Artificer Infusions 5e Explained!

Welcome, fellow tinkerers and magical crafters, as we dive into the wondrous world of Artificer Infusions—those nifty enhancements that turn ordinary gear into extraordinary tools of adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamt of blending science with sorcery, then you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re looking to give your sword a magical kick or want your armor to laugh in the face of dragon fire, infusions are your go-to gadgets.

So, grab your tools, don your goggles, and let’s infuse some magic into your life—no safety goggles required (ok, but seriously, safety first)!

This is all about Artificer Infusions in D&D 5e!

What Are Artificer Infusions?

So, what exactly are Artificer Infusions?

These are special enhancements that Artificers—those brilliant minds who blend magic with mechanical know-how—can apply to ordinary objects, turning them into extraordinary, enchanted gear.

You can think of them as the magical equivalent of a Swiss Army knife in the right hands.

Imagine giving your sword a magical edge, making your armor tougher than a dragon’s hide, or even creating a tiny mechanical buddy to fetch your coffee during those late-night tinkering sessions.

Mechanically, Artificer Infusions are the secret sauce that makes the Artificer’s toolkit so versatile. They allow you to customize your gear to suit your needs, whether you’re preparing for a dungeon crawl, a fierce battle, or just trying to impress your friends at the local tavern.

The best part? You can switch them up as you level up, so your gear evolves alongside your adventures.

It’s like having a magical workshop in your back pocket—minus the sawdust and the occasional misplaced wrench.

Well… possibly anyway… You know how tinkerers can be!

How Do Artificer Infusions Work?

Alright, so you’re ready to dive into the nuts and bolts (and a sprinkle of pixie dust) of Artificer Infusions. Here’s how these magical enhancements work, step by step:

1. Infusion Knowledge: First things first, as an Artificer, you need to know your infusions. When you reach certain levels, you gain access to a list of infusions you can learn. Think of this as your magical recipe book. At 2nd level, you start with four infusions, and as you level up, you can learn more.
2. Infusing Items: Once you’ve got your list of known infusions, it’s time to work your magic. The number of Artificer Infusions that you can have going at any time is based on your level as shown on the Artificer table. (More on this in the next section!)
3. Selecting Your Gear: Choose the items you want to infuse. These can be weapons, armor, or even mundane items like a backpack. The item must be non-magical to start with—no double-dipping in the magic pool! Keep in mind that some infusions require specific items and/or attunement, so be sure to read the descriptions carefully.
4. Applying the Infusion: With your chosen item in hand, you spend a few hours (during a long rest) to apply the infusion. This is where the magic happens—literally. Your sword might start glowing with magical energy, or your boots might gain the ability to teleport you short distances. When you’ve applied it, the infusion goes “live” at the end of your long rest.
5. Duration and Flexibility: The beauty of infusions is that they’re not permanent. You can change them up as needed. If you find a shiny new sword that’s begging for an infusion, you can swap out an existing one during a long rest. This flexibility allows you to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
6. Infusion Limits: Keep in mind that each infusion has its own set of rules and limitations. As we covered, some infusions can only be applied to specific types of items. Also, once an item is infused, it counts as magical, so no sneaky tricks to double-up on enchantments.

Infusions are all about creativity and adaptability, letting you tailor your gear to fit your adventuring needs.

Whether you’re gearing up for a dragon-slaying quest or just trying to survive another day in the dungeon, these magical enhancements have got your back.

Artificer Infusions Table

As an Artificer, your ability to infuse items grows with your experience and expertise. The number of infusions you know and can have active at any given time depends on your level.

Below is a table that outlines how many infusions you can maintain as you progress through your Artificer levels.

Artificer Level	Infusions Known	Infusions Active
1	0	0
2 – 5	4	2
6 – 9	6	3
10 – 13	8	4
14 – 17	10	5
18+	12	6

As you can see, the number of Infusions you know and can have active increases as you level up, giving you more versatility and options to enhance your gear and support your party.

