Our Top Artificer Spells in Dungeons and Dragons 5e

[@matthewparker9276]

Revivify from an artificer is just a defribulator.

[@eddyeldridge7427]

A fantasy defibrillator, since they only work like that in fantasy

[@euansmith3699]

Gandalf, "CLEAR!"

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Yeah, that's exactly how I planned to flavor it: rather than a soothing divine intercession, it would be a violent "KER-CHUNK" to kick your dead ass back into gear! 😝

[@ryanhale6339]

@@bigdream_dreambig A diamond suppository would wake me from near-death

[@euansmith3699]

@@ryanhale6339 "Dammit! No response! We're losing him! We're going to have to increase the dose to 2.5 carats!"

[@bigdream_dreambig]

One important thing you missed regarding cantrips: The artificer is able to change one of their cantrip selections at every level, so you may want different ones for levels 1-2 (before you get your subclass features), levels 3-4 (once you have your subclass), and levels 5+ (if you get extra attack).

[@LightningBoltSpark]

This, so much this. You can, for example, choose Magic Stone at early levels and then "trade" it with Fire Bolt at Lvl 5.

[@gav7497]

Also booming blade is great unless you get extra attack.

[@benjin3993]

If you pick artillerist mending should never leave your cantrip list, gotta keep that cannon working for the full hour

[@bigdream_dreambig]

@@benjin3993 Yes, but maybe you don't take it until level 2 or 3.

[@benjin3993]

@@bigdream_dreambig yes since it's only good for to until then imo

[@hectordiaz537]

One thing with Artificers is that they can change their cantrips when they level. In this case, an Armorer or Battle Smith taking booming blade or green flame blade at lower levels then swapping to something else at 5th level works

[@doimanator9999]

While true, I'd keep it because after a while it's better than the extra attack (since you only get one)

[@blesper3415]

I'd switch back to booming blade later, as at level 11 it far out damages extra attack, provided you aren't running greatweapon master with hex or something.

[@ODDnanref]

That is the cool thing about Artificer and also their downside. You can customize a lot, so if you pay attention you can min-max your character without multiclassing and be effective. The downside is that you have to keep track of a lot. Spells everyday, cantrips every level up, infusions, magical tinkering.

[@Tattoosbycal]

I wouldn't swap out an armourer 2nd attack for booming or gfb. Yes it's more damage BUT you lose that 2nd chance to give something disadvantage towards your allies which is a core feature of the sub class

[@doimanator9999]

@@Tattoosbycal I think it depends. 2 enemies are not always close enough together to get attacks on multiple creatures. In that case use a blade spell. Also your character might just need to focus on one hard enemy for a bit and let the others take out some minions. I'd use a spell here too

[@bluechevy9437]

I am LIVING for this artificer content. Hard to find since it's new but love to see it

[@DigDoug56]

Same

[@arcadianmasque184]

Agreed!

[@randomsaltacountimback3044]

100th like

[@McKamidzu]

I'm with you guys😆

[@Brimshae]

It's not new, it's been around for years back in the 3.5 days....

[@natashasurvivallady8021]

I personally would take Enlarge/Reduce over Aid because of the added flexibility in and out of combat. Because Artificers are half casters, I really want my spells to be useful in as many situations as possible.

[@antikmayas]

adding 25 max hp at max level is not to laugh at... Yes, a cleric would be more suited to that job, but any hp is good to take.

[@natashasurvivallady8021]

@@antikmayas True, and I'm definitely not saying Aid is a bad choice. I'm just giving my opinion on what I would choose, and my reason behind it. Aid is a great spell, and if you like it, take it. I prefer Enlarge/Reduce.

[@elizabethgemmell7635]

I actually took both with my Artillerist(built as a skill monkey).

[@natashasurvivallady8021]

@@elizabethgemmell7635 love a flexible skill monkey!

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Every artificer gets "Magical Tinkering" at level 1 which has a lot of overlap with basic utility cantrips like Prestidigitation, thus making them even less appealing choices.

[@crsmith6226]

Can magical tinkering clean off my character after being covered in monster guts

[@bigdream_dreambig]

@@crsmith6226 Nope...but you could make yourself sweet-smelling with the scent of vanilla!

[@EnfermeiroPensador]

First, Artificers should not be spell casters, the whole premise of this class is: simulate magical effects by manipulating awesome unseen technology. But, at the same time they have ZERO nonmagical abilities that are meaningful in the context of the game. It's just lazy design, "ok, let's make another paladin like class, but give them cellphones and youtube". BAM! The Artificer.

[@ambermurray2496]

@@EnfermeiroPensador that is one way to frame it but I think a more accurate way of framing it is that atificers infuse their magic into objects to create technology

[@EnfermeiroPensador]

@@ambermurray2496 Still lazy design.

[@harrywhiteley89]

One thing I kinda felt was missing from this video was the spell storing item feature for the Artificer the ability to cast a 1st or 2nd level spell 10 times (with a 20 int) is pretty good

[@BRHency]

Haste is also very strong with it, because you can use the hasted action to use a non-magical object, which is what the spell storing item is. The storing item is amazing, it's like 8-10 additional second level slots that you can let a friend use

[@trently89]

Unfortunately that doesn't come until level 11

[@toshomni9478]

Fantastic video. One thing to keep in mind is that your Spell-Storing item, which you get at level 11, will give you a lot more versatility and uses of 1st or 2nd level spells. Dispel Magic is another very useful 3rd level spell and extremely thematic for an Artificer.

