Hunting for the Robe of the Arcane Cheater in Avowed is a tantalizing quest that leads you deep into the mysterious Ancient Lakebed of Shatterscarp. Hidden in a cave above a small oasis, this treasure promises the coveted Robes of Surpassing Brilliance-mage armor that boosts your spellcasting prowess with increased area damage and essence. But beware: the path is guarded by a fierce bounty target, making this more than just a simple treasure hunt-it’s a test of skill and cunning for any aspiring spellcaster.
Making matters worse, the map and its treasure are in dangerous locations as well, though some careful sneaking can get you through without much issue, and the reward is an essential piece of kit for wizards. You’ll pick it up just as you start unlocking higher-level spells that cost more essence.
This Avowed guide shows where to find the Robe of the Arcane Cheater treasure map, where the treasure is hidden, and how to get it safely.
Where to find Robe of the Arcane Cheater treasure map
The Robe of the Arcane Cheater treasure map in Avowed can be purchased from Ihaka at The Thrifty Pig shop, located in the eastern part of Deadfall Highlands in the Shatterscarp region for 1,680 coins. The treasure it leads to is hidden in a small cave above a lake in the Ancient Lakebed area, southwest of Shatterscarp, near Eagle’s Reach camp. To find the treasure, head to the oasis with distinctive fungi and coral formations, climb to the cliff ledge overlooking the water, then drop down into the cave where the chest containing the Robes of Surpassing Brilliance awaits. This location is also associated with a bounty target, so be prepared for combat before claiming the reward.

You can purchase Robe of the Archane Cheater for 1,680 skeyt from a merchant who calls her stall The Thrifty Pig. She’s in a cave at the eastern end of Deadfall, one that’s right off the road leading to Naku Kubel and easy to miss, what with the deadly wraiths who like to chase you down that path.

It’s a steep asking price, but if you want to save your money for higher-tier equipment, Avowed will count this treasure map quest as complete if you find the goods without buying the map.
Robe of the Arcane Cheater location solution
The Robe of the Arcane Cheater treasure map in Avowed leads players to a hidden cave above a small oasis in the Ancient Lakebed area of Shatterscarp. To solve the map, head to the largest lake south of the Ancient Lakebed text on the map, then approach the cliff ledge overlooking the alcove below. Carefully navigate through the bushes and drop down onto the ledge to enter the cave, where the treasure chest awaits. Inside, you will find the unique Robes of Surpassing Brilliance, which boost area of effect damage by 15% and increase maximum essence by 10-40%, making them excellent gear for spellcasters. The treasure is near the location of the Kukae Maka bounty, so clearing that threat first can make retrieval safer.

The map shows you a bunch of rocks and some mushrooms, which is basically all of Shatterscarp, though there are two, highly specific clues: The treasure is in a cave at the top of two little mushroom towers, and the towers are in a depression of some kind.

That depression is a dried-up lake, one of many in Shatterscarp’s Ancient Lakebed. It’s also where Kukae Maka, the subject of one of Thirdborn’s bounties, is, along with several other Dreamthrall enemies. It’s not an easy fight if you’ve just arrived in the region, but you can avoid it by ignoring them completely and walking up the incline to the left of the lakebed.

Stick to the cliff edge, and ignore or fight the Xaurips as you see fit. Drop down onto a little ledge behind a large, flowering mushroom, turn around, and you’ll see the small cavern with the treasure inside. That treasure is the Robes of Surpassing Brilliance armor, a tier-three piece that’s already been upgraded twice.
Robe of the Arcane Cheater reward
The Robe of the Arcane Cheater reward in Avowed grants players the unique Robes of Surpassing Brilliance, a light armor set that significantly benefits spellcasters. Wearing these robes provides a 15% increase in area of effect (AoE) damage and boosts maximum essence by 40, enhancing the ability to cast powerful spells more frequently. Alongside the robes, players also receive valuable materials such as 25 Silver Fenning, Petrified Wood Branch, Stelgaer Leather, and Xaurip Tongue. This combination of gear and resources makes the reward highly desirable for players focusing on magic builds, offering both offensive power and resource sustainability in combat.

The Robes of Surpassing Brilliance set is perfect for the spells you’re probably casting at this point in Avowed, ones with high essence cost that affect a broad area.
Robes of Surpassing Brilliance stats
- 5% damage reduction
- 38 additional damage reduction
- -20 maximum stamina
- -10 maximum essence
Robes of Surpassing Brilliance enchantment
- Overseeing: 15% area of effect damage
- Innate Talent: 40 maximum essence
Area-of-effect spells are the ones with the circular target area that you aim before casting, which is basically every spell past the first tier. The lack of damage reduction is typical of light armor, though you’ll want to keep Giatta on hand for healing or have the ranger’s invisibility and immobilization skills ready.
Where exactly is the Robe of the Arcane Cheater hidden in Avowed’s Shatterscarp zone
The Robe of the Arcane Cheater in Avowed is hidden in a cave above a small oasis at the center of the Ancient Lakebed, located in the southwest part of the Shatterscarp region. This spot lies just down the hill from the Eagle’s Reach camp, where players first enter this zone. To reach it, travel to Eagle’s Reach camp, head southeast down the hill to the Ancient Lakebed, then continue to a small body of water surrounded by rocks. Climb the hill to the left of the water, walk on the rocks overlooking the water, drop off the ledge into a nook, and enter the cave to find the treasure chest containing the Robes of Surpassing Brilliance.
How does the cave above the oasis in Ancient Lakebed look from Eagle’s Reach camp
From Eagle’s Reach camp in Avowed’s Shatterscarp zone, the cave above the oasis in the Ancient Lakebed can be spotted as a rocky outcrop overlooking a small body of water surrounded by rocks and sparse vegetation. The camp itself is situated on a hill, and looking down southeast, you can see the oasis nestled below with the cave entrance positioned on the hillside above it. The cave appears as a dark opening in the rock face, partially concealed by the natural terrain but visible from the vantage point of Eagle’s Reach camp, making it a distinct landmark for players seeking the Robe of the Arcane Cheater treasure.
