All 5 New Dungeons & Dragons Artificer Subclasses, Ranked Worst to Best

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Many Dungeons & Dragons players were especially excited about the return to the Eberron setting in 2025. Originally planned for release in August, the book Eberron: Forge of the Artificer was delayed due to concerns about the quality of the printed copies. Now, on December 9th, D&D fans can finally get their hands on the updated 5th edition rules for the Artificer class, which also includes new and improved subclasses designed for these rules.

The Forge of the Artificer book adds five new subclass options for players who enjoy the Artificer class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. It also updates the core rules for the Artificer, which weren’t originally included in the main Player’s Handbook. Many Artificer players who’ve adopted the latest 2024 rules have been eagerly awaiting this book. Now that it’s available, I’ll be reviewing each new subclass, ranking them based on how interesting they are and how compelling they are to build a character around.

5) Alchemist

When the Alchemist subclass was initially previewed in Unearthed Arcana, Artificer players expressed disappointment with the changes. The final published version doesn’t seem to differ much from that early draft. While there are some updates from the 2014 version, they’re fairly small and don’t address the main concerns players had about this subclass.

The Artificer class leans towards supporting others, but its daily elixirs can be quite random, making it a bit unpredictable. While Level 9 unlocks new healing options, you won’t get the temporary hit points that were available in earlier versions. If you enjoy the concept of an Alchemist, this subclass might be fun to try, but it’s still generally considered one of the less popular Artificer choices, even after recent updates.

4) Battle Smith

The Battle Smith is one of three Artificer subclasses receiving updated rules in Dungeons & Dragons for 2024. This subclass is flexible, blending combat skills with the ability to heal. While the changes from the 2014 version are fairly minor, there are still a few adjustments. It might not be the most dramatically updated option, but the Battle Smith remains a dependable choice for players.

The Battle Smith class hasn’t changed much in the latest update. You can now create weapons faster, which is a major improvement. However, your Steel Defender is a little weaker – it has less health and isn’t as perceptive. It also can’t be healed with the Mending spell, making it harder to keep alive, though its attack damage has been slightly increased. Overall, these changes balance out, leaving the Battle Smith about as effective as it was before.

3) Cartographer

Okay, so I’ve been checking out the Cartographer, which is a new subclass for the Artificer class that came out in Forge of the Artificer. It’s really cool – you get abilities that let you basically teleport around the battlefield and keep an eye on what your teammates are up to. It feels more like a caster and support role, honestly, but it seems super fun if you enjoy thinking outside the box and being strategic with your turns.

This class features spells such as Faerie Fire, Guiding Bolt, Clairvoyance, and Banishment. It also includes the Adventurer’s Atlas, a useful ability for tracking allies who become separated from the group. The special maps provided by this class give your party an advantage by increasing your initiative in combat, allowing you to act faster. Overall, the Cartographer offers some unique abilities, but mastering them will require careful planning and strategy to maximize their effectiveness.

2) Artillerist

This class returns from the original set with updates for the 2024 rules. While the Alchemist hasn’t seen many changes, the Artillerist has received some significant improvements. It still uses the same Artificer spells, but the Eldritch Cannon is much more powerful now.

As a huge fan of the Artillerist, I’m really excited about the changes! The Eldritch Cannon still shows up at 3rd level, but it’s way better now. Before, you had to pick just one thing for it to do – force damage, fire, or defense. Now, it can switch between those and other options during combat! This makes the subclass so much more flexible, and it means the Cannon isn’t just adding one extra attack each turn. It’s easily one of the most improved Artificer subclasses in Forge of the Artificer.

1) Armorer

The Artificer is getting a brand-new subclass in 2024 designed for players who love piloting powerful mech suits. This class focuses on creating and enhancing Arcane Armor, allowing you to customize it for different playstyles. You can build your armor to be a damage dealer, a durable tank, or a stealthy infiltrator – the choice is yours!

If you’re looking for a powerful, front-line Artificer build, the Armorer subclass is a great choice. It lets you customize your armor with different models, each with a unique focus – dealing heavy damage as the Dreadnaught, protecting allies as the Guardian, or sneaking around as the Infiltrator. You can even switch between these models during a short or long rest, giving you a lot of flexibility. As you gain levels, your armor gets even stronger, making this a really effective subclass. It’s new, imaginative, and adaptable, which makes it, in my opinion, the most exciting option in Forge of the Artificer.

The latest Dungeons & Dragons book, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, is now available on D&D Beyond and at all major retailers that sell D&D sourcebooks. You can purchase the physical copy for $29.99.

What Artificer subclass are you planning to play first? Share your choice in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-09 20:48