Artillerist Artificer in D&D 5e | Full Subclass Guide (2024)

The Artillerist Artificer is the perfect blend of brains and raw explosive force, capable of conjuring magical cannons and wielding an arsenal of spells that can turn the tide of any encounter.

Imagine a battlefield shrouded in chaos: enemies advancing, spells flying, and warriors clashing. Suddenly, a figure steps forward, calmly assembling a magical cannon that glows with arcane energy. With a flick of the wrist, this cannon roars to life, unleashing a barrage of fiery blasts that send foes scrambling for cover.

This is the Artillerist Artificer—a master of magical artillery and the architect of battlefield domination.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the precision of a master craftsman with the explosive power of a battlefield tactician, then you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to add a new twist to your repertoire or a newbie eager to blast your way through your first campaign, we’ve got tips and tricks to help you make the most of this explosive subclass.

So, strap on your goggles, grab your toolkit, and get ready to unleash some serious firepower. After all, why settle for a simple sword when you can have a cannon that shoots flaming spheres?

Let’s dive in and start crafting some chaos!

This is the full guide to the Artillerist Artificer in D&D 5e!

What is the Artillerist Artificer?

The Artillerist Artificer isn’t just another spellcaster or gadgeteer.

No, no, no! These are the maestros of magical mayhem, combining the precision of a skilled engineer with the destructive power of a seasoned war mage.

Their signature creation, the Eldritch Cannon, can be customized to suit any tactical need—whether it’s laying down suppressive fire, fortifying allies with protective barriers, or blasting enemies with raw elemental force.

But it’s not just about the cannons!

Artillerists have a knack for turning the tide of battle with their versatile spellcasting and inventive use of magical items. They can create a variety of temporary magical gadgets that can heal, protect, or obliterate, making them indispensable in any adventuring party.

Whether you need a quick escape, a powerful offensive, or a sturdy defense, the Artillerist has the right tool for the job.

So, if you’re looking to add a touch of explosive excitement to your D&D campaign, the Artillerist Artificer is your go-to choice. They bring a unique blend of creativity and destruction that can make every encounter feel like a fireworks show.

The Artillerist Artificer appears alongside the Artificer core class and other subclasses in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything.

The Artillerist Artificer’s Role in the Party

In any adventuring party, the Artillerist Artificer is the master of battlefield control and tactical versatility. Their primary role is to provide heavy firepower and strategic support, making them a crucial asset in both offense and defense.

The Artillerist’s signature feature, the Eldritch Cannon, can be summoned in various forms to suit the needs of the party.

Whether it’s the Flamethrower to incinerate hordes of enemies, the Force Ballista to push back and damage powerful foes, or the Protector to shield allies with a burst of temporary hit points, the Artillerist can adapt to any combat situation. This flexibility allows the Artillerist to deal consistent damage while also controlling the battlefield, forcing enemies to react to their powerful artillery.

But the Artillerist Artificer is no one-trick pony!

Beyond their cannons, Artillerists bring a suite of spells and infusions that enhance their party’s capabilities. They can create magical items that provide buffs, healing, and utility, ensuring their teammates are always at peak performance.

Spells like Shield and Cure Wounds can keep allies safe and healthy, while offensive spells like Shatter and Scorching Ray can devastate enemy ranks from a distance.

It’s the Artillerist’s ability to switch between offensive and defensive roles that makes them so incredibly versatile.

They can lay down suppressive fire to control enemy movements, provide cover and temporary hit points to allies, or even use their technical skills to solve problems outside of combat. This adaptability means that no matter what challenges the party faces, the Artillerist has a tool or spell to help overcome it.

The Artillerist Artificer is the party’s tactical powerhouse, combining raw destructive force with ingenious support capabilities. Their presence ensures that the party can handle any threat with both precision and flair.

Artillerist Artificer Features 5e

So, let’s now get into the details and look over the features you gain as an Artillerist Artificer in D&D 5e.

Each level brings new tools and abilities that turn you into a veritable siege engine on the battlefield. From summoning mighty Eldritch Cannons to mastering explosive spells, every feature you unlock adds a new layer of tactical brilliance and raw power to your arsenal.