[@heykak]

faerie fire in SSI is nice. or grease

[@Hazel-xl8in]

at high levels of play with the tiny servant spell, you can actually command multiple tiny servants to unload an entire Spell Storing Item at once. imagine casting 10 scorching rays on a bonus action!

[@Milarqui]

I played an Artificer in Curse of Strahd, and Mending ended up becoming really useful when we had to take refuge in a cabin, because I used it to fix the doors, walls and windows - and it saved us from a lot of bats and a pack of werewolves.

[@dylandugan76]

Really wish Artificers just began with Mending plus two cantrips of their choice. Making an Artificer for which Mending *doesn't* feel compulsory would be incredibly niche. It's Eldritch Blast all over again. 99% of the Artificers I could possibly build will simply have Guidance and an attack cantrip that will be switched for Mending after getting through the low levels.

[@antongrigoryev6381]

I wouldn't compare Mending to Eldritch Blast. Mending is very thematic, true, but the only subclass that it's a must-have for is Battlesmith. Artillerist's canons are temporary and don't get that much damage, and for any other Artificer Mending is just a thematic, but still incredibly situational spell. Though yes, getting it for free would be nice.

[@yankx4eva]

In the campaign, I'm playing as an Artificer, my DM just allowed me to have Mending as a free cantrip since it is so crucial but feels so rough to choose over other cantrips sometimes. My others are guidance and fire bolt and they're both used more than mending tbh. Maybe ask your DM for something similar?

[@RoyalBluePhoenix]

@@antongrigoryev6381 not just thematic if a battle Smith, it's the only way to restore your guardians health

[@MythicMachina]

In my games, Warlocks get Eldritch Blast for free and Artificers get Mending for free becuase FUCK they need it. Basically, it functions more as a class feature in that case. As a trade off for Artificer, I would probably have them trade out Magical Tinkering, becuase let's be real... they are gonna use it once and forget it exists.

[@MythicMachina]

@@antongrigoryev6381 Eldritch Cannons still last for 10 minutes. they may be temporary, but Mending could help them get through more than one fight.

[@SingleStepGaming]

Fabricate is the most important spell in the game because it allows you to produce oars: the true mark of a master spellcaster.

[@jordanw2741]

I like telekinetic feat for artificer. The extra mage hand spell really helps at early level. And helps with doing something with bonus action.

[@nilsjonsson4446]

That's actually a great idea. You can push people into the Grease or Web too!

[@stevenmarko4769]

Artillerist and Battle Smith already have uses for their Bonus Actions

[@MythicMachina]

@@stevenmarko4769 Alchemist can throw webs up and shove people into them.

[@jordanw2741]

I guess I should have mentioned Armorer specifically. Other than defensive fields, not much to reliably use my bonus action on.

[@shaneconnolly4747]

Plus a +1 to Intelligence never hurts.

[@CaptainWobbs]

Ritual Caster on Artificer sounds great. Not only are ritual spells utility-based, which is the area where Artificer already shines, but it gives them access to higher level spells than they can normally access.

[@professionalsleeper6281]

Fun fact! When you get to 11th level artificer you can store aid in an object and cast it 10 (assuming +5 to int) times without expending a spell slot. This means, when you start your day, that is 150 extra hp, which is 25 extra hp for everyone in a group of 6

[@MichaelNguyen-tl9db]

unfortunately buffs cannot be stacked, but i would argue the current HP can still be added so you would still be able to heal 5HP x 3 ten times

[@maxx8362]

As someone on my third artificer, my current 8th-level armorer's go-to spells are absorb elements, catapult, cure wounds, expeditious retreat, grease, and Tasha's caustic brew at first level and enlarge/reduce, heat metal, and web at second level. I have found catapult to be a lovely damage spell especially when used to deliver vials of exotic and/or flammable liquids to a target. Cure wounds is strictly for emergencies as I am the teams off-healer, and I have taken to preparing expeditious retreat because I am constantly having to run from the back of the group to the front or vice versa usually while carrying someone. Carrying people is also the reason I keep enlarge/reduce handy.

[@keeganblute8193]

Finally grease getting some love. On top of everything, not a concentration spell. Just a minute of good battle field control at a choke point or under a web.

[@joeyelmer8549]

Grease + prestidigitation= instant battlefield BBQ. Add Create Water from your cleric, and enjoy. Also, if your dm decides to try to use this against you, just use Prestidigitation again to clean up the mess!

[@dainslatton9877]

@@joeyelmer8549 Spells only do what they say they do apparently. According to the game creators, Grease spell isn't flammable for that reason. You can always house rule it, but don't expect it at every table. Web spell is though, since it's right there in the text.

[@joeyelmer8549]

@@dainslatton9877 that is why it is important to ask at session 0 if "real world physics" will apply. That is the great thing about D&D. There is only 1 hard rule. Everything else is up for interpretation.

[@dainslatton9877]

@@joeyelmer8549 In regards to real world physics, not all grease is flammable, and most grease that will burn isn't considered a fire hazard. From my perspective, it's basically like saying the Entangle spell should instantly go up in roaring flames.

[@elizabethgemmell7635]

Grease led to SOOO many shenanigans in our spelljammer campaign(including but not limited to the BBEG landing flat on his butt during his evil monologue🤣)

[@bravghede]

Another vote for Catapult here - I have an alchemist artificer in my campaign and she’s used it to great effect to ping vials of acid or alchemist’s fire at baddies.