Starting with just a few infusions at 2nd level, you’ll eventually master a dozen different infusions by the time you reach 18th level, with the ability to maintain six of them simultaneously.

Unlocking and managing your Infusions is a key aspect of maximizing your effectiveness as an Artificer. Whether you’re boosting your defenses, enhancing your weaponry, or providing utility to your party, each Infusion offers unique benefits that can turn the tide of any adventure.

Remember, the true strength of an Artificer lies in their adaptability and creativity. Use your infusions wisely, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your character and your team!

Artificer Infusions Options

As an Artificer, your infusions are the heart of your magical engineering prowess. Each infusion offers distinct benefits, from boosting your combat capabilities to providing essential utility and support for your party.

Before we dive into the specifics of each infusion, it’s important to understand how they fit into your overall strategy.

Infusions are not just about adding power; they’re about versatility and adaptability. Whether you’re preparing for a dungeon crawl, a fierce battle, or a tricky puzzle, the right infusion can make all the difference.

With that covered, let’s now break down each Artificer Infusion option, explaining how it works and how you can best utilize it in your adventures. From enhancing your weapons and armor to creating magical companions and tools, these infusions will help you and your party overcome any challenge.

So, grab your tools, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to infuse some magic into your gear.

And as a reminder, you can get the full Artificer class as well as all of the various Artificer Infusion options in the excellent supplement, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.

Arcane Propulsion Armor

Prerequisite: 14th-level artificer
Item: A suit of armor (requires attunement)

So, you’ve hit 14th level and want to take your gear to the next level. Enter the Arcane Propulsion Armor—your ticket to becoming a magical powerhouse. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Speed Boost: The wearer’s walking speed increases by 5 feet. It might not sound like much, but in battle, every step counts. Whether you’re closing in on an enemy or making a strategic retreat, that extra speed can be crucial.
2. Rocket Punch: This armor comes with built-in gauntlets that are magical melee weapons. They deal 1d8 force damage on a hit and can be thrown (normal range of 20 feet, long range of 60 feet). The best part? They fly back to you and reattach instantly. Plus, you’re proficient with them!
3. Unremovable Armor: Once donned, this armor won’t come off unless you want it to. No more worrying about being disarmed (or, rather, dis-armored) by a sneaky opponent. This armor stays put, keeping you protected.
4. Limb Replacement: If you’re missing any limbs, the Arcane Propulsion Armor has got you covered. It can replace hands, arms, feet, legs, or similar appendages, and these replacements function just like the real thing. It’s like having a built-in magical prosthetic.

In essence, the Arcane Propulsion Armor is your all-in-one upgrade for speed, combat, and resilience. It’s perfect for Artificers who want to get up close and personal with their enemies while retaining a touch of magical flair.

Suit up and become a force of arcane nature!

Armor of Magical Strength

Item: A suit of armor (requires attunement)

Looking to add some magical muscle to your defenses? The Armor of Magical Strength is here to give you that extra edge. Here’s how it works:

1. Charges Galore: This armor comes with 6 charges, ready to be used when you need them most. Each charge can be expended to give you a magical boost.
2. Strength Boost: When you make a Strength check or a Strength saving throw, you can expend 1 charge to add a bonus to the roll equal to your Intelligence modifier. It’s like having a personal spotter, but magical!
3. Stay on Your Feet: If something tries to knock you prone, you can use your reaction to expend 1 charge and remain standing. No more embarrassing falls in the middle of a battle.
4. Recharge at Dawn: The armor regains 1d6 expended charges daily at dawn, so you’ll be ready to face the day’s challenges with renewed strength.

Essentially, the Armor of Magical Strength turns your armor into a versatile tool for offense and defense. Whether you’re lifting heavy objects or standing your ground in combat, this infusion ensures you’ve got the magical muscle to back you up.

So, suit up and flex those magical muscles!

