Subclass Artificer Artillerist
The Artillerist is an Artificer subclass built around magical artillery — creating an Eldritch Cannon that acts as an autonomous weapon or support turret. The Artillerist also gains crossbow and longbow proficiencies and the Firearm Expert passive, making it the ranged-combat specialist of the four Artificer subclasses. At Level 5, Arcane Firearm amplifies every spell cast through a designated weapon with a free d8 damage bonus.
| LEVEL | FEATURE |
|---|---|
| 3 | Artillerist Spells, Eldritch Cannon |
| 5 | Arcane Firearm |
| 9 | Explosive Cannon |
Artillerist Spells When you reach certain Artificer levels, you always have specific spells prepared:
| ARTIFICER LEVEL | SPELLS |
|---|---|
| 3 | Shield, Thunderwave |
| 5 | Scorching Ray, Shatter |
| 9 | Fireball, Conjure Barrage |
You also gain proficiency with Hand Crossbows, Heavy Crossbows, Longbows, and the Firearm Expert passive.
Eldritch Cannon You can create a Tiny Eldritch Cannon in your hand. You determine its appearance and whether you carry it, including its form, such as having legs or wheels.
Arcane Firearm You can use your Arcane Firearm as a Spellcasting Focus for your Artificer spells. When you cast an Artificer spell through the firearm, roll 1d8, and you gain a bonus to one of the spell's damage rolls equal to the number rolled.
Explosive Cannon The Eldritch Cannon you create is now more destructive, granting additional benefits.
The Artillerist is the blaster and area-control Artificer. Eldritch Cannon provides a persistent threat or defensive tool that acts independently — while you continue casting. Arcane Firearm at Level 5 turns every spell you cast into a slightly stronger spell, requiring no action cost beyond using your weapon as a focus. The spell list leans into damage and disruption: Fireball and Conjure Barrage at Level 9 are among the highest-output area spells available.
What defines the Artillerist:
- Eldritch Cannon — autonomous turret that deals damage or provides support, freeing your actions for spells
- Arcane Firearm — free +1d8 to one damage roll per spell cast through the firearm
- Explosive Cannon at Level 9 — escalates cannon output significantly
- Artillerist Spells emphasize raw damage: Scorching Ray, Fireball, Conjure Barrage