[@AM-hf9kk]

Catapult is a lot of fun... if your DM understands it. Mine does not. So, rather than annoy myself and a DM I really enjoy playing with, I've shifted away from using it. I think part of the confusion about Artificers in general is that they're flavored as inventors, but mechanically are more of a cut-rate wizard.

[@vladimirserpov6773]

Wonderful spell. You can even take Magic Stone cantrip and go for a shrapnel-gunner roleplay.

[@bravghede]

@@vladimirserpov6773 ha, that’s an excellent idea!

[@OssyPyke]

Store 10 uses of level 2 catapult in your staff. Hollow out the staff to fill it with stones, and cut a strip off of the side so you can fingers through, but not so the stones will fall out. Cast magic stone on the first 3 stones in line, then using your staff as both arcane focus and to Cast the spell, catapult the last of the 3 stones at your target. On a hit, you get +1d8 from the focus, 4d8 bludgeoning damage from the catapult spell, and 3d6 + 15 from the magic stones. Rinse and repeat for the next 9 turns.

[@jonathanstern5537]

Story about Aid. I've been playing a Battle Smith Artificer who uses her steel guardian as a mount. One of my party members, who was 60 ft away, was knocked out. I had my steel guardian pick me up, move the remainder of its movement (I believe it was 25 more feet), then I moved my maximum and cast AID on the downed player and two more allies. I ended up getting an inspiration point for that.

[@gabebaum6527]

One thing I think people either forget or homebrew away is that Mending has a casting time of 1 minute, so even if you intend to use it to heal your steel defender or eldritch cannon it would need to be done outside of combat. Additionally, the Steel Defender has self-healing capabilities making Mending a little less crucial.

[@jessy5241]

“Invisibility makes a great escape route.” I’m laughing cause I’m remembering the time my space bard casted Invisibility on the cleric, climbed on their shoulders to become Invisible themselves, and ended up running around the battle map with the monk in a Looney Tunes type chase trying to stay out of reach of an unknown monster before we could get back to our ship. It also ended up that finding that loophole in Invisibility eventually turned into the cleric fastballing my bard while I readied an attack of some sort. I can’t wait to play that campaign again.

[@TheRaineyMan]

Fastball Special huh? I like it 😂

[@MarkLewis...]

My friend now plays an Artificer in my campaign I DM, of which, I'm not that familiar... This helps a lot!

[@beowulfodinson9230]

I know that it’s not actually an option but I love the thought of an Artificer gaining access to contingency, it’s a panic button, and in my head it’s a phenomenally useful and thematic tool. Maybe as a homebrew infusion of some sort.

[@partyfrogmarkle2743]

The ability to swap out your cantrips when you level adds a lot of flexibility to use the "super effective at low level, but only so-so at higher level" ones.

[@136jab]

The thing about artificers that mostly makes up for the slow spell progression is their ability to create temporary or permanent magical items that allow them to cast spells not on their spell list. Depending on GM ruling, the ability to infuse a 1st level spellwrought tattoo could give them access to literally any first level spell in the game (including great spells like find familiar or shield for the two subclasses that don't get it on their spell lists) they can also make a feather fall token or a wand of magic detection instead of preparing those spells. All of these could be done at level 2. At level 6 they can make a ring of water walking At level 10 they can get winged boots This is not including the magical items they could craft permanently, sure they can't prepare dimension door but there is nothing preventing them from crafting a Cape of the Mountebank to have a single use of dimension door every day. I could keep going on but this would get way too long.

[@MaldraediorG]

Alchemists get Flaming Sphere, which is a good way to not only weaponize your bonus action, but creates a very mobile "enemies should not be here" zone

[@Pandafaust11]

I also like Thornwhip thematically. The idea of a barbed/razored chain springing out of a contraption just appeals to me.

[@BlackShadow1991]

Thank you for the guide, Dudes, the quality of your content remains high all the time :D

[@DanielEleveld]

Love this! Just starting a new Artificer and had almost the exact same list- I went with tiny servant for one big reason; battle smiths will have a Humunculus Servant and Iron Defender at that point. Once you add the Tiny Servant you become excessively versatile in action economy and you can set up your own attack actions with ease

[@danilocarvalho8419]

I imagine that if a bard uses fabricate, they just play the Home Depot theme song

[@karsten69]

Fabricate should be a 1st level spell or maybe even a cantrip.

[@Trial88]

I was thinking the theme song from home improvements “Tool Time”

[@Trial88]

@@karsten69 as an artificer you can craft 1,500 gp Plate mail so long as you have a chunk of metal and proficiency in smiths tools… so basically for free. That can not be a cantrip or 1st level spell as it would just be absolutely abused in game and possibly even banned from some tables if left as a cantrip.

[@karsten69]

@@Trial88 just make a chunk of metal pricey to offset the profit.

[@Trial88]

@@karsten69 at this point then you’re heading into a quasi adversarial approach with your players which is never good. But why wouldn’t you go and try to mine for some? However, in this scenario as a player I would spend my downtime to smelt my crews armor and weapons so they become raw materials again and then just spend ten minutes making them into whatever they would like. As well you just tell people “bring me metal and I’ll make whatever you like for the best price in all the lands” you may piss off all the local smiths, but you’ll come out on top.

[@20storiesunder]

Booming blade/green flame blade is best on an artillerist. They can be cast via the arcane firearm if it is your weapon is it, e.g. a quarterstaff. So no extra attack issue and a +1d8 damage to boot.

