Battle Smith Artificer Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Battle Smith Artificer in D&D 5e

The Battle Smith Artificer in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) is a master of magical warfare, blending arcane knowledge with martial prowess. Accompanied by a loyal Steel Defender, Battle Smiths are frontline combatants who can heal allies, control the battlefield, and deal consistent damage. If you envision a character who combines intellect with combat efficiency, the Battle Smith is your ideal choice.

Why Play a Battle Smith?

• Intelligence-Based Combat: Utilize your Intelligence modifier for weapon attacks, allowing for a unique and effective combat style.
• Steel Defender Companion: Summon a mechanical ally that aids in combat and provides tactical advantages.
• Versatile Role: Balance between offense, defense, and support, adapting to various combat scenarios.
• Enhanced Durability: Access to medium armor, shields, and healing abilities increases survivability.

Core Features of the Battle Smith

Battle Ready

At 3rd level, you gain proficiency with martial weapons and can use your Intelligence modifier for attack and damage rolls with magic weapons.

Steel Defender

Also at 3rd level, you can create a Steel Defender, a mechanical companion that acts on your command, aiding in combat and providing defensive support.

Extra Attack

Starting at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.

Arcane Jolt

At 9th level, you can channel magical energy into your attacks or your Steel Defender's attacks, dealing extra damage or healing allies.

Improved Defender

At 15th level, your Steel Defender becomes more resilient, and your Arcane Jolt's damage and healing increase.

Best Ability Scores for Battle Smiths

• Intelligence (Top Priority): Determines your spellcasting ability and enhances your combat effectiveness.
• Constitution (Very Important): Increases your hit points and helps maintain concentration on spells.
• Dexterity: Improves your Armor Class and initiative, especially if you're not wearing heavy armor.

Best Races for a Battle Smith

• Warforged: Offers a bonus to Intelligence and Constitution, along with integrated armor, fitting the Battle Smith's theme.
• Half-Elf: Provides flexibility in ability score increases and extra skills.
• Mountain Dwarf: Grants bonuses to Strength and Constitution, useful for a more melee-focused build.
• Human (Variant): Allows for a feat at 1st level, enabling early customization.

Playing as a Battle Smith

Your Role in the Party

Battle Smiths serve as versatile combatants, capable of dealing damage, providing healing, and controlling the battlefield. Your Steel Defender adds an extra layer of strategy, allowing you to protect allies and disrupt enemies.

Tips for New Battle Smith Players

• Coordinate with Your Steel Defender: Use your companion to flank enemies, impose disadvantage on attacks, and absorb damage.
• Balance Offense and Support: Utilize your spells and Arcane Jolt to adapt to the needs of the battle.
• Maintain Concentration: Choose spells that complement your combat style and remember to manage concentration effectively.

Roleplay Ideas for Your Battle Smith

• Arcane Engineer: A brilliant inventor who combines magic and machinery to protect others.
• Battlefield Medic: A seasoned warrior who uses their knowledge to heal and support allies amidst combat.
• Guardian of Innovation: A protector of magical advancements, ensuring their creations are used responsibly.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Best Equipment for Battle Smiths

• Weapons: Choose a magic weapon that suits your combat style, such as a longsword or crossbow.
• Armor: Opt for medium armor and a shield to maximize your defense.
• Infusions: Consider Enhanced Weapon, Enhanced Defense, and Repeating Shot to bolster your capabilities.

Battle Smith Dice Recommendations

A Battle Smith relies on precision, intelligence, and resilience. Your choice of dice can reflect both the magical engineering and the battlefield prowess of this subclass. The right DND dice sets can help you stay immersed in the theme of your artificer while rolling confidently for every spell, attack, and saving throw.

• Arcane Engineer: The Gemstone Opalite (Gold Font) DND Dice Set captures the luminous intelligence of an artificer. With its glowing clarity and smooth feel, it’s perfect for tracking spellcasting rolls tied to your high Intelligence score. 
• Forged in Battle: For a sturdier, war-forged aesthetic, the Black Obsidian Gemstone DND Dice Set has the weight and resilience you’d expect from a Steel Defender’s companion. Its durability makes it ideal for players who enjoy the gravitas of gemstone dice. 
• Tactical Precision: The Blue Glitter Liquid Core Sharp Edge Resin DND Dice Set embodies magical innovation. The swirling liquid core reflects the artificer’s ability to merge technology and arcane energy into a dazzling form of artistry. 
• Battlefield Authority: For a bold look, the Blood Red Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set stands out on the table, representing your commanding presence in combat as you heal allies, control the battlefield, and strike down enemies.

Whether you prefer the natural polish of gemstone dice or the shimmering creativity of resin dice, Runic Dice offers full polyhedral sets to match your artificer’s identity. With the right tools, every roll feels as purposeful and powerful as your Battle Smith’s creations.

Advanced Battle Smith Tips

Optimization Strategies

Feats:

• Warcaster: Improves your ability to maintain concentration and cast spells in combat.
• Resilient (Constitution): Enhances your Constitution score and saving throws, aiding in concentration checks.

Multiclassing:

• Fighter: A few levels can provide additional combat abilities and Action Surge.
• Cleric: Offers access to supportive spells and Channel Divinity options.

Magic Items:

• Headband of Intellect: Sets your Intelligence score to 19, ensuring consistent performance.
• Cloak of Protection: Boosts your Armor Class and saving throws.

• Ring of Spell Storing: Store utility or healing spells like Shield, Sanctuary, or Cure Wounds to use reactively in combat.
• Belt of Dwarvenkind: Grants Constitution bonuses and extra resistances, great for a front-line artificer.
• Periapt of Wound Closure: Doubles your healing and stabilizes you automatically if dropped to 0 HP, excellent for a support-heavy build.

The Battle Smith is one of the most balanced and combat-ready subclasses in the Artificer lineup. With a loyal Steel Defender, powerful infused weapons, and versatile support spells, you’ll feel like a mix between a tactical commander and arcane knight. You can repair damage mid-battle, protect your team, and still strike with forceful intelligence-based attacks.

Whether you're the team's front-line tank, its emergency healer, or the one with a plan and a mechanical companion to back it up, the Battle Smith offers everything a smart warrior needs to keep the adventure rolling and the team alive.

With the right dice from Runic Dice, your rolls will reflect the personality, durability, and tactical edge that defines the Battle Smith. Choose a set that feels as strong, bold, and dependable as your Steel Defender.