Get ready to dive into the mechanics that make the Artillerist such a force to be reckoned with!

Recommended: Artificer Infusions in D&D 5e Explained!

Tool Proficiency (Level 3)

As an Artillerist Artificer, your journey into the realm of magical artillery begins with mastering the tools of your trade. This feature is your first step toward becoming a battlefield engineer extraordinaire.

When you adopt this specialization at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with woodcarver’s tools. If you already have this proficiency, you gain proficiency with one other type of artisan’s tools of your choice.

At 3rd level, the Artillerist Artificer gains proficiency with woodcarver’s tools, a seemingly humble set of instruments that become the foundation of your magical creations.

This proficiency allows you to craft, repair, and modify wooden objects with precision—skills that are vital for building your Eldritch Cannons and other arcane devices.

But what if you’re already a master woodcarver, you ask? No worries!

The Artillerist Artificer’s versatility shines through, allowing you to pick another set of artisan’s tools to specialize in. Whether it’s alchemist supplies for concocting explosive mixtures, smith’s tools for forging intricate metal parts, or tinker’s tools for assembling complex gadgets, you can tailor your toolset to match your unique style and needs.

This proficiency isn’t just for show—it plays a crucial role in your adventuring life.

Need to whip up a quick barricade to fend off a horde of goblins? Your woodcarver’s tools are at the ready. Want to enhance your party’s gear with some custom modifications? Your artisan’s tools have you covered.

This feature ensures that you’re always equipped to handle the challenges ahead with creativity and finesse.

Artillerist Spells (Level 3)

As an Artillerist Artificer, you don’t just rely on your trusty tools and cannons. You also have a powerful selection of spells at your disposal, ready to turn the tide of battle with a flick of your wrist.

The Artillerist Spells feature grants you a curated list of spells that are always prepared, ensuring you’re never caught off guard in the heat of battle. Beginning at 3rd level, and as you continue to level up, you’ll gain access to a suite of spells tailored to enhance your destructive and defensive capabilities.

What makes this feature truly remarkable is that these spells don’t count against the number of spells you can prepare each day. This means you get a bonus arsenal of spells, giving you more versatility and firepower without sacrificing your other spell choices.

Artificer Level	Spells
3	Shield, Thunderwave
5	Scorching Ray, Shatter
9	Fireball, Wind Wall
13	Ice Storm, Wall of Fire
17	Cone of Cold, Wall of Force

Fittingly, your spell list is mostly offensive as an Artillerist.

If you find yourself getting swarmed, Thunderwave is great for knocking foes back. Of course, the Shield spell is great to have no matter what since you can always use some extra Armor Class in a pinch!

The spells you gain at level 5 are decent. Shatter is useful for handling groups of clustered enemies and is especially good against foes made of inorganic material. Meanwhile, Scorching Ray is solid damage that you can either focus on a single foe or spread out as the situation requires.

Level 9 is when you get the always-fun Fireball spell for those situations when you want to truly ruin a lot of enemies’ day. This more than makes up for Wind Wall, which is great when it’s actually useful despite those occasions being a bit uncommon.

Ice Storm and Wall of Fire can both be devastating when used cleverly and provide some great control options.

You’ll never catch me talking badly about Cone of Cold, but the real standout when you hit level 17 is Wall of Force. Used well, Wall of Force can entirely stop enemies in their tracks or, more specifically, funnel them directly into the firing zone for maximum damage!

Eldritch Cannon (Level 3)

At the heart of the Artillerist Artificer’s power lies the Eldritch Cannon—a magical creation that embodies the perfect blend of engineering prowess and arcane mastery.

Ready to summon your very own magical artillery?

You’ve learned how to create a magical cannon. Using woodcarver’s tools or smith’s tools, you can take an action to magically create a Small or Tiny eldritch cannon in an unoccupied space on a horizontal surface within 5 feet of you. A Small eldritch cannon occupies its space, and a Tiny one can be held in one hand.

Once you create a cannon, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest or until you expend a spell slot to create one. You can have only one cannon at a time and can’t create one while your cannon is present.

