I was kind of surprised when I realized I could put the Ring of Unnatural Hunger on ALL of my heroes, then later realized the same was true with all items gained through questing or searching. I think this is a bit too much of EZ mode for a strategy game. I am playing on normal difficulty for my first go with the game. Hopefully items become unique on tougher settings? Not holding breath.

You merely get the schematics for them, which also cost resources. So you won't be able to equip hyperium equipment up until 4th era, or a bit earlier if you've gotten enough from quests.