[@KristensEpicAdventures]

I've always wanted to try an artificer and I love your spell list suggestions! Heat metal and Web sound so amazing - thanks for the great content! 🤓

[@IIthisIIguyII]

We don't play often but in the one D&D campaign I'm in, I play an Artificer. I made it a priority to only take spells that I know I can reflavor into mechanical things. Faerie Fire, for example, has me reaching into a pocket and grabbing a handful of oily metal shavings and tossing them onto the enemy. Causing them to light up for everyone with a glittery sheen.

[@plutoshouldbeaplanet669]

Thanks for these videos! I had absolutely no idea how to build an artificer before I saw them, I’m pretty sure they’re the only thing that’s kept my character alive this long 😅

[@OfficialMudandRubber]

I love Catapult as a level 1 spell, just the idea of blasting a random object that is within 60ft of range from you, up to 90 feet smashing into an enemy for 3D8 damage! So fun, so funny and so flavourful!

[@danilopapais1464]

With a flying homunculus, which you can use to channel touch spells, I prefer having as many of those as possible. It gives you the opportunity to cast "Spare the Dying", "Cure Wounds" and "Revivify" on people in a distance, as well as mending to another construct. Of course a nice "Shocking Grasp" can also be delivered.

[@Wanderingsage7]

Catapult is so useful. Made a bomb? Catapult. Have alchemists fire and something more than 20 feet away? Catapult. You're an artilirist and you need to reposition your flamethrower closer to an enemy right quick and in a hurry? Catapult. Want to turn a ball bearing into a bullet? Catapult.

[@natashasurvivallady8021]

Every time I've designed an Artificer, Catapult was the first spell I took.

[@toshomni9478]

That's brilliant. Definitely a must have for an Artillerist.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Careful. An object thrown by Catapult takes damage when it strikes something, which your DM may interpret as also meaning if/when it hits the floor, so it's probably not the best idea to use it to reposition your artillery.

[@jakubguziur7522]

My artificer's go to Tiny Servant, Screwie the Screwdriver, reeeally likes to screw with other people's bussiness. Also wants to be a superhero, but can't find a fitting nickname.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Yeah, "Super Screw" is probably inappropriate. 🪛🙈🪛

[@gavinbellis7550]

Dread Pirate Robertson?

[@Gargandan]

"the tightener" will get you!

[@jakubguziur7522]

@@bigdream_dreambig He tried that one, actually, but was politely discouraged by everyone giggling like 13 year old teenagers.

[@jakubguziur7522]

@@Gargandan Nice one, will recommend it to him.

[@mikecarson7769]

You make a good point about the limited number of cantrips and power level of the spells per artificer level. At least for me, I think first of what an artificer would do without any spellcasting ability, and then I add the limited spellcasting to support or augment the aspects o tinkering, infusions, and subclass features. The power level can be difficult to grasp, though, and your review here is helpful to consider how to manage through the character levels.

[@Chigen_Atomic]

Honestly, a healing spell is great to have regardless of the amount of healers. Both for the inevitability that your healer goes down and in those cases where they need to cast other spells or for whatever reason they're not in the area. Considering our other caster besides myself is our Peace Domain Cleric, I should probably lean to damaging spells. I also went with a tiefling, specifically Zariel, for those times where I wade into combat. Those Smites will likely come in handy.

[@Tidalclamp98]

I love artificer so this is the video I needed 😂

[@saltypork101]

Expeditious Retreat is fabulous at lower levels, and it's a super thematic precursor to Haste, like the spell is cast by a prototype of whatever turbo button or potion you will use to cast Haste.

[@ryanhale6339]

This is super useful, engaging, and entertaining content! Great job fellas. Broad enough to apply to many situations, party compositions, and campaign themes, but not so broad as to be useless. You hit that elusive sweet spot here!

[@aqacefan]

21:43 I had the sudden mental image of a panel opening up in the construct's chest and launching a spring-loaded boxing glove with Bigby's Clenched Fist 🤣

[@StephenHutchison]

Given that Battle Smith and Artillerists (I forget if Armorers do) have constructs that can take damage, and are healed by mending ... These artificers really only have ONE cantrip available, because they're going to take mending. In fact. I'd personally make a house rule that artificers automatically get one or two extra pre-selected cantrips, probably mending and mage hand, that cannot be swapped out.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Armorers don't, but starting at level 2 every artificer is able to choose the homunculus infusion, which benefits from mending. But why boost the artificer's power like you propose? It's not really necessary. They have Magical Tinkering for basic utility stuff, and it's not like the Mending cantrip can't be used for other things too.

[@BardedWyrm]

I'm a fan of Thorn Whip for Artificers. It's not a _lot_ of damage, but magical piercing is a great damage type, it also packs a strong pull, and who can turn down a 30' _melee_ attack?

[@jeffdietz630]

If you levitate yourself, you pull them 10ft into the air, for extra fall damage and prone.

[@nilsjonsson4446]

And you get to pull them into your Web or something! It's a lot of fun to use, but it's very hard to compete for just two cantrips known.

[@jeffdietz630]

@@nilsjonsson4446 yeah better when you hit 10th level and you infuse boots of flying.

[@nilsjonsson4446]

@@jeffdietz630 1. Fly above and Thorn Whip. 2. Pull them up and watch them take fall damage and land prone. 3. Laugh as the mad scientist you are. 4. Cry as you used your magic item and action at level 10 for a combo that dealt 3d6 damage, as the mad scientist you are.

