Overview of New Artificer Features
- Free playtest materials for the Artificer class are now available on D&D Beyond.
- Significant updates have been made to class abilities, particularly Magical Tinkering and Infusions.
- Wizards of the Coast will launch a feedback survey on the new Artificer starting December 24.
Dungeons and Dragons has recently unveiled new playtest materials for the Artificer, beloved by fans but notably missing from the upcoming 2024 Player’s Handbook. This new content, which can be accessed for free on D&D Beyond, marks the first major update in over a year and is likely the last Unearthed Arcana for the Dungeons and Dragons community in 2024.
Unearthed Arcana is a series of playtest documents released by Wizards of the Coast at no cost, giving players an early look at potential new character options. This initiative also allows the development team to gather valuable player feedback, a strategy previously employed leading up to the new 2024 core rulebook releases.
The latest Unearthed Arcana provides detailed insights into the revamped Artificer class. The document offers a comprehensive overview of how the class has evolved since its introduction in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, aligning it with other updated classes found in the upcoming Player’s Handbook. Noteworthy explanations of these changes can be found in a YouTube video featuring Todd Kenreck and Jeremy Crawford.
The Updated Artificer Class in Dungeons and Dragons 5e (2024)
Watch the video here
Numerous abilities of the Artificer class have undergone changes or complete replacements. For example, the Magical Tinkering ability now allows players to create practical adventuring items instead of simple trinkets. The previous Tool Expertise feature is replaced with Magic Item Tinker, which enables Artificers to expend crafted magical items for spell slots. Additionally, the Spell-Storing Items ability can now contain third-level spells, while the Soul of Artifice more effectively enhances ability checks instead of saving throws, with an upgraded death-resistance feature.
At the 20th level, the Artificer now has four fewer Plans—the newly named Infusions—reflecting a streamline in mechanics through Replicate Magic Item.
The three original Artificer subclasses have also received substantial updates. The Alchemist has been redesigned with enhanced elixir options and greater Chemical Mastery. The Armorer now features an improved set of armors and introduces a new Dreadnought option. The Artillerist subclass sees Eldritch Cannons able to function as all turret types simultaneously, with the option to detonate upon destruction. Meanwhile, the Battle Smith has minimal changes, with slight adjustments to the hit points and damage of the Steel Defender.
While no specific date has been announced for the official inclusion of these developments in a core book, the release of this Unearthed Arcana indicates that Wizards of the Coast is actively refining the Artificer class. Players are encouraged to engage with this experimental content and share their thoughts in the upcoming feedback survey launching on December 24.
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