Can You Cast Artificer Spells with Wizard Spell Slots? A Deep Dive into Multiclass Spellcasting
Yes, absolutely! If you’re diving into the fascinating world of multiclassing in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, one of the first things you’ll discover is the beauty of shared spell slots. You can indeed use wizard spell slots to cast artificer spells, and vice versa. The rules allow you to expend any spell slot you have, regardless of its origin, to cast any spell you know that requires a spell slot. However, there are key nuances that determine how effectively you can combine these two classes. Let’s break it down.
Understanding Multiclass Spellcasting
Multiclassing into both Artificer and Wizard opens up a world of possibilities, blending arcane might with inventive ingenuity. The crucial thing to remember is that while you share spell slots, you don’t magically learn all the spells from both classes. Your spell selection remains distinct to each class.
- Spell Slots: The number and level of spell slots you have are determined by the Multiclass Spellcaster Table in the Player’s Handbook. This table combines your levels in classes that grant spellcasting abilities (Artificer is a half-caster, Wizard is a full caster) to determine your overall spellcasting level and the corresponding number of spell slots.
- Spells Known/Prepared: Even though you might have access to high-level spell slots, you can only learn and prepare spells that are of a level you could normally cast as a single-classed character. For example, if you’re a Wizard 3/Artificer 2, you have spell slots up to 3rd level according to the table. However, as a Wizard 3, you can only learn spells of up to 2nd level, and as an Artificer 2, you can only learn spells of up to 1st level. You can, however, use those 3rd-level slots to cast lower-level spells, upcasting them if you choose.
- Spellcasting Ability: When casting a spell, you use the spellcasting ability score associated with the class that granted you the spell. This means you’ll use Intelligence for both Wizard spells and Artificer spells. This synergy makes the multiclass particularly effective as it reduces the need to invest heavily in multiple ability scores.
- Artificer’s Tools: Remember the defining feature of the Artificer: the need for tools or a focus to cast spells. This requirement remains even when using wizard spell slots to cast artificer spells. You must incorporate your tools (alchemist’s supplies, tinker’s tools, etc.) into the casting process.
Building a Powerful Wizard/Artificer Multiclass
Combining the Wizard and Artificer classes effectively requires careful planning and understanding of their respective strengths. Here’s how to maximize this multiclass combination:
- Starting Class: Consider starting as an Artificer. This provides you with medium armor proficiency and proficiency in Constitution saving throws, both incredibly valuable for a spellcaster who may find themselves in melee.
- Subclass Selection: The Battlesmith Artificer subclass is an excellent choice, granting you a Steel Defender that adds versatility and combat support. For Wizard, War Magic or Bladesinging provide good synergy with the Artificer’s abilities.
- Ability Scores: Prioritize Intelligence as your primary stat, followed by Constitution for hit points and concentration saving throws, then Dexterity for AC and initiative.
- Spell Selection: Choose spells that complement each other. Wizard offers powerful offensive spells like Fireball and Lightning Bolt, while Artificer provides support, utility, and healing spells like Cure Wounds and Faerie Fire.
- Feats: Consider feats that enhance spellcasting, such as War Caster (advantage on concentration saving throws, cast spells as opportunity attacks) and Resilient (Constitution) (proficiency in Constitution saving throws).
Example Build
Let’s look at a theoretical build: Wizard (War Magic) 8/Artificer (Battlesmith) 12.
- This build provides access to 4th-level Wizard spells and 6th-level Artificer infusions.
- The Battlesmith’s Steel Defender complements the War Magic’s defensive capabilities.
- The character can effectively contribute to combat with both spells and weapon attacks, supported by their Steel Defender.
- High Intelligence allows for effective spellcasting from both classes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can an artificer use a wizard spellbook?
No, an artificer cannot directly use a wizard’s spellbook. A wizard’s spellbook is specific to the wizard class feature of learning and preparing spells. However, an artificer can create a spell scroll and then a wizard could copy that spell into their spellbook.
2. Do artificer spells use spell slots?
Yes, artificer spells of 1st level or higher require the use of spell slots. The number and level of spell slots are determined by the Artificer table in the Player’s Handbook.
3. Can you cast wizard spells with cleric spell slots?
Yes, you can cast wizard spells with cleric spell slots if you are multiclassed as a Wizard and a Cleric. The rules allow you to expend any spell slot you have to cast any spell you know that requires a spell slot, regardless of the origin.
4. How do you cast spells as an artificer?
Artificers cast spells by channeling arcane power through their tools. This might involve using alchemist’s supplies to create an elixir, calligrapher’s supplies to inscribe a sigil, or tinker’s tools to craft a charm.
5. Can artificers cast spells without tools?
No, artificers cannot cast spells without using their tools or an appropriate focus. This requirement is a defining feature of the Artificer class.
6. Is artificer a full caster?
No, artificers are half-casters. This means they progress in spellcasting ability at half the rate of a full caster like a wizard or cleric.
7. Can you cast spells from multiclass spell slots?
Yes, you can share spells slots between all your casting classes when multiclassing. You must, however, be of a sufficient level in each individual class to learn the spells for that class.
8. Can a wizard add cleric spells to their spellbook?
Generally, no. Wizards cannot typically add Divine Spells to an Arcane Spell list, and vice-versa. If a spell is castable by both classes, there is usually an Arcane version you must obtain to add it to your spellbook. One exception to this is via spell scrolls.
9. Can I cast wizard spells with warlock slots?
Yes, you can cast either spell type using either spell slot type. When multiclassing, you have a combined pool of spell slots.
10. How do artificer spell slots work?
Artificer spell slots work the same as other spellcasting classes. You expend a spell slot of the spell’s level or higher to cast the spell. You regain all expended spell slots after finishing a long rest.
11. What is the best artificer subclass?
The Battlesmith is often considered the best artificer subclass due to its combination of versatility, combat support, and unique inventions.
12. Do cantrips count as artificer spells?
Yes, cantrips count as artificer spells. You learn artificer cantrips from the artificer spell list as you level up.
13. Can you multiclass artificer and wizard?
Yes, you can multiclass as an artificer and wizard. The two classes work well together due to their shared reliance on Intelligence.
14. Is artificer a wizard subclass?
No, artificer is a standalone class, not a wizard subclass. It was initially introduced as a wizard specialist but has since been developed into a full class.
15. Do you lose spell slots when Multiclassing?
No, you don’t lose spell slots when multiclassing. Instead, your spell slots are combined based on the Multiclass Spellcaster Table, and you gain a pool of spell slots that can be used to cast spells from any of your spellcasting classes.
In conclusion, multiclassing as a Wizard and Artificer offers a dynamic and versatile playstyle, allowing you to blend powerful arcane spells with innovative inventions and tactical support. Understanding the intricacies of spell slots, spell selection, and class features is key to creating a truly effective and enjoyable character. Remember the importance of the Games Learning Society and its contribution to understanding and using games in learning at GamesLearningSociety.org. So, go forth, experiment, and unleash your inner Wizard/Artificer!