Best Artillerist Build?

[Anderlith]

So I’ve been waiting about two years to play an Artificer that was worth playing. The newest one feels like they are actually trying & I really like the Artillerist, my only question is what is the best way to build one?

I’m unsure if it’s better to use a Wand & blast away with a cantrip or if it’s better to just use a short bow/crossbow & buff it with Infusions/Arcane Weapon.

I’m planning on being Vuman, & wearing Medium Armor
Stats
Str 10
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8

[Rukelnikov]

If you are gonna use all of you class features for yourself, go shortbow or some race that gives you access to longbows.

If you are gonna be spreading infusions around, and using concentration to buff allies, go cantrips.

[Eragon123]

In low levels, there isn't much difference between a crossbow bolt, a thrown dagger and a cantrip.

That being said, once you reach level 5, I like using returning weapon, a dagger and the New Arcane Weapon spell.

Why.

Even if you leave Dex at 14, returning weapon gives you a +5 modifier. That's good enough for the first tier and a solid bit of tier two.

Cantrip will do 1d(8/10) damage depending on your choice.

A thrown dagger will do 1d4 + Dex +1 (returning weapon) + 1d6 elemental. That's pretty decent and allows you to use your first ASI in either intelligence for more utility/ higher saves or into Dex if you really want to dig in the dagger.

There is also the possibility of using crossbow expert and while there are multiple benefits, I'd rather flavor a dagger cannon than deal with the reloading property.

EDIT: Put 1d6 for daggers instead of 1d4. Thanks Rukelnikov.

[Man_Over_Game]

So I’ve been waiting about two years to play an Artificer that was worth playing. The newest one feels like they are actually trying & I really like the Artillerist, my only question is what is the best way to build one?

I’m unsure if it’s better to use a Wand & blast away with a cantrip or if it’s better to just use a short bow/crossbow & buff it with Infusions/Arcane Weapon.

I’m planning on being Vuman, & wearing Medium Armor
Stats
Str 10
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8

Looks like the Cantrip option would be better for someone who plans on being more of a "utility" specialist in their group, focusing on spellcasting over damage, and someone who plans on casting multiple spells to solve multiple problems.
The weapon option appears to be better if you plan on doing direct damage, using something like Crossbow Expert.

The main difference between the two is that the Cantrip version doesn't have to rely on the Weapon infusion or the Arcane Weapon infusion. It's more of a support choice, designed to help the team. The Weapon specialist does do more damage, but it's a lot more selfish, and isn't going to be supporting the team quite as much.

Depending on whether or not Wands are considered spell focuses (I'd say they are), you may be able to wear your shield while wielding one. I'm more of a support-oriented player, so the Wand-user seems more up my alley, but a lot of people value raw damage.

[Rukelnikov]

Cantrip will do 1d(8/10) damage depending on your choice.

A thrown dagger will do 1d6 + Dex +1 (returning weapon) + 1d6 elemental. That's pretty decent and allows you to use your first ASI in either intelligence for more utility/ higher saves or into Dex if you really want to dig in the dagger.

There is also the possibility of using crossbow expert and while there are multiple benefits, I'd rather flavor a dagger cannon than deal with the reloading property.

Daggers do 1d4 damage, throwing dagger is definitely very cool, but deal 1 point of damage less than a shortbow, its not a gimping difference so you can definitely stick to it without being "useless".

[Eragon123]

Daggers do 1d4 damage, throwing dagger is definitely very cool, but deal 1 point of damage less than a shortbow, its not a gimping difference so you can definitely stick to it without being "useless".

Thanks. Fixed it above. There isn't TOO much difference between 1d4 and 1d6 expecially with all of butter we are spreading with that knife.

1d4 + (2 for Dex) +1 for returning weapon + 1d6 (arcane weapon) has a range of

5-13 (9) damage.

A cantrip has an average of 4-6 damage depending on which one you choose.

So overall it isn't going to make much difference either way.

Just stay away from crossbows... There is so much more fun stuff you can do with a high INT mod than being able to fire twice a turn. IMO. Then again it is pretty much the only feat you will need because you already have CON save proficiency, if you make the crossbow magic (which why wouldn't you?) you can use the crossbow as a magic focus and then the fun begins.

[Damon_Tor]

So I’ve been waiting about two years to play an Artificer that was worth playing. The newest one feels like they are actually trying & I really like the Artillerist, my only question is what is the best way to build one?

I’m unsure if it’s better to use a Wand & blast away with a cantrip or if it’s better to just use a short bow/crossbow & buff it with Infusions/Arcane Weapon.

I’m planning on being Vuman, & wearing Medium Armor
Stats
Str 10
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8

The benefit of cantrips is MAD reduction. But that said, your infusions boost your weapon, not the cantrips. So keep that +2 weapon infusion in mind: even if you wind up with 20 Int and only 16 Dex, the weapon is still the better choice because the infusion makes up the difference.

[Rukelnikov]

The benefit of cantrips is MAD reduction. But that said, your infusions boost your weapon, not the cantrips. So keep that +2 weapon infusion in mind: even if you wind up with 20 Int and only 16 Dex, the weapon is still the better choice because the infusion makes up the difference.

Or give the infusion to the martial who will make better use of it, and go cantrips

[Anderlith]

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of consensus on this...

Also, How would a throwing weapon ever be better than a shortbow/crossbow? I don’t plan on going that route.