Boots of the Winding Path

Prerequisite: 6th-level artificer
Item: A pair of boots (requires attunement)

Time to add some magical finesse to your footwork? The Boots of the Winding Path are here to give you that tactical edge. Here’s how they work:

1. A Quick Boost: While wearing these boots, you can teleport up to 15 feet as a bonus action to an unoccupied space you can see. Think of it as a quick hop, skip, and a jump into or out of trouble!
2. Strategic Positioning: The catch? You must have occupied that space at some point during the current turn. This means you can dart in, make your move, and then zap back to safety or a more advantageous position.

The Boots of the Winding Path offers you unparalleled mobility and strategic options in combat. Whether you’re dodging enemy attacks, repositioning for a better strike, or just showing off your magical agility, these boots have got you covered.

Just lace them up and get ready to dance through the battlefield with style!

Enhanced Arcane Focus

Item: A rod, staff, or wand (requires attunement)

Want to take your spellcasting to the next level? The Enhanced Arcane Focus is your magical upgrade for pinpoint accuracy and power. Here’s how it works:

1. Spell Attack Bonus: While holding this item, you gain a +1 bonus to your spell attack rolls. This means your spells are more likely to hit their mark, making you a more effective spellcaster.
2. Ignore Half Cover: In addition to the attack bonus, you can ignore half cover when making a spell attack. No more pesky obstacles getting in the way of your magical prowess.
3. Level-Up Bonus: When you reach 10th level in the Artificer class, the bonus increases to +2, making your spells even more accurate and deadly!

The Enhanced Arcane Focus is your go-to infusion for improving spell accuracy and overcoming cover. Whether you’re blasting enemies from afar or threading the needle with precise spell strikes, this focus ensures your magic hits harder and more reliably.

Enhanced Defense

Item: A suit of armor or a shield

Looking to beef up your defenses? The Enhanced Defense infusion is your ticket to becoming a harder target to hit.

1. Armor Class Bonus: When you infuse a suit of armor or a shield with Enhanced Defense, the wearer or wielder gains a +1 bonus to their Armor Class (AC). This makes you tougher to hit in combat, giving you that extra layer of protection.
2. Level-Up Bonus: Once you reach 10th level in the Artificer class, the bonus increases to +2. This means your armor or shield becomes even more formidable, making it significantly harder for enemies to land a blow.

Enhanced Defense is perfect for those who want to fortify their defenses and stay in the fight longer. Whether you’re tanking hits on the front lines or just want some extra security, this infusion ensures you’re well-protected.

Enhanced Weapon

Item: A simple or martial weapon

Want to make your weapon strikes more precise and powerful? The Enhanced Weapon infusion is your go-to upgrade for delivering harder hits. Here’s how it works:

1. Attack and Damage Bonus: When you infuse a simple or martial weapon with Enhanced Weapon, it becomes a magic weapon that grants a +1 bonus to both attack and damage rolls. This means you’re more likely to hit your target and deal extra damage with each strike.
2. It’s Magical: Let’s not gloss over the fact that the weapon becomes magical when you infuse it. This has the extra benefit of making it easier to fight enemies like Spectres or Werewolves that resist damage from nonmagical weapons!
3. Level-Up Bonus: Upon reaching 10th level in the Artificer class, this bonus increases to +2. This makes your weapon even more deadly, ensuring your attacks pack an even greater punch!

Enhanced Weapon is perfect for those looking to boost their combat effectiveness. Whether you’re swinging a sword, wielding an axe, or firing a bow, this infusion ensures your weapon hits harder and more accurately.

So grab your weapon of choice and get ready to deliver some magically enhanced strikes!

Helm of Awareness

Prerequisite: 10th-level artificer
Item: A helmet (requires attunement)

Want to be the first to react in any situation and avoid nasty surprises? The Helm of Awareness infusion is your perfect ally!

1. Advantage on Initiative: While wearing this helmet, you gain advantage on initiative rolls. This means you’re more likely to act first in combat, giving you a crucial edge over your opponents.
2. Can’t Be Surprised: In addition to the initiative boost, you can’t be surprised while wearing the helmet, provided you’re not incapacitated. No more ambushes catching you off guard—you’ll always be ready for whatever comes your way!

