The Unearthed Arcana 2024 playtest forDungeons & Dragonsbrings exciting updates to the artificer class, refining its mechanics and expanding its creative potential. As master inventors and magical engineers, artificers have always stood out for their unique ability to blend technology and magic.
These changes aim to enhance their versatility, balance their subclasses, and introduce new features that align with evolving gameplay dynamics. From new spells for the 2024 edition of the game to exciting changes to the subclasses, artificers are more than ready to take on the new balance changes, be it on the low levels of an adventure or as a powerhouse in a campaign’s ending.
7Replicate Magic Item
It Replaces Magical Infusions
At a glance, the features Replicate Magic Item and Infuse Item seem very similar since they both allow you to create magical objects that replicate the effects of well-known magical items. One difference is that Replicate Magic Item has no need for a starting object, so if you want to create a plus one sword, you don’t need to have a sword to begin with.
The real difference, however, is that the items a 2024 artificer can create are not limited to a static list. By level two they can already create any common magical item (except potions, scrolls, or cursed ones) that hasever been publishedfor D&D Fifth Edition, or any that will be published in the future. That way, artificers are constantly being updated with new options every time a new book is published.
6Magic Item Tinker
It Replaces Tool Expertise
Tool Expertise was a feature for 2014 artificers that, as the name implies, gave them expertise in any ability check that relied on a tool they were proficient with. While flavorful, its use was limited to the few times tools became relevant since artificers don’t roll to create their magical items/infusions.
The new feature, Magic Item Tinker, gives you more flexibility in case you create an item that ends up not working as intended. The feature allows you to drain the magic of an item you created, essentially destroying it, but letting you restore a spell slot depending on the rarity of the item consumed.
5Flash Of Genius
It Now Only Triggers On Failed Checks
While both artificers and wizardsrely on intelligenceto perform well in Dungeons & Dragons, the idea behind an artificer is that they are the ultimate problem-solver, creating a myriad of gadgets to answer any issue. Flash of Genius was already a great way to roleplay this without relying on an item, letting you help your allies with your vast intelligence whenever they faced an ability check or saving throw.
However, knowing when to use this feature was troublesome, since Dungeon Masters don’t usually tell players the number they have to beat. The 2024 version of Flash of Genius makes it trigger on a failed check, essentially making your artificer aid someone who is already stumbling, not about to.
4Soul Of Artifice
Improved Death Cheating
Soul of Artifice, the final feature for artificers, has seen some changes for its 2024 rendition. It still lets you consume one of your magical items/infusions to come back to life, but instead of coming back with only one hit point, you come back with 20.
In 2024, the consumed item needs to be uncommon or rare.
The other aspect of this feature was completely changed, meaning that level 20 artificers no longer gain a bonus to their saving throws per attuned magical item. This made them rather greedy and conflictive with other players, so instead they gain a bonus of 1D6 to ability checks, but only once per turn.
3Chemical Mastery
A Better Feature For Alchemists
The many changes made to the alchemist subclass allow them to step out of the support role if they wish to while still being capable of aiding everyone when needed. This is best seen with the final feature of the subclass, Chemical Mastery, where the class is no longer tied to only healing and aiding allies.
You still gain resistance to acid and poison damage, but many of your artificer spells are also buffed, dealing extra force damage depending on the type of damage they initially dealt. You can also cast a high-level spell once per long rest, but instead of Greater Restoration or Heal, it is Tasha’s Bubbling Cauldron; a far more fitting and versatile spell.
2Eldritch Cannon
A Far More Useful Tool
The artillerist subclass for artificers has always been all about the eldritch cannon, a small or tiny construct you can create that aids you in combat. You can choose between a flamethrower, a long-ranged force ballista, or a shield-generating protector.
Artificers will often make the cannon ahead of time, and due to a lack of knowledge of what they might face, they always create the force ballista. The 2024 changes for artillerist make it so you no longer choose the form at creation; instead, every eldritch cannon comes with all three options, and you just choose what to do at every turn.
1The Dreadnought
A New Armorer Option
Players who wanted to feel like Iron Man always had the option of being an armorer artificer, being able to choose between the guardian model forfrontline assaultsor the infiltrator model for a more subtle approach. Since combat reigns supreme in D&D, this often means that armorers will pick the guardian model without a second thought.
Well, the 2024 version of artificer offers a new option: the dreadnought. This basically turns you into the Hulk-Buster with a flail, letting you turn large in size. It also has greater control of the battlefield since you’re able to push or pull enemies you hit with your flail.