[@jeffdietz630]

@@nilsjonsson4446 Step 5. Bonus Action Monolog as the mad scientist.

[@MagusAgrippa8]

Artificers only getting two cantrips to start is such a pain. Because important ones like Mending are necessary, and also having one attack cantrip also really helps.

[@andrewmcmillan229]

You can change cantrips as an artificer at every level up so you can skip mending until you need it at level 3

[@MagusAgrippa8]

@@andrewmcmillan229 Fair point there.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

I'm jumping in as a dwarf (eventually battlesmith) artificer. Given it's a Warhammer based campaign, and my character is the progeny of a line of gunsmiths, my DM let me start with a pistol instead of a hand crossbow. The wonderful thing about that is that the d10 + dex damage is higher than any of the cantrips would be, so it allowed me to double down on utility with Mending and Spare the Dying. The only dedicated healer in our party is a paladin, so I took both StD and Cure Wounds to help out.

[@yonasshinigami4956]

Guys it is amazing how you seemingly try a different outfit and/or hair style every other video and no matter what you're always rocking it. That's some big drip energy you have 🔥🔥🔥

[@frankbassett6192]

Here's a thought: An Armorer can actually change roles from support or attack at lower levels, to a tanky Concentration spellcaster at higher (10+) levels. Since the damage from Arcane Armor doesn't increase except for INT bonus, this will be outpaced pretty quickly. But you still have a spellcaster that can wear heavy armor & use a shield. A level 10 Armorer with full plate and a shield, with the infusions of Enhanced Defense and Repulsion Shield has an AC of 23. Add the Warcaster feat and shield spell, you have a spell hurler that can cast concentration spells & is pretty hard to lose that concentration.

[@theonlymatthew.l]

I'm sad that the Armorer no longer gets the Shield spell... 🤧

[@frankbassett6192]

@@theonlymatthew.l Not on the spell list, but a Magic Initiate feat...

[@theonlymatthew.l]

@@frankbassett6192 I know, but that's only 1/Day

[@frankbassett6192]

@@theonlymatthew.l it really beats the 0/day. And if you're playing a 10th level character that repeatedly has to bump their AC from 23 to 28, you might just have a sadistic DM..... *eyes Monty warily*

[@theonlymatthew.l]

@@frankbassett6192 Honestly I would think I would just dip 2 levels in Wizard 🤷‍♂️. As currently I find it highly doubtful that I will find a game that plays at lvl 20

[@somerando6215]

Oh damn, I'm early. Thanks so much for doing this guys. I'm new to D&D i.e started at 5e and my very first class was the Artificier and I am loving it so far.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

I've been wondering about how the Artificer works with novices. Some of the previous 12 classes are easier for beginners than others, but there's nothing that can't be solved with prep time and a little coaching. Artificer, though, seemed awfully complicated for a newbie. Your thoughts?

[@destroyer1675]

My first character was also an Artificer. I chose Battle Smith and paired it with being a Warforged. I found it really simple compared to a full caster while also being more interesting than a pure martial class.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

@@destroyer1675 Honest question: How was it simple compared to a full caster? In addition to having to choose which spells to prepare every day (like a cleric), you also have to decide which infusions to have active daily, plus your spell storing spell each day, not to mention using your subclass features -- _and_ you also need to decide how you want to re-flavor each of your spells to make them artificer-appropriate. It seems like a lot more than a wizard worries about!

[@somerando6215]

@@bigdream_dreambig honestly the spells were a little bit too overwhelming but since I chose Armorer i usually just attacked using the Arcane Armor feature or tanked blows using the Armor Model: Guardian. My spells were more for utility and healing the party. I'm actually thinking of making a Battle Smith as well since that is an interesting class to me. I've always loved classes that were basically crafting/has an actual role in combat and the Artificier is the closest

[@destroyer1675]

@@bigdream_dreambig I found it simpler because I didn't change spells or infusions that often, I didn't get high enough of a level to unlock Spell Storing item and because it was my first time playing my DM didn't require the re-flavouring of spells.

[@sandmanlives3]

I find the High Elf much more appealing for Artificers for the extra cantrip. Also, I found myself tempted by the Catapult spell. Thanks for the video guys. Love the content.

[@warrendourond7236]

Then take magic initiate, and now you got some options.

[@jonathans1166]

On my Celestial Warlock and my Armorer Artificer, as soon as I get access to Revivify I'm looking for enough downtime to create a scroll of Revivify which will allow you to use your limited spells for more interesting things while keeping it in reserve.

[@kedarraman6690]

Honestly one of the most staple ones is to go V.human artificer taking spellsniper : thorn whip and have MH and mending as your cantrips and grease as a first level spell you have a real good damage+control combo

[@superj1010]

I need to know what songs you use in the Drakkenheim campaigns. They add so much to the atmosphere.

[@ryanhale6339]

Tabletop Audio. They thank them in every episode. Even the intro theme is there.

[@superj1010]

@@ryanhale6339 Yeah, but there are a lot of songs there, and I have no clue which ones they use.

[@clitcommander1681]

Pretty sure I've heard the theme to "The Thing" in there a few times. If it isn't the song it is something very similar.