The Helm of Awareness infusion is ideal for those who want to stay alert and responsive in any scenario. Whether you’re navigating dangerous dungeons or preparing for a sudden skirmish, this infusion ensures you’re always one step ahead.

So don your helmet and embrace the heightened awareness that keeps you in control!

Homunculus Servant

Item: A gem or crystal worth at least 100gp

Ever wanted a magical companion to assist you in your adventures? The Homunculus Servant infusion lets you create a tiny, loyal homunculus that’s ready to serve. Here’s how it works:

1. Creation: Using a gem or crystal worth at least 100 gp, you infuse it to become the heart of your homunculus. The creature’s body instantly forms around this heart, and you get to determine its appearance—whether it’s a mechanical bird, a winged vial, a miniature animated cauldron, or something else altogether, the choice is yours!
2. Loyal and Obedient: The homunculus is friendly to you and your companions, and it obeys your commands without question. Its game statistics are detailed in the Homunculus Servant stat block (found in TCoE), which uses your proficiency bonus in several places.
3. Combat Role: In combat, the homunculus shares your initiative count but takes its turn immediately after yours. It can move and use its reaction independently, but it defaults to the Dodge action unless you use a bonus action to command it to take another action. If you’re incapacitated, it can take any action it chooses.
4. Healing and Durability: The homunculus regains 2d6 hit points if the Mending spell is cast on it. If either you or the homunculus dies, it vanishes, leaving its heart behind.

As one of the most popular Artificer Infusions, the Homunculus Servant infusion provides you with a versatile and loyal companion that can assist in both combat and utility tasks.

Whether it’s scouting, delivering items, or providing support in battle, your homunculus is a handy ally to have by your side. Why wouldn’t you want a trusty little helper?!

Mind Sharpener

Item: A suit of armor or robes

Need to maintain your concentration in the heat of battle? The Mind Sharpener infusion is here to help you stay focused when it matters most.

1. Concentration Aid: The infused item—whether it’s a suit of armor or robes—can send a jolt to the wearer to refocus their mind. This is perfect for spellcasters who need to maintain concentration on their spells.
2. Charges and Usage: The item comes with 4 charges. When you fail a Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell, you can use your reaction to expend 1 charge and succeed on the saving throw instead. This can be a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of casting a crucial spell like Banishment or Wall of Thorns.
3. Recharge Mechanism: The item regains 1d4 expended charges daily at dawn, ensuring you’re ready to maintain your concentration each day.

Mind Sharpener is your go-to infusion solution for keeping your spells active under pressure. Whether you’re facing relentless attacks or navigating tricky situations, this infusion ensures your focus remains unbroken.

Radiant Weapon

Prerequisite: 6th-level artificer
Item: A simple or martial weapon (requires attunement)

Looking to add some radiant flair to your combat repertoire? The Radiant Weapon infusion transforms your weapon into a beacon of light and power!

1. Attack and Damage Boost: This magic weapon grants a +1 bonus to both attack and damage rolls, making your strikes more accurate and potent.
2. Illumination: While holding the weapon, you can use a bonus action to cause it to shed bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. Perfect for lighting up dark dungeons or intimidating foes. You can also extinguish the light as a bonus action.
3. Blinding Reaction: The weapon has 4 charges. When you’re hit by an attack, you can use your reaction to expend 1 charge and attempt to blind your attacker until the end of their next turn. The attacker must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against your spell save DC to avoid being blinded.
4. Recharge Mechanism: The weapon regains 1d4 expended charges daily at dawn, ensuring you’re ready to dazzle and blind your foes each day.

The Radiant Weapon infusion combines offensive power with strategic utility. Whether you’re lighting up the battlefield or blinding your enemies, this infusion ensures you’re always ready to shine.

Repeating Shot

Item: A simple or martial weapon with the ammunition property (requires attunement)

Tired of running out of ammo in the middle of a fight? The Repeating Shot infusion ensures you never have to worry about that again!

