D&D 5E Does the Artificer Suck?

[FrogReaver]

I have seen those level 9/10/11 sharpshooter types in action though.

Once you get to those levels the artificer can start talking about 3rd level spells. +2 magical weapon infusions (if not outright better ones). A 4th infusion.

The "best" warrior artificer even with those infusions is still worse than middling fighters, paladins and Rangers.

How?

And paladins have a fair bit of utility themselves.

Is your argument really that it sucks because it's not as good as a Paladin?

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I don't see the other artificer subclasses being very good.

IME the Artillerist is the best subclass, and armorer is really good from level 6 on, but mid tier before that. Battlesmith is, IME, only the “best” in spreadsheets.

 

[FrogReaver]

IME the Artillerist is the best subclass, and armorer is really good from level 6 on, but mid tier before that. Battlesmith is, IME, only the “best” in spreadsheets.

The only thing I've seen the artillerist have going for it is the temp hp cannon. That things a beast at level 3. It's still decent later but it falls off pretty hard as enemies get to hit harder and harder.

You'll have to elaborate on the armorer build because I'm not seeing it.

 

[Zardnaar]

Once you get to those levels the artificer can start talking about 3rd level spells. +2 magical weapon infusions (if not outright better ones). A 4th infusion.

How?


Is your argument really that it sucks because it's not as good as a Paladin?

Multiple attacks plus sharpshooter

Fighter types 3-4 attacks level 5-11 plus action surge with XBE

Hunter hordenreaker and volley triggers enough sharpshooter rocks.

Artificer at best gets two attacks plus defender.b

 

[FrogReaver]

Multiple attacks plus sharpshooter

Fighter types 3-4 attacks level 5-11 plus action surge with XBE

That was factored in to my numbers and the artificer was right in the ballpark with a 3 attack XBE+SS+Precision Attack Fighter

 

[Zardnaar]

That was factored in to my numbers and the artificer was right in the ballpark with a 3 attack XBE+SS+Precision Attack Fighter

Only one artificer can do that.

If you're using CBE you're not using your steel defender. See the problem now?

You're giving up your major class feature to use xbe. Ranger doesn't it enhances it eg gloomstalker ranger with XBE.

 

[Argyle King]

IME the Artillerist is the best subclass, and armorer is really good from level 6 on, but mid tier before that. Battlesmith is, IME, only the “best” in spreadsheets.

In my anecdotal experience with my current character, the artillerist sometimes feels like a monk but one which can spread resources across a wider battlefield.

What do I mean by that?

Between myself, the homunculus, and my cannons; I have a lot of hits going out (kinda like a flurry of blows) and I'm able to either focus fire or spread things out over a wide area. That's without the drawback of so few ki points... I very rarely run out of spell slots.

At the same time, I'm also able to heal, serve as an effective trapsmith, and offer mobility and exploration options.

All of that is before adding the party's spare magic items to my homunculus.

 

[FrogReaver]

Only one artificer can do that.

If you're using CBE you're not using your steel defender. See the problem now?

You're giving up your major class feature to use xbe. Ranger doesn't it enhances it eg gloomstalker ranger with XBE.

I'm not trying to use XBE with the Battlesmith???

 

[Zardnaar]

I'm not trying to use XBE with the Battlesmith???

Sorry I misread what you said.

But I have seen that xbe+SS fighter in action level 10/11.

In a real game the battlesmith can't compete with that same. Or various rangers doing something similar.

That's the best artificer vs ok Fighters/rangers/paladins.

In a real game the artificer isn't that good at combat in real conditions. And it's not that good at support and some classes eg clerics can fight and support better than artificer.

 

[FrogReaver]

Sorry I misread what you said.

But I have seen that xbe+SS fighter in action level 10/11.

I have seen it in play from level 1 on. It's a strong character, especially in someones hands that can utilize range and precision attack well.

In a real game the battlesmith can't compete with that same. Or various rangers doing something similar.

Why?

That's the best artificer vs ok Fighters/rangers/paladins.

If your talking about a SS+XBE+Precision attack fighter then you are talking about the best fighter.

In a real game the artificer isn't that good at combat in real conditions. And it's not that good at support and some classes eg clerics can fight and support better than artificer.

I'd say under real conditions the Battlesmith artificer I described is going to outperform the SS+CBE+Precision attack Fighter. (At least at level 5-6 where I was comparing).