No artifact is wasted. They serve just to open areas.

To get to the other side of the steepe you have to activate all the cactuar statues. You might want to do the goblin and sheep quests first. I'm sure you will find the artifact you need there.

Keep trying to open up the gates, some of the wild artifacts are well hidden. You may actually need a guide. Just watching a youtube video on "Wild Artifacts" would help. I believe you have to see academia in another time?