1. Attack and Damage Boost: This magic weapon grants a +1 bonus to both attack and damage rolls when used to make a ranged attack. Your shots will be more accurate and hit harder.
2. Ignore Loading Property: If your weapon has the loading property, this infusion allows you to ignore it. Say goodbye to those pesky reload times and keep firing away!
3. Self-Generating Ammunition: If the weapon lacks ammunition, it magically produces its own. Every time you make a ranged attack, the weapon creates one piece of magic ammunition. This ammunition vanishes immediately after hitting or missing a target, so you’ll never run out.

The Repeating Shot infusion is perfect for those who want to keep the pressure on their enemies with a steady stream of ranged attacks. Whether you’re using a bow, crossbow, or firearm, this infusion ensures you’re always locked, loaded, and ready to fire.

Replicate Magic Item

Using the Replicate Magic Item infusion, you can create specific magic items to suit your needs. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Item: You can learn this infusion multiple times, and each time you do, you pick a magic item from the Replicable Items tables (in TCoE). The table’s title indicates the level you must be in the Artificer class to choose an item from it. Alternatively, you can select from common magic items in the game (excluding potions and scrolls).
2. Item Details: The item’s entry in the table will tell you if it requires attunement. For more details about the item, including the type of object needed to create it, refer to its description in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
3. Expanded Options: If you have Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, you can also choose from the common magic items listed in that book when selecting an item to replicate.

The Replicate Magic Item infusion allows you to tailor your gear to your specific needs, creating useful and powerful items on demand.

Whether you need a Bag of Holding, Goggles of Night, or any other handy magical tool, this infusion makes sure you’re always equipped with the right item for the job.

So get creative and start replicating your perfect magical arsenal!

Repulsion Shield

Prerequisite: 6th-level artificer
Item: A shield (requires attunement)

Looking to add some extra defense and a bit of crowd control to your arsenal? The Repulsion Shield infusion is your perfect companion!

1. Armor Class Bonus: While wielding this shield, you gain a +1 bonus to your Armor Class (AC). This makes you tougher to hit and provides an extra layer of protection in battle.
2. Repulsion Mechanism: The shield comes with 4 charges. When you’re hit by a melee attack, you can use your reaction to expend 1 charge and push the attacker up to 15 feet away. This can create some much-needed distance and disrupt your enemy’s plans.
3. Recharge Mechanism: The shield regains 1d4 expended charges daily at dawn, ensuring you’re ready to repel attackers each day.

The Repulsion Shield infusion combines solid defense with the ability to control the battlefield. Whether you’re holding the line or needing to push back aggressive foes, this shield ensures you stay protected and in control.

Resistant Armor

Prerequisite: 6th-level artificer
Item: A suit of armor (requires attunement)

Want to shrug off elemental damage like it’s nothing? The Resistant Armor infusion is your go-to solution for bolstering your defenses against specific types of damage!

1. Choose Your Resistance: When you infuse a suit of armor with Resistant Armor, you select one type of damage: acid, cold, fire, force, lightning, necrotic, poison, psychic, radiant, or thunder. The wearer gains resistance to that chosen damage type, effectively halving the damage they take from it.
2. Tailored Protection: This infusion allows you to customize your armor based on the threats you anticipate. Whether you’re exploring a volcanic dungeon, facing a necromancer, or battling a storm giant, you can choose the resistance that best suits your needs.

The Resistant Armor infusion provides you with a versatile and powerful defense against a wide range of elemental and magical threats.

By customizing your armor’s resistance, you ensure you’re prepared for whatever dangers lie ahead. So, suit up and face the elements with confidence!

Returning Weapon

Item: A simple or martial weapon with the thrown property

Want to add a touch of magic to your throwing weapons? The Returning Weapon infusion ensures your weapon always comes back to you. Here’s how it works:

1. Attack and Damage Boost: This magic weapon grants a +1 bonus to both attack and damage rolls. Your throws will be more accurate and pack an extra punch.
2. Automatic Return: After making a ranged attack with this weapon, it magically returns to your hand immediately. No more scrambling to retrieve your weapon after every throw—just throw, hit, and catch!