[@Lycaon1765]

1. Shield 2. Rope Trick & Catnap 3. Dispel magic 4. Wall of Force 5. Fireball 6. Revivify

[@brandonr2906]

High elves are perfect artificers - intelligence bonus, and an extra cantrip, which is insanely helpful at low levels. It's literally 50% more cantrips early on.

[@michaelwright1295]

And this is why I made my alchemist a high elf and gave him acid splash

[@morikf1691]

Elves are not my favorite

[@sewi9530]

My new artificer is also an aereni high elf alchemist i think its nice and u have 4hours Long Rest so U can usw the time to craft a lot of things

[@dainslatton9877]

Variant half-elf can get that high elf cantrip too.

[@rainyeevee4047]

What I did on my Artificter was: Cantrips: Ray of Frost, Booming Blade - Because I play atrilerist and on 5th lv both this cantrips gets extra d8 damage (and Boming blade with quarterstaff that deals 3d8 damage is not bad choice). And to get some more utility cantrips I taken dip for 2lv wizard. It works really nice with artificter: from wizard all the 1st lv ritual spells, from artificter everything else. Spells: Absorb elements, Faerie Fire, Cure wounds, Grease, Aid, Invisibility, With this you can really do buff up damage when you use Absorb elements, then booming blade, for 3d8+(xd6) damage. ------- There is just one thing that I was not sure: When I use Absorb elements does it adds the d8 bonus from Arcane Firearm to next spell? If so would the booming blade got the bonus twice? Once from absorb elements and once from Booming blade?

[@ryanhilliker375]

Wow! Earliest I've ever made it to a dungeon dudes video!

[@meikahidenori]

Thank you for this! As a person who loves Artificer as it teaches players how to reflavour their characters and come up with some crazy ways to use their spells. 😊 I love making an alchemist who leans into the Herbert West styled mad creator making weird elixirs and trying to reainimate the dead with the humonculos servant. Also, nothing funnier than invincibility flavoured as a potion that players have to drink making them invisible but only if they take their armour off. Makes people have to play attention to it wearing off!

[@b-you-tube]

Don't forget that shocking grasp can be delivered by a homunculus servant that's within 120ft of the Artificer

[@MrNintoku]

Our party decided to do a oneshot for Christmas and I decided to go as a lvl 10 Artificer. So hard to choose spells! This video saves me! For those interested our DM gave us 1 uncommon and 1 rare item to choose plus one additional feat. I ended up abusing the Infusions feature to get 3 additional magic items.

[@peterhousen7974]

"Abusing" is a weird way to spell "using as intended" lol. Glad you had fun :)

[@euansmith3699]

Kelly's cephalopod themed t-shirts are amazing. Thank you for another fun video.

[@3phemaral]

I’d give Magic Stone a hard look, particularly if you will get an 18 INT with CL/1/2feat starting from first level. Although the range is less, 60’ is still acceptable in the majority of circumstances. A Magic Stone can be used to attack objects, as with Fire Bolt, but far fewer enemies are resistant to magical bludgeoning damage than fire damage. 1d6+4 is not only higher than 1d10, but a minimum damage of 5 hp on a successful hit means your Stone is guaranteed to incapacitate the really low CR critters that show up in numbers at L1. This makes the hits more effective than average damage would indicate. Finally, you get multiple stones and there is usually another party member like a cleric or bard that would, overall, have a higher attack bonus and more consistent damage using a Stone you hand over as opposed to a longbow or crossbow. Since Artificers can switch out cantrips when leveling, at 5th Level you can switch it for Fire Bolt, which levels. But, by then most characters are using less actions on attack cantrips (SorLock excluded, but that EB is essentially a Formula 1 Engine stuck in a GoKart chassis). I worried that the 60’ range would be a problem...but, it rarely comes up...and in my experience, at low level there is always another character with a suboptimal ranged attack that can just throw a Stone. And, on at least 3 occasions at L2/3 only one player had a legit magic weapon against creature resistant to non-magic attacks. Those stones made a huge difference - with them, we had a chance. Without them, we would have had to run...there wasn’t a reasonable chance to take the enemy down before or Paly dropped - and, he had the magic sword. If they went down to 10 hp each and a crit had gone against us...with two Stones/round will still recovered. Without them, less certainty. At Level 1-3 when not everyone has a +1 can opener, those pebbles are nothing to scoff at.

[@finalfantasy50]

magic stone uses your spellcasting mod even when you hand it to someone, so druids and rangers can use magic stone and conjure animals (monkies) or you could use the tiny servant to get a third attack on your turn, using up all of the stones you get

[@phatdog]

No one ever mentions Catapult at level 1. Sure it has the chance to miss but its damage is no joke especially if you start throwing around odd objects like a vial of acid, lanterns, grappling hooks, flour or even a net.

[@karsten69]

I just love the idea of stonecutting tool proficiency and then just cast fabricate on the stone floor to create 10 feet of caltrops terrain. that being said, Fabricate should have been a 1st level spell, long casting time, uses up the materials, intricate designs must have proficiency, it's not at all overpowered even at low levels.

[@dianalon12]

Yep, especially since artificer is a half caster so don't get the spell slot for it until 13th, and even them it's a pretty mediocre spell to use a 4th level on

[@stevenmarko4769]

You also are a Ritual Caster. Since you are limited in spell slots, Ritual Spells are also a good idea, like Detect Magic

[@intrinsical]

Due to the limited number of cantrips, an Artillerist should take Thorn Whip. The reason is because Thorn Whip is a melee spell attack despite having a 30 ft range. Meaning you can cast it without disadvantage even with enemies next to you.

