Dungeons & Dragons: How To Build An Alchemist Artificer (2024)

So you want to be an Alchemist, eh? Does the periodic table give you goosebumps? Do you have an overwhelming desire to turn iron into gold and delve deep into the secrets of the universe? Then perhaps alchemy is for you.

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has plenty of support classes, but none of them offer the flexibility of the Alchemist. As an Alchemist, you can heal the sick, restore the wounded, and create magical items that will propel your adventuring party to greater feats of bravery. Building an Alchemist can be a challenge, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you on your alchemical journey.

Alchemist Features Overview

In Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, the Alchemist is an Artificer subclass that specializes in support, whether that be creating helpful (if random) potions to casting buffs and debuffs on allies and enemies. Alchemists are the healers of the Artificer world, with spells that cleanse player characters and bonuses to healing.

Combined with their ability to infuse magical items, Alchemists are able to both equip and maintain their adventuring party like no other character can. However, where Alchemists excel in support, they tend to fall behind in damage output. Bolstering your alchemist’s damage is going to be a key focus in determining your species.

As an Alchemist, you gain proficiency with alchemist supplies which provide you the ability to alchemical reagents. You also gain access to the Experimental Elixir feature, which allows you to create six different potions provided you are able to complete a long rest and have an empty flask.

Alchemists also gain access to several spells at various levels, including:

At fifth level, Alchemical Savant allows Alchemists to add their Intelligence modifier to one healing or damage roll, making magic their preferred damage source. At ninth level, Alchemists can cast lesser restoration without using a spell slot, and at 15th level they can cast both greater restoration and heal.

Best Species For Alchemists

Alchemists do not gain proficiency in heavy armor or martial weapons, and at fifth level, they're able to deal additional damage to their spells. Therefore, it makes sense for Alchemists to focus on magic, choosing a species that enhances that magic or offers a greater variety of spells to cast.

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Best Ability Scores For Alchemists

Alchemists want high Intelligence scores to fuel their magic and improve their skill checks, so boost this as high as possible. Next will be Constitution to boost your hit points. Dexterity is third to improve your armor class and overall resilience. Wisdom, Charisma, and Strength are your dump stats.

If using the points buy system to create your character, a good starting spread of stats might look like this:

Best Alchemist Spells

Alchemists are actually half-spellcaster characters. You don't get as many spells as a Wizard or Sorcerer, so it's important to pick spells that'll have the most impact. This is also why it's a good idea to choose a species that has some innate spellcasting in order to widen your poor of available spells.

Recommended Spells

Best Starting Alchemist Infusions

At second level, all Artificers gain the ability to infuse mundane objects with magic. There is a large list of potential infusions that grows as you gain Artificer levels. Here are some recommended starting infusions at second level.

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