The Returning Weapon infusion is perfect for those who love the versatility of throwing weapons but hate the hassle of retrieving them. Whether you’re hurling daggers, axes, or javelins, this infusion ensures your weapon is always ready for another throw. So equip your favorite throwing weapon and watch it boomerang around the battlefield!

Spell-Refueling Ring

Prerequisite: 6th-level artificer
Item: A ring (requires attunement)

Running low on spell slots in the middle of an adventure? The Spell-Refueling Ring infusion is here to give you that magical second wind.

1. Recover Spell Slot: While wearing this ring, you can use an action to recover one expended spell slot of 3rd level or lower. This can be a lifesaver when you need just one more spell to turn the tide of battle or solve a tricky problem.
2. Once Per Day: The ring can only be used once per day. After you’ve recovered a spell slot, the ring can’t be used again until the next dawn. This ensures you have a reliable but balanced way to regain magical energy in those emergency situations.

The Spell-Refueling Ring infusion provides a crucial backup for spellcasters who need that extra bit of magical power.

Whether you’re in the heat of combat or deep in a dungeon, this ring ensures you’re never completely out of options. Just slip on your ring, attune to it, and keep your magical reserves ready for action!

Tips for Homebrewing Your Own Artificer Infusions

One of the most fun things about Artificers is getting to work with your DM to homebrew certain unique and inventive solutions.

(6 years later, my group still laughs about the Gnomish Death Star!)

Creating your own Artificer Infusions can add a unique flair to your game and provide tailored options that fit your campaign’s theme or your character’s style.

But where to start?

Here are some general tips to help you homebrew infusions effectively:

1. Balance is Key: When designing new infusions, ensure they are balanced with existing options. Compare your homebrew infusion to similar infusions or magic items in terms of power level and utility. Avoid creating infusions that are too powerful or too weak.
2. Thematic Consistency: Infusions should align with the Artificer’s theme of blending magic and technology. Think about how your infusion can be a magical enhancement of a mundane item, and how it fits into your Artificer’s role as a magical engineer.
3. Clear Mechanics: Make sure the mechanics of your infusion are clear and easy to understand. Specify any prerequisites, the type of item it can be applied to, and any actions required to use its abilities. Ambiguity can lead to confusion during gameplay.
4. Limitations and Costs: Introduce limitations or costs to prevent the infusion from becoming overpowered. This could include limited charges, daily uses, or requiring attunement. These restrictions help maintain balance and add strategic depth.
5. Flavor and Fun: Infusions should be fun and add interesting options to gameplay. Consider how your infusion can provide unique benefits or interactions that enhance the playing experience. Adding flavorful descriptions can also make the infusion more engaging.
6. Playtesting: Test your homebrew infusion in actual gameplay to see how it performs. Gather feedback from the DM and players and be willing to make adjustments based on their experiences. Playtesting helps identify any unforeseen issues and ensures the infusion is enjoyable for everyone.
7. Collaborate with Your DM: Work with your Dungeon Master to integrate your homebrew infusion into the campaign. They can provide valuable insights and help ensure the infusion fits seamlessly into the game world!

Artificer Infusions FAQs

Final Thoughts – Artificer Infusions 5e

And there you have it, fellow adventurers. There’s a lot to Artificer Infusions, but I hope this guide was helpful for you. After all, mastering the art of infusions is key to getting the most out of your Artificer’s kit!

With Artificer Infusions at your fingertips, you’re now equipped to turn the mundane into the magical and the ordinary into the truly extraordinary. Whether you’re enhancing your gear for the next big quest or just tinkering around for fun, these infusions will keep you and your party one step ahead of whatever challenges come your way.

But now it’s your turn! Have any favorite infusions or unique uses for them? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Drop a comment below and share your infusion insights with our community.

And don’t forget to stay updated with all things D&D by signing up for the Tabletop Joab newsletter. Get the latest tips, tricks, and tales delivered straight to your inbox, ensuring you’re always ready for your next adventure.

Until next time, happy infusing!