When Can an Artificer Change Cantrips? A Comprehensive Guide
The artificer, a unique and versatile class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, often sparks questions about its spellcasting mechanics. A common point of confusion revolves around cantrips: when can an artificer change them? The straightforward answer is this: an artificer can only change one of their known cantrips when they gain a level in the artificer class. This is a key difference from other spellcasters who might have more flexibility in cantrip selection, and it’s crucial to understand for effective character planning.
The Artificer’s Cantrip Progression
Unlike some spellcasting classes that gain multiple new cantrips at various levels, the artificer’s cantrip progression is relatively slower. They start with two cantrips at 1st level. They gain their third cantrip at 10th level, and their final, fourth cantrip at 14th level. The ability to swap a cantrip is tied directly to these level-up milestones. Therefore, when your artificer reaches 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on, all the way up to 20th level, you can select a new cantrip if you wish, trading it for one of your previously chosen ones. However, if you are happy with your selections, you don’t have to swap. You are permitted to keep all previously selected cantrips until your next level-up.
No Cantrip Swaps on Long Rests
Importantly, artificers cannot change their cantrips during a long rest. This is a significant distinction from how they prepare their leveled spells, which they can alter daily during a long rest. While an artificer spends time tinkering with their spellcasting focuses to prepare their daily spells, they cannot use the same process to change their fundamental cantrips.
Optional Rules and UA Variations
It’s worth noting that some optional rules, specifically those presented in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, allow for some flexibility in cantrip selection for all spellcasting classes. This book grants every class the ability to swap cantrips on a level up. Furthermore, older playtest material, particularly Unearthed Arcana versions of the artificer, might have included features that allowed for cantrip swaps on short and long rests. However, these mechanics are not part of the official, published rules for the artificer. Unless a Dungeon Master explicitly includes homebrew rules or allows for that older material, the rule stands: artificers can only change one cantrip when they level up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artificer Cantrips
Here are some frequently asked questions about artificer cantrips, to give you a deeper understanding of this facet of the class.
1. How many cantrips do artificers know?
Artificers know a maximum of four cantrips at any point, which they gain over the course of their career, not all at once like other spell casters.. They start with two at level 1, and gain an additional one at level 10, and finally another at level 14.
2. What happens if I want to change all my cantrips at once?
Unfortunately, you can only change one cantrip every time you level up. You cannot swap all of your cantrips at once. If you would like to change all of them, you will have to wait for multiple levels, which may seem like a long time.
3. Can artificers learn cantrips from other sources?
No, artificers can only learn cantrips from the artificer spell list and from the Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything optional rule, which allows you to swap cantrips at level up. They cannot scribe cantrips or gain access to them via other means, unless specifically granted by a feat or racial ability.
4. Can I change my cantrips more than once per level?
No. The ability to change a cantrip only triggers once when you gain a level in the artificer class.
5. Can an artificer swap a cantrip for a non-artificer cantrip if a feat grants it?
If a feat or racial trait grants you a cantrip, you would be able to swap a cantrip that is on the artificer spell list, but would not be able to exchange a feat or racial cantrip. These cantrips are not part of the artificer’s total cantrip list.
6. What cantrips are generally considered the best for artificers?
Some top cantrips for artificers include Green-Flame Blade, Guidance, Mage Hand, Spare the Dying, and Prestidigitation. The best choices often depend on your artificer subclass.
7. Can artificers use cantrips at will?
Yes, artificers, like all other spellcasters, can use cantrips at will. There are no limitations on the number of times you can cast cantrips per day. However, you may only cast them if the cast time requirement is met.
8. Do cantrips have cooldowns or recharge times?
No, cantrips do not have cooldowns. You can cast them as often as you want provided you meet the casting time requirement.
9. Can I cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, you can cast two cantrips in one turn, but only if one of them is cast as a bonus action. A spell cast as a bonus action restricts you to only casting a cantrip as an action.
10. Can artificers use Metamagic on cantrips?
Yes. Metamagic can be applied to cantrips. There are no stipulations that limit cantrips from the benefits of metamagic options.
11. Can artificers use their tools to cast cantrips?
Yes, artificers use their tools as a spellcasting focus, which is necessary for their spells and cantrips. An artificer using their tools to cast a spell, does not change any of the other casting rules for a spell, it just provides the focus.
12. Are there any specific cantrips that interact well with artificer subclasses?
Yes, certain cantrips synergize well with particular subclasses. For example, Green-Flame Blade is excellent for Artillerists and Battlesmiths, while Mending is beneficial for Alchemists.
13. Can artificers create ammo with cantrips?
No, artificers cannot create ammo using their cantrips. The Repeating Shot infusion does give the benefit of producing a piece of magic ammunition every time you make a ranged attack, but this is tied to the infusion, not a cantrip.
14. Can artificers use Counterspell?
Yes, artificers can use the Counterspell spell like any other spellcaster that has access to this spell. It does not interact differently with artificers.
15. Do cantrips help artificers with out of combat challenges?
Yes, many cantrips such as Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, and Guidance can prove incredibly useful in out-of-combat scenarios by providing utility, granting a boost to checks, and aiding in roleplaying.
Conclusion
Understanding when an artificer can change cantrips is vital for maximizing the class’s potential. Remember, the rule is simple: an artificer can swap one of their known cantrips when they level up in the artificer class. This deliberate progression encourages strategic cantrip selection, forcing the artificer to carefully consider their needs for each stage of the game. While other classes might benefit from more frequent cantrip changes, the artificer’s unique mechanics help to shape the class’s identity as a master of crafting and ingenuity. By internalizing these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of D&D with your artificer, making the most of their magical capabilities.