Dungeons and Dragons Best Artificer Subclass Tier List

Dungeons and Dragons continues to be a game of limitless possibilities, where every class offers a unique blend of combat abilities and storytelling opportunities. Among these, the Artificer stands out as a master of invention, blending magic with technology to create magical items, consumable items, and more. However, the true diversity of the Artificer class in Dungeons and Dragons comes from its subclasses, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the world of Artificers, subclasses are unlocked in D&D at level 3, and picking the right one is an important part of building your character. Each subclass can be valued in terms of combat effectiveness, utility (for self and group alike), and versatility, which is why not all subclasses are equal for the Artificer.

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S-Tier: The Ultimate Artificer Subclass

Battle Smith

Why Battle Smith Is S-Tier

When it comes to blending martial combat with spellcasting, the Battle Smith Artificer is in a league of its own. This subclass delivers an impressive balance of offense and defense, making it the go-to choice for any player seeking a well-rounded character with strong combat abilities. The Battle Smith is unrivaled in versatility, offering a unique combination of martial prowess and magical invention. Key to this subclass is the Steel Defender, a mechanical companion that assists in combat, providing both damage and durability. You also gain Extra Attack, allowing you to deal consistent damage during every round. The changes in D&D's Eberron: Forge of the Artificer handbook didn't make the Battle Smith any less powerful than it already was.

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Battle Smith is its ability to infuse magic into D&D weapons and armor, turning any piece of equipment into a powerful tool of destruction. Whether you're tanking hits or dealing high damage, this subclass does it all. If you're looking for a well-rounded Artificer subclass that thrives both on the frontlines and with magical support, Battle Smith is the obvious choice. Its versatility and power make it an S-tier subclass.

Key Strengths:

Steel Defender acts as both a combat companion and a damage sponge for D&D's Battle Smith.
Extra Attack for enhanced damage output.
Ability to infuse magical enhancements into armor and weapons.
Strong survivability and tanking capabilities.

A-Tier: Ranged Destruction Specialists and Tanky Spellcasters

Artillerist
Armorer

Why Artillerist Is A-Tier

For players who want to focus on ranged combat and area-of-effect (AoE) damage, the Artillerist subclass is a solid choice. This subclass turns you into a tactical expert, wielding powerful magical cannons that can obliterate groups of enemies. With its Eldritch Cannon ability, the Artillerist can set up a variety of devastating magical artillery pieces that not only deal heavy damage but also provide excellent support for the party.

Whether you're dealing fire damage to enemies or healing allies, the Artillerist's flexibility is unmatched in ranged combat. It’s particularly effective for those who enjoy control over the battlefield from a safe distance. While not as durable as the Battle Smith, the Artillerist Artificer's best build is about consistent damage and supporting the team from the rear. The Artillerist may lack the tanking capabilities of other subclasses, especially the Armorer, but its ranged damage and battlefield control make it an excellent choice for strategic players. It comfortably holds the A-tier, outclassed only by the Battle Smith.

Key Strengths:

Eldritch Cannon offers a range of powerful magical attacks and support abilities.
High AoE damage capabilities, ideal for crowd control.
Versatile combat options from long-range to healing.

Why Armorer Is A-Tier

If you prefer a more defensive playstyle but still want to contribute to the damage output, the Armorer subclass is a fantastic option. Specializing in armored combat, the Armorer turns the Artificer into a heavily armored juggernaut, capable of both taking and dealing massive damage. The Armorer's defining feature is the Arcane Armor, which allows you to don a suit of magical armor that enhances both your defense and offensive capabilities. Whether you choose the Guardian or Infiltrator mode, you gain abilities that make you a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Guardian mode focuses on tanking damage and crowd control, making you a reliable protector for your team. Infiltrator mode enhances mobility and adds ranged combat abilities, allowing for a more versatile role. The Armorer shines in its ability to be both a solid frontliner and a damage dealer, offering excellent flexibility in how you approach combat. Overall, the Armorer brings a fantastic balance of defense and offense. It’s a great choice for players who want to be at the forefront of combat, soaking up damage while dealing it right back, much like some of the best Barbarian subclasses in D&D.

Key Strengths:

Arcane Armor provides enhanced defense and versatile combat options.
Guardian Mode for tanking and protecting allies.
Infiltrator Mode for mobility and ranged attacks.

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B-Tier: The Master of Potions and Support

Alchemist

Why Alchemist Is B-Tier

The Alchemist Artificer in 5e specializes in concocting potions and magical elixirs, offering substantial support to your party. However, despite its potential, it lacks the raw damage output of the Battle Smith or Artillerist, and it may suffer or shine depending on the overall group playstyle and characters, placing it in the B-tier. The Alchemist excels in providing utility and healing through abilities like Alchemical Mastery and Experimental Elixir. You can brew potions that heal your allies, buff your team, or even cause enemies to suffer from debilitating effects.

The Alchemist is ideal for players who want to focus on a support role and experiment with different effects in and out of combat. While the Alchemist can contribute heavily to the party’s survivability and resource management, its overall lack of offensive capabilities holds it back from higher rankings. The Alchemist is great for those who prefer a support-focused playstyle, but its lack of raw damage makes it a weaker option compared to the more combat-focused subclasses. Still, it was the worst subclass by far before the recent changes to D&D's Artificer, so the current iteration is very much an upgrade.

Key Strengths:

Ability to craft consumables, like healing potions, buffs, and debuffs.
Amazing for resourceful players who enjoy out-of-combat utility.
Strong support and creative options for tinkering, but may be more niche depending on the group's setting.

C-Tier: The Niche Explorer

Cartographer

Why Cartographer Is C-Tier

The Cartographer subclass, while intriguing in concept, doesn’t hold up when compared to the other Artificer subclasses in terms of combat or versatility. This subclass was introduced recently with the new D&D Eberron: Forge of the Artificer book, and it focuses primarily on map-related bonuses and Faerie Fire, which, while useful, doesn’t offer much in the way of direct combat abilities. The Cartographer excels at providing detailed maps and helping with navigation, as well as giving Initiative bonuses, but this niche focus makes it less useful in traditional combat-heavy campaigns.

It doesn’t offer much offensive power, and its utility is better suited to specific campaign types, often at the GM's discretion. If you’re looking for a role that focuses heavily on the exploration aspect of the game, the Cartographer may be the right choice. However, for most campaigns, its limited applicability in combat and support roles relegates it to C-tier, as the worst Artificer subclass in D&D.

Key Weaknesses: