Should I Give Squint The Artifact?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: Giving Squint the artifact is likely reasonable when the game clearly signals that the handoff advances a main or side quest you want to complete. If the quest log, dialogue, or journal entries describe the artifact as something Squint needs to progress a storyline you value, the exchange is usually a designed step forward. In this case, keeping the item may stall content, lock dialogue options, or prevent a companion or faction from moving to the next phase. Look for confirmation from other NPCs, map markers, or quest descriptions that the artifact belongs in Squint’s hands rather than yours.
• Good fit: The choice may also make sense when Squint is allied with a faction or cause you are already supporting, and the reward matches your build or playstyle. For example, if handing over the artifact improves reputation, unlocks a merchant discount, grants a unique skill, or opens a previously inaccessible area, the long-term benefit can outweigh losing the item. This is especially true if the artifact has no combat, crafting, or quest use on its own and is purely a story token. When the exchange turns a static object into tangible progress, it is often the intended path.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Pause before giving Squint the artifact if the item is described as unique, irreplaceable, or “one of a kind.” Many games place powerful weapons, relics, or quest-critical objects behind a single spawn point, and handing them to an NPC can permanently remove them from your inventory. If the artifact has stats, abilities, or lore relevance that might help you later, losing it now could make future encounters harder or lock you out of a different questline. When in doubt, store the item in a safe container or a personal stash until you are certain it has no better use.
• Warning sign: You should also be cautious if Squint’s motives are unclear, if the character has contradicted themselves, or if giving the artifact conflicts with another objective. Games often use morally ambiguous NPCs to test the player’s judgment, and a seemingly friendly request may lead to a betrayal, a faction shift, or an unintended ending flag. If you have received warnings from other characters, discovered lore that casts doubt on Squint, or noticed that the artifact is coveted by multiple parties, take time to investigate before committing. A hasty handoff can close off peaceful, profitable, or heroic alternatives.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Advancing the story or unlocking rewards is the most common upside. Handing the artifact to Squint can trigger new dialogue, reveal hidden locations, complete a quest, or earn experience, currency, or faction standing. These benefits often create a smoother path through the game and may open content that is otherwise unavailable.
• Reducing inventory clutter and turning a non-usable quest item into progress is another practical advantage. Some artifacts cannot be equipped, crafted, or sold for meaningful value, so keeping them provides little mechanical benefit. Exchanging the item for reputation, information, or services can convert a dead asset into something useful.

Cons

• The biggest risk is permanent loss of a unique or multipurpose item. Once the artifact leaves your inventory, the game may not offer a way to get it back, even if you later discover a crafting recipe, a hidden boss, or a dialogue option that required it. This opportunity cost can be frustrating on a second playthrough when you realize what the item could have done.
• Another downside is the possibility of unintended story consequences. Giving the artifact to Squint may anger another faction, lower your standing with a different NPC, or push you toward a narrative outcome you did not want. If the game tracks morality, loyalty, or world-state flags, a single item transfer can ripple outward in ways the quest log does not fully explain.

Decision Checklist

• Can you retrieve the artifact later if you change your mind? Check whether the game allows pickpocketing, killing the NPC, trading back, or reloading an earlier save.
• Does the artifact have any other documented use, such as crafting, ritual activation, bartering with another NPC, or unlocking a different quest? Read item descriptions and journal entries carefully.
• Have you saved the game recently, and are you comfortable experimenting? Creating a hard save before the handoff lets you test consequences without committing your entire playthrough.

Alternatives to Consider

Before giving Squint the artifact, consider keeping it and exploring other options. You may be able to show the item to a different NPC who offers a competing reward, use it yourself at a specific shrine or crafting station, or trade it to a merchant for immediate resources. If the game supports stealth or persuasion, you might keep the artifact while still advancing Squint’s quest through dialogue or deception. Another safe approach is to postpone the decision until you have gathered more information from notes, books, companion comments, or a reliable game guide. Finally, if the artifact has sentimental or roleplay value for your character, retaining it can be a valid choice even if it delays mechanical rewards.

Final Recommendation

In most cases, the best approach is to treat the artifact as a high-value decision point rather than a casual inventory dump. Save your game, review the artifact’s description and any linked quests, and decide based on whether you value immediate story progress more than long-term flexibility. If Squint is trustworthy, the reward is clear, and the artifact has no other use, giving it is probably the right move. If the item is unique, other parties want it, or you are unsure of Squint’s motives, keep it until you have more information. For high-stakes choices that could affect achievements, endings, or rare loot, consult an official strategy guide, the game’s community wiki, or developer patch notes before proceeding.