New Artificer Unearthed Arcana

Okay, fellow D&D enthusiasts, let's talk about the Artificer's latest Unearthed Arcana, specifically that intriguing bit of tech: the Lightning Launcher! As someone who loves playing an Artificer, I was super excited to see what new gadgets we'd get, and this one definitely caught my eye. But, is it all it's cracked up to be? I've been poring over the details, and I've got some personal takes to share. First off, what exactly is this Lightning Launcher? From what I've gathered, it seems to be an evolution or alternative to the Artillerist's Eldritch Cannon, offering a ranged attack option. The OCR snippets mention damage like "2d10 Bludgeoning plus intelligence modifier" and "1d8 Thunder plus the ability," which suggests a versatile attack. It’s a core feature tied to your Artificer spellcasting focus. The idea of channeling your personal energy into a projectile is super cool, but the mechanics are key. It’s not just about raw damage; it's about how it fits into your action economy. Do you have to expend a bonus action every turn, or is it a single attack as part of your Attack action? These little details make a huge difference in combat. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty. What I'm seeing from the UA is that it aims to give Artillerists more options beyond just the classic Flamethrower or the Force Ballista (which some OCR text refers to as a "Force Ballistic energy, projectiles"). The OCR even says "ENOUGH ARTILLERIST" and "MAKING A FLAMETHROWER A FORCE BALLISTIC" which makes me think the designers are trying to diversify the Artillerist's arsenal. While the Flamethrower is great for area control and the Force Ballista for single-target nuking, the Lightning Launcher seems to bridge a gap, potentially offering reliable, scaled damage. The notion of damage increasing with your level, perhaps tied to Level 5: Arcane Firearm, is a solid progression. However, I personally think that it has some things that need to be changed before it's 2024 ready. My main concern is often the opportunity cost. If you're using your action or bonus action to deploy or fire the Lightning Launcher, what aren't you doing? Are you sacrificing a powerful spell? Are you giving up the utility of your Protector Turret (if you're a Battle Smith, though this is primarily Artillerist focused)? The OCR also mentions "Explosive Cannon" at Level 9, which implies other powerful options. We want our choices to feel impactful, not like we're settling. The "quality of life changes" are always appreciated, but the core mechanics need to feel truly rewarding. For those looking to optimize, I'd consider how this pairs with other infusions. Maybe something that boosts its range or allows for multiple attacks. Imagine infusing it with 'Repeating Shot' if applicable, though that might be redundant. Thinking about the "intelligence modifier" for damage, it clearly scales with your primary stat, which is great. I’d also look at how it interacts with spell save DCs mentioned in the OCR – does it force a save, or is it a direct attack roll? If it's a save, boosting your DC becomes even more crucial. Comparing it to other Artificer options, particularly the more established Eldritch Cannons, is essential. The original version often gave us a choice between the Flamethrower, Force Ballista, or Protector. If the Lightning Launcher is meant to be a fourth, or replace one, it needs to stand out. "I DIDN'T REALLY SEE ANY DIFFERENCES THERE WERE LIKE OUTSIDE OF THAT" from the OCR suggests some initial disappointment or lack of clarity regarding its unique niche. It needs a distinct identity. Overall, I'm really glad to see the 2024 Unearthed Arcana exploring new avenues for the Artificer, especially for the Artillerist. The Lightning Launcher has potential, offering a cool, thematic option for ranged combat. But as it stands, I'm hoping for a bit more clarity and perhaps some fine-tuning before it becomes official. What do you all think? Have you tested it out in your games? Let me know your experiences!