The Artificer in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is an incredibly unique class, however, creating your ideal build can be complicated.
Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, more commonly known as D&D 5e or DnD 5e, is a fictional tabletop role-playing game. One player assumes the role of a Dungeon Master (DM), and the others each control a single character.
In the game, each player directs the actions of their character, and their interactions with other characters in the party.
Before the game begins, players can create their character and record the details. You have to determine your character’s ability scores before you select a race, alignment, and other features to establish the character’s abilities and backstory. There are subclasses you can choose in DnD, one of which is the Artificer.
Character classes
There are currently more than 10 classes in DnD 5e, and each class has unique abilities. Moreover, each class has a specific role in the game:
Class | Type |
Barbarian |
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Bard |
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Cleric |
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Druid |
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Fighter |
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Monk |
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Paladin |
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Ranger |
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Rogue |
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Sorcerer |
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Warlock |
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Wizard |
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DnD 5e: Artificer
Choosing the right class for your character, and for yourself determines the effectiveness of your character’s career. Players must ensure that they select the right class before the game begins, as it can be difficult to re-roll for a new class once the game has started.
One of the classes you can be in in DnD is the Artificer, which was first introduced in the sourcebook, Eberron: Rising from the Last War. This is an extremely unique class, as it has a large focus on items.
They are defined by their inventive natures, as they create magic-infused objectives. Artificers see magic as a complex system waiting to be controlled and decoded. Instead of ephemeral spells, they craft useful and durable magical items.
This class has a tool for every job and a solution to every problem. Although they excel as support characters, they make decent strikers, healers, and defenders. With the right infusions and spells, the Artificer can assume almost any role.
Keep in mind that the class is quite complicated, so it is not recommended for new players. This can be rewarding for players who enjoy crunching and experimenting with their character’s build.
If you are up for the challenge of becoming an Artificer, you should choose the correct race, background, ability scores, subclass, feats, and spells. These aspects can influence your gameplay substantially, but luckily, you can experiment until you find your ideal Artificer build.
What is the best race for Artificer?
In DnD, players can find Standard Races and Non-Standard Races, and only some races are suitable for the Artificer:
Race | Description |
Gnome | The Gnome race features 2 additional intelligence (INT) points, which is great for the Artificer |
Human: Mark of Making | Players can receive the most INT points through the Mark of Making. It also comes with thematic racial features and spells |
Human: Variant | Variants can boost an Artificer’s INT and dexterity or constitution. The race also offers you a free feat |
Vedalken | Vedalken offers your character additional INT points |
Yuan-ti Pureblood | This class offer additional INT points, and it offers additional Magic Resistance |
Strengths and weaknesses
Like other DnD classes, the Artificer has strengths and weaknesses. The biggest advantage they can offer their party is the Artificer Infusions. Infusions can create powerful magical items that can provide your party with a big advantage by boosting their power beyond their current level.
It is worth noting that their uniqueness tends to get in the way of their effectiveness. One of the biggest issues with the class is how few spell slots they are given.
Moreover, some builds can end up being underwhelming in combat. This is because the Artificer’s main strength appears outside of the battle, where they can experiment with items to provide their party members with buffs.
Best feats for Artificer
A feat represents a talent, or an area of expertise that gives a character special capabilities. Although you can use any feat for the Artificer, you should use the following:
Feat name | Description |
Fey Touched | This half-feat boosts INT and picks up misty step and a 1st-level spell. Hex or Hunter’s mark are great choices in most cases |
Sharpshooter | The damage boost and ability to ignore cover from Sharpshooter makes it an ideal feat for a ranged Artificer |
Crossbow Expert | If firearms are not available in your settings, and you are interested in a ranged Artificer, you will need this feat to outpace cantrip damage |
Gunner | This feat allows you to imbue your weapons while receiving powerful buffs |