The cannon is a magical object. Regardless of size, the cannon has an AC of 18 and a number of hit points equal to five times your artificer level. It is immune to poison damage and psychic damage. If it is forced to make an ability check or a saving throw, treat all its ability scores as 10 (+0). If the Mending spell is cast on it, it regains 2d6 hit points. It disappears if it is reduced to 0 hit points or after 1 hour. You can dismiss it early as an action.

When you create the cannon, you determine its appearance and whether it has legs. You also decide which type it is, choosing from the options on the Eldritch Cannons table. On each of your turns, you can take a bonus action to cause the cannon to activate if you are within 60 feet of it. As part of the same bonus action, you can direct the cannon to walk or climb up to 15 feet to an unoccupied space, provided it has legs.

Ok, so that’s a lot of text in the description. But this is your most important feature as an Artillerist Artificer, so let’s take a moment and break this all down.

Eldritch Cannon Options and Use

You’ve got three options for your Eldritch Cannon, each with a different function. While you’ll likely find yourself with a go-to based on your unique role in the party, it’s important to know how all of these work.

Remember: being able to improvise, adapt, and overcome is an important part of being an Artificer!

Your options are:

• Flamethrower: The cannon exhales fire in an adjacent 15-foot cone that you designate. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC, taking 2d8 fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites any flammable objects in the area that aren’t being worn or carried.
• Force Ballista: Make a ranged spell attack, originating from the cannon, at one creature or object within 120 feet of it. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 force damage, and if the target is a creature, it is pushed up to 5 feet away from the cannon.
• Protector: The cannon emits a burst of positive energy that grants itself and each creature of your choice within 10 feet of it a number of temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + your Intelligence modifier (minimum of +1).

Your Flamethrower Eldritch Cannon is your best friend when you need to take out a group of enemies that are tightly packed together. After all, this is a common tactic for goblins, blights, and swarms of critters like rats and spiders!

While you’re unlikely to get great use out of this in open battlefields, it can be devastating in more claustrophobic situations like dungeons. Your enemies will be dancing, alright! Dancing in the flames!

But more often than not, however, you’re going to favor the Force Ballista option.

120ft range is fantastic and 2d8 damage is solid enough. Most importantly, it’s Force damage, which is very rarely resisted by any enemies!

The Force Ballista’s knockback is worth noting as well. 5ft might not seem like much, but it can be enough to knock an enemy off a cliffside for some gnarly falling damage or to break yourself or an ally out of an enemy’s grapple!

But what if you’re looking for something that offers more support for your party?

Enter the Protector Eldritch Cannon!

Don’t underestimate how much of a lifesaver temporary hit points can be. While these do work differently than normal hit points (which is why I recommend you check out this guide to temporary hit points in 5e!), the point remains: they keep you in the fight longer!

Realistically, the Protector Cannon is letting you make sure that every round, your allies are at least a little tougher. Having your trusty cannon stick close to your party’s frontline is a quick way to get some truly excellent use out of this. Your tank will absolutely thank you!

For as long as your cannon is out, your party will never go into any combat situation without that extra edge in hit points!

Arcane Firearm (Level 5)

As an Artillerist Artificer, your prowess in battle isn’t just about cannons and gadgets.

At 5th level, you gain the ability to supercharge your spells with your very own Arcane Firearm, transforming a simple wand, staff, or rod into a powerful conduit for your magical might!

At 5th level, you know how to turn a wand, staff, or rod into an arcane firearm, a conduit for your destructive spells. When you finish a long rest, you can use woodcarver’s tools to carve special sigils into a wand, staff, or rod and thereby turn it into your arcane firearm. The sigils disappear from the object if you later carve them on a different item. The sigils otherwise last indefinitely.

You can use your arcane firearm as a spellcasting focus for your artificer spells. When you cast an artificer spell through the firearm, roll a d8, and you gain a bonus to one of the spell’s damage rolls equal to the number rolled.

Once transformed, your Arcane Firearm becomes an extension of your magical prowess.

