Enhanced Weapon and Thunder Gauntlets: A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, the Enhanced Weapon infusion absolutely works on Thunder Gauntlets. As an Armorer Artificer, your Thunder Gauntlets are considered simple melee weapons when you’re not holding anything in your hands, stemming from your armor itself. The Enhanced Weapon infusion can be applied to a simple or martial weapon, granting a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with that weapon. Since Thunder Gauntlets qualify as simple melee weapons, they are eligible for the benefits of this infusion. This allows you to significantly improve your combat effectiveness.
Understanding the Synergy
The beauty of this combination lies in the Armorer Artificer’s ability to meld technology and magic, turning their armor into a potent offensive and defensive tool. By infusing your Thunder Gauntlets, you are not just enhancing a weapon; you are augmenting a fundamental part of your armored suit. The +1 bonus from Enhanced Weapon is crucial, especially in the early to mid-levels of gameplay, as it shores up accuracy and damage output, which are vital for an effective combatant.
Furthermore, consider the versatility of the Armorer subclass. You can choose between the Guardian and Infiltrator armor models, each offering unique benefits. The Guardian model, for example, emphasizes defense and crowd control, while the Infiltrator model focuses on stealth and single-target damage. Regardless of your chosen model, the Enhanced Weapon infusion bolsters the Thunder Gauntlets’ inherent capabilities, making you a formidable force on the battlefield.
Maximizing Your Build
To truly optimize this interaction, consider the following:
-
Intelligence: The Thunder Gauntlets allow you to use your Intelligence modifier for attack and damage rolls instead of Strength or Dexterity. This synergy means that your spellcasting ability also directly enhances your melee combat prowess, solidifying the Artificer’s unique blend of magic and technology.
-
Feats: Feats like Fighting Initiate (Unarmed Fighting Style) can add +1 to damage when wielding nothing in your hands, which synergizes incredibly well with the Thunder Gauntlets. Another very strong choice is Skill Expert to boost your Intelligence modifier.
-
Multiclassing: While generally not recommended due to the Artificer’s scaling infusions, a small dip into Fighter (for Fighting Style: Unarmed Combat) can enhance this build even further.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Some players mistakenly believe that Thunder Gauntlets are unarmed strikes or that they cannot be infused. It’s crucial to remember that the gauntlets, while part of your armor, are explicitly treated as simple melee weapons. This distinction is essential for understanding how infusions, feats, and other abilities interact with your build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Two-Weapon Fighting with Thunder Gauntlets?
Yes, each Thunder Gauntlet counts as an individual melee weapon, allowing you to use the Two-Weapon Fighting rules. However, remember that you’ll need the Dual Wielder feat to bypass the light property requirement.
2. Do Thunder Gauntlets count as light weapons?
No, Thunder Gauntlets are not light weapons. They are simple melee weapons but do not possess the light property.
3. Can I use Booming Blade or Green-Flame Blade with Thunder Gauntlets?
Absolutely! Because the Thunder Gauntlets are considered weapons tied to your armor and have an associated cost (related to your base armor), they meet the requirements for both Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade.
4. Do Thunder Gauntlets count as unarmed strikes?
No, Thunder Gauntlets are classified as simple melee weapons, not unarmed strikes. This distinction is important for features and abilities that specifically target unarmed strikes.
5. Does the Propulsion Armor stack with Thunder Gauntlets’ damage?
No, the effects of Propulsion Armor do not stack with the Thunder Gauntlets. Each feature operates independently, providing its own distinct damage output.
6. Which ability score is best for Thunder Gauntlets: Strength, Dexterity or Intelligence?
As an Armorer Artificer, you can use your Intelligence modifier instead of Strength or Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with your Thunder Gauntlets.
7. What’s the best race for an Armorer Artificer using Thunder Gauntlets?
Races with bonuses to Intelligence, such as Gnomes, Gith, or Vedalken, are excellent choices for an Armorer Artificer. Variant Human (if allowed) is also a strong contender due to the additional feat.
8. How much damage does Thunder Gauntlets deal without any infusions or buffs?
Thunder Gauntlets deal 1d8 thunder damage on a hit.
9. Can I use Divine Smite with Thunder Gauntlets?
While you can make a melee weapon attack with a Thunder Gauntlet, Divine Smite specifies using a weapon’s damage, and an unarmed strike isn’t considered a weapon. Discuss with your DM to determine what’s allowed!
10. Can I use Eldritch Smite with Thunder Gauntlets and Booming Blade?
Yes, you can combine Eldritch Smite with Booming Blade when attacking with your Thunder Gauntlets, assuming you meet the prerequisites for both.
11. Can I apply multiple infusions to my Thunder Gauntlets?
No, you can only apply one weapon infusion (such as Enhanced Weapon) to your Thunder Gauntlets.
12. If I have more than one level in Artificer, can I infuse two sets of armor to have two pairs of Thunder Gauntlets?
No, you are limited by the number of infusions you know and can have active at one time, as dictated by your Artificer level. You can’t infuse two separate sets of armor to essentially “double up” on the Thunder Gauntlets effect. Only one set of armor can have that benefit at any given time.
13. How does the Enhanced Defense infusion interact with the armor I am wearing and the Thunder Gauntlets?
The Enhanced Defense infusion can be applied to a suit of armor, granting it a +1 bonus to AC. This is separate from the Thunder Gauntlets, which are considered weapons. You can use both infusions to improve your Armor Class and your offensive capabilities with the Gauntlets.
14. Can I use other weapon infusions on Thunder Gauntlets?
Yes, you can use any weapon infusion that doesn’t have specific weapon type restrictions on your Thunder Gauntlets. Returning Weapon, Repulsion Shield, and other infusions may also be viable.
15. How do I deal more damage as an Armorer Artificer?
Focus on maximizing your Intelligence score, using weapon infusions like Enhanced Weapon or Returning Weapon, and selecting feats and equipment that synergize with your build. Remember the Games Learning Society and how collaborative effort can help to find new ways to improve your build. Find people to share your thought process, theorycrafting, and test builds using the tools on GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding these nuances and leveraging the available resources, you can create a truly formidable Armorer Artificer who dominates the battlefield with their infused Thunder Gauntlets.