[Rukelnikov]

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of consensus on this...

Also, How would a throwing weapon ever be better than a shortbow/crossbow? I don’t plan on going that route.

Support = Cantrips
Selfish = Weapon + Arcane Armament

[Damon_Tor]

Also, How would a throwing weapon ever be better than a shortbow/crossbow?

If you want a shield.


Support = Cantrips
Selfish = Weapon + Arcane Armament

It's not that simple. For example, the Arcane Weapon spell doesn't allow you to enchant someone else's weapon: the added damage is only applied when you use the weapon yourself. There are other spells that come later (Magic Weapon and Elemental Weapon) which you can pass on to an ally, but they're a less efficient use of your limited spell slots because they're higher level spells.

[Man_Over_Game]

If you want a shield.



It's not that simple. For example, the Arcane Weapon spell doesn't allow you to enchant someone else's weapon: the added damage is only applied when you use the weapon yourself. There are other spells that come later (Magic Weapon and Elemental Weapon) which you can pass on to an ally, but they're a less efficient use of your limited spell slots because they're higher level spells.

That only supports what Rukelnikov said, though.

The Wand user will have no need for Arcane Weapon, nor will it have any reason to prepare Elemental Weapon/Magic Weapon for selfish uses. Alternatively, Weapon + Arcane Weapon has a reason to prepare Elemental Weapon, even if the Artificer doesn't plan on casting it on allies.

The Wand specialist cannot use the weapon spells, or if they do, they cannot use them selfishly. They also have access to more spells/infusions.

The Weapon specialist can always use the weapon spells, but may occasionally choose to not use them selfishly. In case they never need to cast those spells as a supportive choice, they can always choose to enhance themselves.

Or simply:

The Wand user cannot easily be selfish, and the Weapon user cannot easily support.

[Destructor]

So I’ve been waiting about two years to play an Artificer that was worth playing. The newest one feels like they are actually trying & I really like the Artillerist, my only question is what is the best way to build one?

I’m unsure if it’s better to use a Wand & blast away with a cantrip or if it’s better to just use a short bow/crossbow & buff it with Infusions/Arcane Weapon.

I’m planning on being Vuman, & wearing Medium Armor
Stats
Str 10
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 16
Wis 12
Cha 8


Step 1) Be a gnome

Step 2) Be a criminal

Step 3) become an artillerist

Step 4) Mount your turrets

Step 5) Become the craziest gnome that ever lived

[Destructor]

The benefit of cantrips is MAD reduction. But that said, your infusions boost your weapon, not the cantrips. So keep that +2 weapon infusion in mind: even if you wind up with 20 Int and only 16 Dex, the weapon is still the better choice because the infusion makes up the difference.

I'd have to disagree with you on that. This is a better choice if you're solo character (which won't happen probably), but in a campaign with other players, it's better to give the Paladin who's actually good with swords an infusion, while you can snipe off with your wands and turret which get a + INT modifier.
I normally get my DEX at 14 (because I would need it anyways for AC), and start off the first 5 levels dual-wielding daggers ("normally" because I already got to play two artificer characters, a 9th level one, and one that was recently created and currently is at lvl 2). After that, I give up my daggers in exchange for the wand, and start Ray-of-Frosting everyone in my sight (not firebolt for reasons related to my characters).

[Throne12]

I'm playing a alchemist just had a session last Sunday. I made use of my ability to make potions quick and cheap to the fullest I can. So my advice is first off start by making a wand if magic missile then when you can make a wand of fireball. Use them for your main attack. Bonus you can still carry a shield and if needed carry a knife of returning it is so fun to use it. Last Sunday I killed 2 cultist and a vampire spawn with a dagger of returning and arcane weapon.

[Anderlith]

Step 1) Be a gnome

Step 2) Be a criminal

Step 3) become an artillerist

Step 4) Mount your turrets

Step 5) Become the craziest gnome that ever lived

I actually mentioned this build in the Artificer thread. Including a chariot design for when you get two

[fyrkrag]

Thanks. Fixed it above. There isn't TOO much difference between 1d4 and 1d6 expecially with all of butter we are spreading with that knife.

1d4 + (2 for Dex) +1 for returning weapon + 1d6 (arcane weapon) has a range of

5-13 (9) damage.

A cantrip has an average of 4-6 damage depending on which one you choose.

So overall it isn't going to make much difference either way.

Just stay away from crossbows... There is so much more fun stuff you can do with a high INT mod than being able to fire twice a turn. IMO. Then again it is pretty much the only feat you will need because you already have CON save proficiency, if you make the crossbow magic (which why wouldn't you?) you can use the crossbow as a magic focus and then the fun begins.

you are forgetting artliarist cantrips benefit from arcane fire arm which adds 1d8 if artliarist uses his wand so at lvl 5 artilarist is doing 2d10+1d8 for a range of 3-28 average of 16

[Contrast]

you are forgetting artliarist cantrips benefit from arcane fire arm which adds 1d8 if artliarist uses his wand so at lvl 5 artilarist is doing 2d10+1d8 for a range of 3-28 average of 16

One of the reasons necroing old threads is against the forum rules is that the people you are talking to were discussing the UA version of the artificer before the official version was printed (you will note that the arcane weapon spell which the build you quoted was relying on didn't make the final cut for example).

[Ventruenox]

Mödley Crüe: I expend a charge from my Wand of Dispel Thread Necromancy.