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

The Alchemist is a creative and support-focused path for Artificers in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Infusing potions and elixirs with arcane energy, Alchemists serve as battlefield chemists, healers, and magical problem-solvers. If you love mixing fantasy with mad science and helping your party survive with mystical brews, this subclass is for you.

Why Play an Alchemist?

Healing and Buffing: Alchemists provide some of the best support options among Artificers.

Versatile Elixirs: Each day you can craft magical elixirs with effects like healing, transformation, or flying.

Flavorful Roleplay: Play a quirky potion master, mystical botanist, or arcane chemist.

If you want to play the magical equivalent of a scientist with a flair for helping allies and tinkering with strange brews, the Alchemist is a fantastic choice.

Core Features of the Alchemist

Here are the key features that define an Alchemist in D&D 5e:

Experimental Elixir

At the start of each day, you magically craft 1–6 elixirs, each granting different effects like healing, flight, AC boosts, and more.

Alchemical Savant

You add your Intelligence modifier to one roll of any healing or damage spell you cast, making you a more potent support or damage-dealer.

Restorative Reagents

You gain access to more elixirs and can hand out temporary hit points when casting healing spells.

Chemical Mastery

At high levels, you become resistant to acid and poison damage and immune to being poisoned, plus you can cast greater restoration and heal for free.

Best Ability Scores for Alchemists

Intelligence (Top Priority): Fuels your spells, elixirs, and key abilities.

Constitution (Very Important): Increases your durability, especially since you’ll often be near the frontlines to support allies.

Dexterity (Helpful): Improves your initiative and AC, especially if you favor light armor.

Best Races for an Alchemist

Rock Gnome: Intelligence bonus and natural tinkering flavor make it a thematic fit.

Vedalken: Great Intelligence boost and magical resilience.

Forest Gnome: Bonus to Dexterity and Intelligence plus minor illusion magic.

Human (Variant): Flexible stats and an early feat like Healer or Resilient can be extremely helpful.

Playing as an Alchemist

Your Role in the Party

Alchemists are versatile support casters who bring healing, buffs, utility, and sometimes crowd control. While they’re not front-line tanks or primary damage dealers, their elixirs and support spells can turn the tide of battle and keep your team standing.

Tips for New Alchemist Players

• Use Experimental Elixirs preemptively, don’t wait until combat to figure them out.

• Focus on spells that complement your elixirs, like Cure Wounds, Faerie Fire, or Web.

• Your healing scales well, don’t underestimate your role as a party medic.

• You’re more than just a healer! Mix utility and debuff spells into your prep list.

Roleplay Ideas for Your Alchemist

The Eccentric Brewer: Carries dozens of flasks, each with wildly unpredictable results.

The Field Medic: A pragmatic, on-the-go potion slinger who patches wounds and cures ailments.

The Curious Botanist: Combines nature and arcane chemistry to brew magical salves and tonics.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Best Equipment for Alchemists

Weapons: Use simple ranged weapons like light crossbows or darts to stay at a distance.

Armor: Start with medium armor or infuse armor for AC bonuses.

Infusions: Focus on Enhanced Arcane Focus, Mind Sharpener, or Repulsion Shield to support your magic and survivability.

Alchemist Dice Recommendations

Runic Dice offers beautifully thematic sets that fit the style and energy of the Alchemist:

Mystic Blue Brew
Gemstone Light Blue Cat’s Eye DND Dice Set – With a shimmering, polished surface, these hand-carved dice capture the calm, calculated magic of a master potion-maker. The ethereal glow of the Cat’s Eye stone mirrors the swirling mysteries inside your alchemical vials.

Emerald Elixir Essence
Green Zircon Glass DND Dice Set – Vivid and vibrant, these green glass dice evoke the bubbling power of jungle elixirs and rejuvenating potions. Their raised, hand-carved design adds an organic feel, perfect for an alchemist who draws power from both nature and arcane chemistry.

Prismatic Concoction
Gemstone Raised Dichroic Glass DND Dice Set – Reflecting a spectrum of colors like shifting magical brews, these dichroic glass dice capture the experimental and unpredictable side of alchemy. Every roll feels like discovering a new and wondrous formula.

Each of these dice sets is available exclusively at Runic Dice and is hand-selected to enhance the magical experience of playing an Alchemist in D&D 5e.

Advanced Alchemist Tips

Optimization Strategies

Feats: Healer is a great thematic and mechanical choice. Inspiring Leader also pairs well with your support role.

Multiclassing: A dip into Cleric (Life Domain) enhances your healing. Alternatively, Sorcerer adds spellcasting options.

Magic Items: Seek out items that boost Intelligence or support potion making, like a Headband of Intellect or Alchemy Jug.

Advanced Builds

Battlefield Brewer: Focus on area spells like Web and Grease while providing buffs and heals with elixirs.

Healing Chemist: Take all healing-enhancing feats, spells, and infusions. You’ll be the best party medic.

Control Crafter: Combine Faerie Fire and Web with elixirs that slow, confuse, or restrain enemies.

The Alchemist is a flavorful and flexible subclass for players who love magical crafting and party support. With Experimental Elixirs, healing spells, and a flair for invention, you’ll always have something useful in your bag of tricks. Whether you’re stabilizing a fallen ally or tossing a glowing vial into the fray, the Alchemist brings creativity and life-saving magic to any D&D table.