[@peterhousen7974]

That's an interesting reason to take thorn whip over, say, firebolt lol.

[@le_gwen]

Very helpful video. I’m playing an artillerist so this is helpful indeed

[@ChrisVoiceman]

I'm playing a Fire Genasi armorer, and Fire Genasi get Produce Flame as a racial cantrip. 1d8 fire damage isn't as good as Fire Bolt's 1d10, but it's serviceable enough to let you take two support cantrips without feeling like you're missing out. Fire Genasi is a really underrated artificer race.

[@atomicash2475]

*laughs in Mark of Making Artificer(battle smith)/1 Cleric (Knowledge)*

[@stuffandthings617]

I just started last week to play a Harengon Armorer Artificer, my spell choices for this start are: Cantrips: Firebolt (came already to use because when the battle started my character was way behind the rest) Mage Hand First Level: Absorb Elements Faerie Fire (already loved that on my bard before) Feather Fall (saved the group before two times when playing the bard) Second Level: Aid Darkvision Invisibility Vortex Warp Since I took Fey touched as Feat I also got Bless Misty Step And of course the always prepared spells from the class itself. We started those new Group of characters directly on level 7.

[@michaelrenn228]

I love using sanctuary, shield spell, a protector turret, and the help action to make my character super difficult to hit and give my party advantage

[@lord6617]

You could take magic initiate... or you could take aberrant dragonmark, get 1 sorcerer cantrip, and 1 1st level spell on a short rest cool down. Shield, Hex, Hunter's Mark, etc...

[@TheHornedKing]

Are you ever gonna make a video about Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft? I at least assume you're gonna rank the new subclasses from it at some point.

[@Kaisernero85]

My Dm was generous enough tolet me use Magic Stone with Ball Bearings, but you could make do with a small bag with pepples. I am a big fan of it.

[@josh-mf7lt]

As far as haste and artillerists, and maybe even alchemists, you can use your spell storing item with your extra item up to ten times. That means that your ability to drop an extra scorching ray or shatter or cure wounds can actually be better than just giving another player a single extra attack.

[@walcorn.]

Definitely would have tossed "Enhance Ability" in my spell list. Guidance is also a must-have. But I might be biased due to me always playing the crafty lad who rolls tool checks left and right, and want the best results from it.

[@peternickle1884]

And with a Homonculus Servant you can be on the other side of the room from the character making the roll!

[@neelkanthgarg8670]

Bigby's hand: got to give biggest middle finger in dnd

[@airproci]

I think best cantrips For artificers are spare the dying and mending expetially if you are a battle Smith or armorer. I mean i already have good hurting optinons like magic weapons and fighing gautlets expetially the infiltrator that can do the damage of a ranged great sword per turn and with extra attack you can obliterate an enemy with at least 5d6 of damage between lighting gautlets and a spell with 3d6 of damage

[@GunnerM60]

The Bard in our group use to have Heat Metal. It is an absolutely brutal spell..., then we went into Avernus where it became 100% useless.

[@aaroncoffman7267]

Artificer multiclasses well with wizard IMO. Helps make aid a more viable option at level 10.

[@dainslatton9877]

Really depends on the subclasses.

[@rodlimadiniz]

I'll make it a point to play "Sorcerer's Apprentice" from Fantasia anytime someone at my table casts Tiny Servant.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

😝 That's _exactly_ the image that came to mind the first time I read that spell! 🌊🧹

[@JohnSmith-mn2ip]

Really Surprised Sanctuary was not pick. Can be a very clutch spell.

[@nilsjonsson4446]

Aside from the intended uses (having someone under the effect to non-offensive actions) it's a poor man's Shield. Attack, and then cast Sanctuary while placing yourself between the enemy and your allies.

[@JohnSmith-mn2ip]

@@nilsjonsson4446 I understand your points but I think you are under valuing its power. Its a bonus action, have a 30ft range and last for a minute. Not just that, but it doesn't even require concentration. Against creatures with low wisdom, which is a lot of creatures. This is very powerful. As a tank it can save you from so many hits. You can even use it to ward your backline. Seeing it used in game on multiple occasions, it is very powerful.

[@xthebumpx]

I like it even more for Wizards that start off with one level of Artificer. Cast a high level concentration spell then Sanctuary yourself.

[@nilsjonsson4446]

@@JohnSmith-mn2ip The "poor man" in this case is simply any Cleric or Artificer. It's a great spell and my point is that intuitively you'd think to use it on someone that's not attacking (e.g. a completely pacifist support caster or a mount), but even if it only lasts a round, it's a good spell! It's amazing if it lasts several rounds, e.g. on the Bard concentrating on Hypnotic Pattern.

[@dainslatton9877]

It's really good, but fits some of the subclasses far better than others.

[@codycosman8271]

I’m currently playing a level 6 armorer artificer, and the cantrips that I’m using are light (usually needed in my party) and I’ve been having fun with playing field control with lightning lure. I think this is the last level I’m going to have LL, but it has been very useful. My spells prepared are 1st: Absorb Elements, Cure Wounds (I’m the secondary healer), Faerie Fire, Feather Fall, Longstrider, Magic Missile, Thunderwave. 2nd: Aid, Enlarge/Reduce, Shatter, Mirror Image. It’s been a lot of fun handing magic items to people and making combat difficult for my dm.

