying to catch up:
- Join a clan or Discord group where you can tag along for Nightmare Dungeon runs.
- Don’t hoard Nightmare Sigils — use them and reroll them at the Occultist for better modifiers.
- Consider doing a Diablo 4 carry run with higher-level friends to help unlock Tier 21+ Nightmare Dungeons quickly.
Farming doesn’t have to be slow or painful. With the right build, route, and mindset, you’ll find yourself stacking up Artificer’s Stones in no time.
Final Thoughts
Artificer’s Stones are a key part of the endgame loop in Diablo IV, especially for players who want to max out their builds and push into the highest Nightmare tiers. While the drop rates aren’t always generous, sticking to the best activities, Tier 21+ Nightmare Dungeons, Grim Favor turn-ins, Helltide events, World Bosses, and seasonal rewards, will keep you stocked.
Make a habit of combining these methods. Run Nightmare Dungeons while waiting for a World Boss, farm Whispers while a Helltide is active, and always check the seasonal journal for bonus opportunities.