Whenever you cast an Artificer spell through this firearm, you roll a d8 and add the result to one of the spell’s damage rolls. If you really want to get more bang for your arcane buck (and why wouldn’t you?) prioritize AoE spells like Fireball or Shatter where that extra damage is now applying to multiple creatures at the same time!

This bonus damage can turn a simple spell into a devastating attack, ensuring your place as a formidable force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Not to mention, the Arcane Firearm not only enhances your offensive capabilities but also adds a unique flavor to your character.

Imagine the awe on your enemies’ faces as you wield a staff crackling with arcane energy, each spell you cast packing an extra punch. How’s that for a literal boomstick?!

Whether you’re scorching foes with a fiery blast or shattering their defenses with a thunderous strike, your Arcane Firearm ensures that every spell hits harder and leaves a lasting impact.

Explosive Cannon (Level 9)

As you continue to hone your skills as an Artillerist Artificer, your creations become even more formidable.

At 9th level, your Eldritch Cannon gets a serious upgrade, turning every blast into a spectacle of destruction. Get ready to bring the BOOM with the Explosive Cannon feature!

Starting at 9th level, every eldritch cannon you create is more destructive:

The cannon’s damage rolls all increase by 1d8.

As an action, you can command the cannon to detonate if you are within 60 feet of it. Doing so destroys the cannon and forces each creature within 20 feet of it to make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC, taking 3d8 force damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

This upgrade makes every eldritch cannon you create significantly more powerful, ensuring that each shot packs an extra punch.

Specifically, all damage rolls for your cannon’s attacks increase by 1d8. Whether you’re incinerating enemies with the Flamethrower or blasting them with the Force Ballista, this additional damage makes your Eldritch Cannon even more formidable on the battlefield.

But that’s not all—your cannon now comes with a built-in self-destruct feature! As an action, you can command your cannon to detonate if you are within 60 feet of it.

And this explosion is no small firecracker; it’s a devastating blast that forces every creature within a 20-foot radius to make a Dexterity saving throw against your spell save DC. Those who fail take a whopping 3d8 force damage, while those who succeed take half as much.

This detonation can turn the tide of battle in an instant, wiping out clusters of enemies or creating a sudden opening for your party to exploit.

The Explosive Cannon feature not only enhances your offensive capabilities but also adds a strategic element to your gameplay. You can position your cannon in the midst of enemies, use it to draw their attention, and then trigger a powerful explosion when the time is right.

This ability to control the battlefield with such destructive force makes you a true master of arcane artillery. Prepare to unleash explosive chaos and leave your enemies in awe!

Recommended: The Toymaker’s Toolkit! Novelty Homebrew Items for Artificers!

Fortified Position (Level 15)

By the time you reach 15th level as an Artillerist Artificer, you’ve honed your craft to perfection, creating not just powerful cannons but also strategic strongholds.

The Fortified Position capstone feature transforms your battlefield presence into a near-impenetrable fortress, ensuring you and your allies can withstand any assault.

By 15th level, you’re a master at forming well-defended emplacements using Eldritch Cannon:

You and your allies have half cover while within 10 feet of a cannon you create with Eldritch Cannon, as a result of a shimmering field of magical protection that the cannon emits.

You can now have two cannons at the same time. You can create two with the same action (but not the same spell slot), and you can activate both of them with the same bonus action. You determine whether the cannons are identical to each other or different. You can’t create a third cannon while you have two.

First, any allies within 10 feet of your cannon gain the benefits of half cover, thanks to a shimmering field of magical protection that your cannon emits.

This means you and your teammates are harder to hit, gaining a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws while within this protective aura. It’s like carrying a portable fortress with you, providing crucial defense in the heat of battle.

But the real game-changer? You can now create and control two Eldritch Cannons simultaneously!

With a single action, you can summon two cannons, and with the same bonus action, you can activate both. This dual-wielding cannon capability allows for unprecedented versatility and firepower.

Want to mix and match a Flamethrower and a Force Ballista? Go ahead.

Prefer two Protectors to buff up your entire party? You got it, pal!

The choice is yours, and the battlefield is your playground.

