When players want to create a character similar to Tony Stark, the Armorer Artificer is a great choice. The Artificer is an interesting class because it thinks of magic as something to be manipulated and used to power devices. Described as "masters of invention," Artificers use tools to manipulate the Weave and create magical effects, spells, and creations.
Armorers specialize in creating armor that acts almost like a second skin. When players choose this subclass, they'll have the option to use it very much like Iron Man or allow it to bolster their abilities like Stealth. Players have several good options when it comes to races, spells, and feats that can improve the Armorer's abilities. Whether players follow it closely or simply use it as a jumping-off point for their own ideas, there are ways D&D players can craft the perfect Armorer.
Armorer Build Summary
Ability Scores (in order of importance) | Intelligence, Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom, Strength, Charisma |
Race | Gnome, Githyanki, Vedalken |
Feats | Keen Mind, Linguist, Telepathic, Telekinetic, Sentinel, Spell Sniper |
Infusions | Arcane Propulsion Armor, Enhanced Weapon, Enhanced Defense |
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Intelligence Is the Armorer Artificer's Most Important Ability Score
Since Intelligence is the Artificer's spellcasting ability, Intelligence is the first stat to prioritize. Next should be Constitution, as increasing a character's CON score improves their hit points, something that'll likely come in handy for a frontline fighter wearing an armored suit. While Armorers can switch between the two types of armor worn, many players will find they naturally enjoy a certain playstyle more, so increasing the scores that go along with that function is smart. If a character will be using the Infiltrator feature quite a bit, boosting Dexterity to naturally increase Stealth is a wise choice.
The Best Race For An Armorer Artificer
Since Intelligence is so important for Artificers, choosing a race that offers a boost to INT will provide a strong start. It can also be good to boost Dexterity, as it will not only improve the character's Initiative Bonus but will also improve Stealth, which can be important for the Inquisitor build. A few great options for Armorer races include Gnomes (who have a natural +2 to Intelligence), Gith (who have a +1), and Vedalken (who have a +2 to Intelligence). If the Dungeon Master doesn't allow content from other sourcebooks, Variant Human is also a good choice.
Gnomes are considered small creatures, which can affect play to a certain degree. If players go the Variant Human route, choosing Intelligence and Dexterity as the starting bonuses are good options. With the free feat the Variant Human grants, choosing something that will also bump up Intelligence is a solid move. Keen Mind grants a +1 to INT scores, as does Linguist, which can be a nice pairing for an Artificer because it allows the character to create ciphers.
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The Best Feats For An Armorer Artificer
In addition to Keen Mind and Linguist, two feats introduced in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything are also great options: Telepathic and Telekinetic. On top of the +1 INT players will receive, these feats let characters pull off some neat tricks, either moving objects with thought alone or reading others' minds.
Skill Expert (also from Tasha's) is another excellent choice, as it allows players to choose an ability score to increase and take proficiency and expertise in a skill. This would allow the Armorer to take proficiency in Stealth to boost that score if they'll be playing as an Infiltrator Armorer, or in Perception or Investigation since the likely choices when choosing an Artificer are Arcana and History.
Feats can also help support a player's chosen playstyle. Depending on how the character behaves, Sentinel, Spell Sniper, and War Caster could be good options. If a player wants to control the battlefield and limit enemy movement, Sentinel is a great option. If a player is looking to improve their ranged spell attacks and fight from a distance, Spell Sniper is the way to go. Finally, War Caster is always a good feat to take as a spell caster, especially one who might be near the front lines thanks to their armor. The advantage of CON helping maintain concentration on a spell can make it or break it in crucial moments.
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The Best Infusions for an Armorer
When creating an Armorer, there are a few Infusions that seem like they were designed specifically for this subclass. Arcane Propulsion Armor Infusion leans heavily into the Armorer's Iron Man inspirations. The ability to shoot a piece of the armor off and hit someone with it is Stark-level ingenious.
Enhanced Weapon is also a solid choice for an Armorer, as it allows those empowered attacks to do even more damage and hit a bit easier. On that note, the Enhanced Defense is also a fantastic choice. As players level up, they'll be able to take more Infusions, but these first few make for a very strong start and work well when players choose their subclass at level three.
FAQs
A few great options for Armorer races include Gnomes (who have a natural +2 to Intelligence), Gith (who have a +1), and Vedalken (who have a +2 to Intelligence). If the Dungeon Master doesn't allow content from other sourcebooks, Variant Human is also a good choice.
