Artificer 5e class

What the artificer is good at

The artificer is the party’s inventor. From 2nd level it knows a handful of infusions and turns ordinary gear into magic items with them: a weapon with a +1 bonus, armor or a shield that adds to Armor Class, a replica of a simple magic item. Every infusion goes to whoever needs it, so the whole party gets stronger, not just you.

It’s also a half caster that prepares Intelligence spells, with slots from 1st level, and the spells come out of your tools: you need thieves’ tools, artisan’s tools or an infused item in hand to cast them. At 7th level Flash of Genius lets you use your reaction to add your Intelligence modifier to your own or an ally’s ability check or saving throw, a number of times per long rest equal to that modifier. Later features raise how many magic items you can attune to: four at 10th level, five at 14th and six at 18th.

The artificer isn’t in the System Reference Document, so this page lists its features by name only; this guide describes what they do in our own words.

Choosing ability scores

Intelligence first: it powers your spells, Flash of Genius and, for Battle Smiths and Armorers, your weapon attacks. Constitution second, for hit points and concentration. Dexterity third if you’re in light or medium armor; an Armorer in heavy armor can leave it lower.

With the standard array, put 15 in Intelligence, 14 in Constitution and 13 in Dexterity, then add your race’s increases (2014 rules) or your background’s (2024). The point buy calculator shows the costs if you’d rather buy your scores.

Picking an artificer specialist

You choose your specialist at 3rd level. Each one comes with its own always-prepared spells and a tool proficiency.

• Alchemist makes an experimental elixir after every long rest and adds a bonus to the healing and damage of spells you cast through alchemist’s supplies. The most support-focused choice.
• Armorer turns your armor into Arcane Armor, grants heavy armor proficiency and a built-in weapon, and gets Extra Attack at 5th level. A sturdy front-liner.
• Artillerist builds an eldritch cannon that can blast enemies, shield allies or fire a flamethrower cone. The ranged damage option.
• Battle Smith brings a steel defender companion, martial weapon proficiency, Extra Attack at 5th level and the ability to attack with Intelligence using magic weapons.

In the 2024 rules, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer adds the Cartographer, and Ravenloft: The Horrors Within adds the Reanimator.

Common beginner mistakes

• Keeping every infusion for yourself. A +1 weapon on the fighter or extra Armor Class on the tank usually does more than one more item on you.
• Forgetting your tools. Artificer spells need a tool or an infused item as the focus, and several features need specific tools in hand. Keep thieves’ tools or your specialist’s tools on the character sheet, not in the pack.
• Neglecting Constitution. You’re likely to concentrate on spells while standing near the fight; a low Constitution loses those spells quickly.
• Playing it like a wizard. Your slot count is a half caster’s. Your strength is infusions, Flash of Genius and your specialist’s features, with spells as support.

Common questions

The artificer compared with similar classes