D&D 5E (2024) So, what does the Artificer "replace"?

[Remathilis]

According to the 2024 PHB, certain classes can "replace" others and still be a balanced party. The list they give is this:

Cleric: Replace with Bard or Druid
Fighter: Replace with Barbarian, Monk, Paladin, or Ranger
Rogue: Replace with Bard or Ranger
Wizard: Replace with Bard, Sorcerer, or Warlock

These more or less make sense. Cleric, Bard and Druid are healers. Wizards, Bards, Sorcerers and Warlocks all are primary casters. Fighters, Barbarians, Paladins and Rangers get multiple attacks. Rogue, Bard and Ranger get Expertise.

So which group would you put the 2024 Artificer in?

They're clearly not Fighter replacements, lacking good weapons or multi-attack naturally. They don't feel like healers or casters either, seeing as they are only half-casters. I guess they are experts, but they're not really heavy skill use characters anymore and don't get expertise. And while subclasses can bend a class towards a given role (such as battle smith making the artificer closer to a Fighter replacment) it doesn't feel like any subclass bends the main class enough to be a viable replacement.

I guess I would say they're a Rogue replacement, but I'd like to hear other people's thoughts.

 

[Zardnaar]

Rogue imho.
Skill/tool monkey similar damage on 3/5 subclasses.

Other two less damage skill/tool monkey secondary healer/support.

 

[Swanosaurus]

After I've seen this, I totally want to play 3 Bards and one Barbarian!

 

[Swarmkeeper]

After I've seen this, I totally want to play 3 Bards and one Barbarian!

So, like, The Beatles?

(Sorry Ringo! Forgive me!)

 

[bedir than]

I could load up an Artillerist to be a healer easy. There's so many temp HP it can put out! The alchemist does it well too. Both can be quite supporty.

I'd say, Cleric, Rogue and maybe Wizard

 

[Zardnaar]

I could load up an Artillerist to be a healer easy. There's so many temp HP it can put out! The alchemist does it well too. Both can be quite supporty.

I'd say, Cleric, Rogue and maybe Wizard

I dont think i would want it replacing a cleric.

In addition to a cleric.

Artificer serms better than a wizard low level or 1 level starting dip for a wizard.

 

[Clint_L]

My spouse's battlesmith is an excellent off-tank and ranged attacker. I think they are kind of their own thing, but sort of fit the wizard niche, while also being able to heal in a clutch.

 

[Parmandur]

According to the 2024 PHB, certain classes can "replace" others and still be a balanced party. The list they give is this:

Cleric: Replace with Bard or Druid
Fighter: Replace with Barbarian, Monk, Paladin, or Ranger
Rogue: Replace with Bard or Ranger
Wizard: Replace with Bard, Sorcerer, or Warlock

These more or less make sense. Cleric, Bard and Druid are healers. Wizards, Bards, Sorcerers and Warlocks all are primary casters. Fighters, Barbarians, Paladins and Rangers get multiple attacks. Rogue, Bard and Ranger get Expertise.

So which group would you put the 2024 Artificer in?

They're clearly not Fighter replacements, lacking good weapons or multi-attack naturally. They don't feel like healers or casters either, seeing as they are only half-casters. I guess they are experts, but they're not really heavy skill use characters anymore and don't get expertise. And while subclasses can bend a class towards a given role (such as battle smith making the artificer closer to a Fighter replacment) it doesn't feel like any subclass bends the main class enough to be a viable replacement.

I guess I would say they're a Rogue replacement, but I'd like to hear other people's thoughts.

When they tested the more explicit and crunchy "Class Groups" for 2024, Artificer were called out as Experts, like Bard, Ranger, or Rogue.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

After I've seen this, I totally want to play 3 Bards and one Barbarian!

Three bards and a paladin is a recipe for the funniest game you've ever played.

 

[bedir than]

I dont think i would want it replacing a cleric.

In addition to a cleric.

Using Protector mode on the Eldritch Cannon and all spells as Cure Wounds versus a Life Cleric using all Cure Wounds (including 2nd level) means with an average encounter day the Artificer provides more HP potentially while the floor of the Life Cleric is higher thanks to their bonuses.

Plus, the Eldritch Cannon's protector is merely a Bonus Action