Do artificers have armor proficiency? ›
Tools of the Trade When you adopt this specialization at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with heavy armor. You also gain proficiency with smith's tools. If you already have this tool proficiency, you gain proficiency with one other type of artisan's tools of your choice.
Do artificers need strength? ›
More so than almost any other class, armorer artificer can get by with focusing on only one ability score. Other users of heavy armour need strength, but you can ignore that due to your class features. Most users of ranged weapons need dexterity, but your lightning launcher is powered by intelligence.
Do armorer artificers use weapons? ›
Armorer Artificer Weapons
The only reason you need a weapon is to last you until you can wear armor, and then perhaps a melee weapon if you're an Infiltrator primary and not confident enough in your AC to walk away from things before you lightning them. Guardian primaries should be using cantrips for ranged attacks.
What is the weakest race in D&D? ›
There is an undeniable appeal in playing a D&D character related to a powerful dragon, but 5e's base Dragonborn are often considered the weakest of the PHB races. Their breath weapon's limited range and poor damage scaling make it less useful than it looks, especially at higher levels.
What is the fastest race in D&D? ›
It depends on what sources you're drawing from, for player races/etc. The fastest race is, as far as I know, the Aarakocra, with 50′ base flying speed. You can get a base speed of 90′ with the mobile feat and 18th Lv Monk. Bladesinging is not a multiclass option in this scenario, since it only affects walking speed.
Can an armorer artificer infuse their armor? ›
You learn how to use your artificer infusions to specially modify your Arcane Armor. That armor now counts as separate items for the purposes of your Infuse Items feature: armor (the chest piece), boots, helmet, and the armor's special weapon.
Does Dexterity affect armor class? ›
Dexterity affects armor class based on the armor type (or lack of armor)the character is wearing. There are three types of armor (armor class can be without armor). Unarmored- usually 10+dexterity modifier. Light armor- set number (>10)+dexterity modifier.
What happens if you aren't proficient with armor? ›
The PHB (p. 144) says: If you wear armor that you lack proficiency with, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can't cast spells.
How do I make Artificers better? ›
Best Ability Scores For An Artificer
Intelligence is your top priority for any Artificer. Your spellcasting relies on it, along with your class features. You should aim to get it to 20 through any combination of starting numbers, ability score improvements and species bonuses.
So technically the only artificer that needs the mending cantrip would be an Alchemist or an Artillerist who decides on having a Homunculus Servant but even then they can just accept that if it dies it's gone until the next day.
Do Artificers get invisibility? ›
Outside of class features, the spell Invisibility can also be learned by Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards at 3rd level, Artificers at 5th level, and Arcane Trickster rogues and Eldritch Knight fighters at 8th level.
Can artificers dual wield? ›
Spellcasters Most spellcasting classes in D&D 5e—including artificers, clerics, druids, sorcerers, wizards, and warlocks—won't get anything out of the Dual Wielder feat (or the dual-wielding combat mechanic). Sorcerers, artificers, druids, wizards, and warlocks all need their hands free to cast spells.
What is the difference between armorer and armorer? ›
Armorer and armourer are both English terms. Armorer is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English ( en-US ) while armourer is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) ( en-GB ). In the United States, there is a preference for "armorer" over "armourer" (94 to 6).
Can artificers craft bombs? ›
Explosive Crafting
Artificer can make Spears explosive at the cost of 1 food pip by holding Grab. Rocks turn into Grenades, Flashbangs into Lanterns, and Batnip into Cherrybombs when swallowed at 1 or more hunger, consuming 1 food pip in the process.
What is the best race for a druid in Dungeons and Dragons? ›
The Best Druid Races in D&D 5e
- Unsurprisingly, Variant Human and Custom Lineage Make Good Druids. ...
- Tortle Overcomes a Druid's Armor Class Issues. ...
- Fairy Gets Flight and Wisdom Spellcasting. ...
- Githzerai Provides Wide-Ranging Utility and Defenses. ...
- Eladrin Plugs a Gap in the Most Versatile Way.
Satyr is infamous as one of the best races in D&D 5e. They're good for everyone, and thoroughly excellent for any Paladin build. Their higher movement speed is excellent for making sure a Paladin can close with the enemy. Mirthful Leaps isn't as reliable as climbing, flying, or teleporting, but it beats having nothing.
What race should an artificer be? ›
The best race for an Artificer is Variant DnD Human. Taking a feat at level one, they start out stronger than most races, and can replicate the proficiencies of half of them. Plus, Variant Humans have only become more versatile as more 5e feats have been released in additional DnD books.
