Artifact Knowledge

Artifact Knowledge increases the rate at which a player gains Artifact Power. The same system for Artifact Knowledge during Legion is used for the Heart of Azeroth.

Purpose
Artifact Knowledge increases the rate at which a player gains Artifact Power which is used to level up an artifact and learn traits. As the level of the weapon increases, so too is the required amount of artifact power needed to gain a new level. Higher levels of artifact knowledge make this process flow more naturally, as without it, a player would be stuck for longer stretches of time on a single weapon level.

Learning new levels
Since patch 7.3.0, all characters started at rank 41, while increasing automatically every week by one up to 55. Upon reaching level 110, the character will reach whatever rank it is at for every character.

As soon as a player reaches level 110 the quest Hitting the Books immediately becomes available in their Class Hall. To place an order, a player needs to interact with a specific NPC in the class hall in-charge of researching the artifact weapons. Placing a work order costs and there can be up to two work orders at a time. When a work order completes, it appears on the ground as an interactive object near the research NPC. When looted, it is placed into the bag inventory as Artifact Research Notes. Clicking on it consumes the item and increases the artifact power level.

NPC researchers and quests

 * in Acherus: The Ebon Hold
 * Hitting the Books (death knight)
 * at the Fel Hammer on Mardum
 * Hitting the Books (demon hunter)
 * at the Dreamgrove in Val'sharah
 * Hitting the Books (druid)
 * at Trueshot Lodge in Highmountain
 * Hitting the Books (hunter)
 * at the Hall of the Guardian in Dalaran
 * Hitting the Books (mage)
 * at the Temple of Five Dawns on the Wandering Isle
 * Hitting the Books (monk)
 * at the Sanctum of Light in Eastern Plaguelands
 * Hitting the Books (paladin)
 * in Netherlight Temple
 * Hitting the Books (priest)
 * at the Hall of Shadows in Dalaran
 * Hitting the Books (rogue)
 * at the Heart of Azeroth in the Maelstrom
 * Speaking to the Wind
 * in the Dreadscar Rift
 * Hitting the Books (warlock)
 * in the Skyhold
 * Hitting the Books (warrior)

Artifact Knowledge Catch-Up
As of Patch 7.3.0, research work orders are no longer necessary. AK ranks are now automatically increased on a weekly basis, starting at AK 41.

There are two ways for players to acquire Artifact Knowledge at an accelerated rate beginning with Patch 7.1.5.

Players can reach Artifact Knowledge 15 via the quest Knowledge is Power. This method is recommended if you do not have a main character with high Artifact Knowledge.
 * Turn in Order Resources for  Artifact Research Notes. This will grant you one level of AK.

Players that have a main character with high Artifact Knowledge can purchase Bind-on-Account compendiums for each. These provide a faster and cheaper way for alts to gain Artifact Knowledge:
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volume I: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 5. Requires AK 10 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I & II: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 10. Requires AK 15 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-III: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 15. Requires AK 20 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-IV: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 20. Requires AK 25 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-V: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 25. Requires AK 30 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-VI: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 30. Requires AK 35 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-VII: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 40. Requires AK 40 to purchase.


 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-VIII: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 40. Requires AK 45 to purchase.
 * Artifact Research Compendium: Volumes I-IX: Instant boost to Artifact Knowledge 45. Requires AK 50 to purchase.

Content with Artifact Knowledge Requirements
Artifact Knowledge 2 Artifact Knowledge 4 Artifact Knowledge 5 Artifact Knowledge 6 Artifact Knowledge 25
 * Ravencrest's Legacy (quest)
 * Runes of the Darkening: Frost Death Knight Artifact Appearance
 * Feather of the Moonspirit: Feral Druid Artifact Appearance
 * Writings of the End: Discipline Priest Artifact Appearance
 * The Cypher of Broken Bone: Assassination Rogue Artifact Appearance
 * Lost Codex of the Amani: Elemental Shaman Artifact Appearance
 * The Warmace of Shirvallah: Enhancement Shaman Artifact Appearance
 * Destiny Unfulfilled
 * Guise of the Deathwalker: Havoc Demon Hunter Artifact Appearance
 * Pure Drop of Shaladrassil's Sap: Balance Druid Artifact Appearance
 * The Stars' Design: Fire Mage Artifact Appearance
 * Lost Edicts of the Watcher: Holy Paladin Artifact Appearance
 * Emanation of the Winds: Outlaw Rogue Artifact Appearance
 * Essence of the Executioner: Affliction Warlock Artifact Appearance
 * Visage of the First Wakener: Demonology Warlock Artifact Appearance
 * Burning Plate of the Worldbreaker: Protection Warrior Artifact Appearance
 * The Bonereaper's Hook: Unholy Death Knight Artifact Appearance
 * The Woolomancer's Charge: Arcane Mage Artifact Appearance
 * Heart of Corruption: Retribution Paladin Artifact Appearance
 * New Artifact Appearance Tint for Part of History

Weapon history
As you increase your artifact knowledge level more chapters of the weapon's history will be revealed. Chapters will be added at the following artifact knowledge levels: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25.

Azerite
The Artifact Knowledge for Azerite was capped at 50 since patch 8.0.1. With patch 8.2.0, the Artifact Knowledge cap will be increased to 70.