[@CMurphMobile]

I like this content a lot. The only thing i would say against it (and i do mean only cause the rest is gold) is for not taking tiny servant. Since homunculus servant is an option that also requires your bonus actions to command, i would use that since it doesn't take up spell slots. Later on you might swap out HS if you want to infuse something else from the infusion list, but it is hard to say that spell is needed above blink when artificer is the class that has that without needing to use up a spell slot. Otherwise great video and very helpful.

[@Gargandan]

I'm having a lot of fun with pottery tools and alchemy jug to fill small clay jugs with oil. Use them as the focus of the catapult spell and then fire bolt the now oil soaked enemy on the next turn. We're also playing pirates so works great on enemy vessels trying to board.

[@arlyquino]

That's a great thematic build :). Has a very ancient chinese or japanese flavour to it.

[@godsamongmen8003]

My favourite artificer spell is magic stone. You can use a bonus action to enchant stones for your servant to throw using your intelligence modifier. This tactic is actually better for a wizard who just takes a feat, bur the artificer can still do it. If you have three tiny servants and a bag of stones, you can effectively use a bonus action for three attacks each round.

[@JKtheSlacker]

Given the artificer's ability to swap out a cantrip when they level up, every artificer who has at least a +4 Int mod should take Magic Stone instead of Fire Bolt until 5th level.

[@S4R1N]

With my Artificer, I've got Spell Sniper + Chill Touch, which I've reflavoured to be 'Necrotic Bolt', combined with the Artillerist's Arcane Firearm feature gives you a really solid damage dealing cantrip with a rarely resisted damage type. On top of that I've got one of the best class items IMHO, 'All-Purpose-Tool', because my god, being able to bring Eldritch Blast for 8 hours and use it as an Artificer cantrip is freaking amazing, not to mention if I don't expect to be in heavy combat, I could choose literally any cantrip in the game for 8 hours which is crazy useful.

[@takodaalldredge8391]

Creative solution for levitate. We had a coven of hags attacking us. After the party destroyed a chunk of the wall of ice spell, my artificer had spent his previous action casting levitate. Since he was last in combat he had the first attack. Aggressively throwing the table at the hag through the door. Now we have a joke that whenever you are hit by a table any size, it’s an instant 14d6 in table damage

[@rjsnyper8376]

Even though it does have countersynergy with extra attack. Booming Blade is a phenomenal cantrip for a tank build armorer. The ability to really force enemies to stay up close on you instead of chasing your allies helps to accentuate how powerful armorers are as dedicated tanks. It will also scale in damage beyond what extra attack does, while sacrificing some consistency. Sometimes you might want to attack multiple enemies to inflict your gauntlet abilities on them, so you won't use booming blade for every round. But when you do, your dm is going to have a hard time hitting anyone but you.

[@Frixon_]

As someone who's playing a battle smith time to watch this and evaluate my spell list later.

[@dainslatton9877]

These a re just ones they like, but their best advice is to evaluate what you might need in relation to the rest of your party and what you may need that day. You prepare your spells from the full artificer list, so you can change it every long rest if you want.

[@Frixon_]

@@dainslatton9877 surprisingly I run a lot of what they said anyway with a few outliers because of our party dynamic.

[@dainslatton9877]

@@Frixon_ Artificer varies a lot, but I can agree that all the spells are good sometimes (depending on your subclass, party, and situation).

[@sirgideonofnir6840]

Artificers, picks spells like a cleric and infusions like a warlock.

[@maybevoldemort8995]

I’ve seen some builds with booming blade + crusher for alchemists. Think it makes it a must have for a certain build.

[@leodouskyron5671]

Tiny Servant came up and was not talked about much with the Dungeon Dudes I can recommend a resource. Bilbron did a “Tiny Servant Deep Dive” on his channel (about a month ago) so give it a look for some ideas about the spell. (He really is crazy about the spell)

[@knate44]

I just wanted to say that Animate Objects doesn't seem to restrict the types of actions they can take, so honestly worse case scenario, they pester the other enemies and give the entire party advantage with the Help action.

[@aaronwhite1882]

My Artificer leans more towards rituals like Detect Magic and Identify and buff spells like Haste. I'm trying to be a support character.

[@AdamZollo]

Tiny Servants is a must! Blindsight to 60 feet is nice. I often give mine Magic Stones or my Spell-Storing Item so they can support in a fight too. You can also give them items to use like the Horn of Blasting.

[@dainslatton9877]

If you have a steel defender or have a homunculus, tiny servant competes for your bonus action with them unfortunately

[@AdamZollo]

@@dainslatton9877 For sure. That's why I dumped the homunculus at level 11.

[@Sawtooth44]

another thing to consider with Artificers is other things that grant spells like the Dragonmarked races from Eberron: Rising from the Last War or having a Guild background from Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica my GM was very lenient and allowed our party to have both these options in our games with some reflavouring

[@tango7974]

I built my Artificer much like this before I saw the video. Maybe because I consume a lot of DDudes videos. I took MI: Wizard and got Thorn Whip as a cantrip to keep enemies beside the character (L4 Armorer). Managed to keep some mooks beside me. Also, Grease came in useful in and out of combat. Considering Heat Metal when I level.

[@captainthorrek262]

Love Blur! Even as an Alchemist, he's got an AC of 21 and Disadvantage helps in keeping my wife's Glass Cannon Ranger safe. Got a question though, if an Artificer uses the Cleric/Paladin magic item that grants an extra use of the domain specialty, is he allowed one?