This feature not only doubles your offensive and defensive options but also enhances your strategic depth. Positioning two cannons allows you to cover more ground, control enemy movements, and protect your allies more effectively.

Whether you’re holding a choke point, creating a safe zone for your team, or unleashing a barrage of attacks, Fortified Position ensures you’re always in command.

The Fortified Position feature elevates your role from a powerful artillery specialist to a master tactician, capable of creating well-defended emplacements that dominate the battlefield.

Connections

Crafting an Artillerist Artificer isn’t just about building powerful cannons and mastering destructive spells; it’s also about creating a character with rich connections and compelling motivations!

Perhaps your character was once a renowned inventor in a bustling city, but a rival framed you for a catastrophic explosion. Now, you’re on the run, seeking to clear your name and find the true culprit. Your journey is a quest for justice, and along the way, you test and perfect your inventions in real-world scenarios.

Alternatively, maybe you served as a combat engineer in a great war, using your talents to turn the tide of battles. Now, in peacetime, you struggle to find purpose until you join an adventuring party.

If you’re more into research, maybe you’re driven by a thirst for knowledge and on a quest to uncover ancient artifacts and lost technologies. Each adventure is a step closer to discovering forgotten secrets that could revolutionize the world—or destroy it.

There’s also some great potential for getting along with your party members as well!

Your Artillerist might see the party as their new unit or family, using their skills to protect and support them. You might have a special bond with the party’s healer, working together to keep everyone safe and sound.

As an Intelligence-based class, if the party includes a Wizard, your character could share a mutual respect for the pursuit of arcane and technological advancements. Together, you explore the mysteries of the world, combining intellect and ingenuity.

Though there’s nothing wrong with taking more of a mercenary approach as well! Perhaps you’re hired muscle with a penchant for explosions, working alongside a Rogue or Fighter. Your cannons provide the heavy firepower to complement their stealth and combat prowess, creating a dynamic duo that balances brains and brawn.

Is the Artillerist Artificer Good?

In a word: absolutely! The Artillerist Artificer is a fantastic subclass that brings a unique blend of firepower, versatility, and tactical brilliance to any adventuring party.

The hallmark of the Artillerist is its ability to summon Eldritch Cannons, each offering different modes of attack and support.

Whether you need to incinerate a horde of enemies with the Flamethrower, push back powerful foes with the Force Ballista, or shield your allies with the Protector, the Artillerist has the right tool for the job.

This versatility ensures that you’re always prepared for any combat situation, making you a valuable asset in both offense and defense.

But playing an Artillerist isn’t just about blasting away. It’s also about using your cannons and spells strategically to control the battlefield.

The ability to position your cannons, provide cover for your allies, and even detonate your creations for massive damage adds layers of tactical depth to your gameplay. This makes the Artillerist both powerful and incredibly engaging to play for those who enjoy a side of strategy with their spell-slinging.

But beyond their offensive capabilities, Artillerists also excel at providing support and protection for their party.

The Protector cannon offers crucial temporary hit points, while the Fortified Position feature grants half cover to allies, enhancing their survivability. This blend of offense and support makes the Artillerist a well-rounded and indispensable member of any adventuring team.

Let’s face it—there’s something inherently fun about summoning magical cannons and unleashing explosive spells. The Artillerist Artificer brings a level of excitement and flair to the game that’s hard to match.

Whether you’re a fan of big booms, clever gadgets, or tactical gameplay, this subclass delivers on all fronts.

Related: Ranking Every Artificer Subclass in D&D 5e!

Conclusion – Artillerist Artificer 5e

The Artillerist Artificer is a dynamic and exhilarating subclass that brings a unique blend of explosive firepower, strategic depth, and versatile support to any adventuring party.

From summoning powerful Eldritch Cannons to amplifying your spells with an Arcane Firearm, every feature is designed to make you a formidable force on the battlefield. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to D&D, the Artillerist Artificer offers an engaging and rewarding experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tools, prepare your spells, and get ready to blast your way to victory with the Artillerist Artificer.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this explosive subclass! Leave a comment below and share your stories, tips, and tricks with fellow adventurers.

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