It can move and use its reaction on its own, but the only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block or the Dash, Disengage, Help, Hide, or Search action.
Does a steel defender have a bonus action?
The Steel Defender uses a bonus action to activate boots of speed and now has the ability to move 80 feet around the battlefield, potentially causing enemies to use up their reactions to make opportunity attacks and positioning itself at a choke point. It then takes the Dodge Action.
Can the steel defender fly?
You attach wings, propellers, or propulsion to your steel defender, enabling it to fly. It gains a fly speed equal to 20 feet. Additionally, it does not provoke opportunity attacks while flying.
Can you use a steel defender as a mount?
The Steel Defender has an intelligence of 4, meaning it does not automatically (and always) act as an independent mount (it is not sufficiently intelligent).
How does the Battle Smith artificer’s steel defender work?
The Battle Smith artificer ‘s Steel Defender feature says (E:RftLW, p. 61): In combat, the defender shares your initiative count, but it takes its turn immediately after yours.
Which is better battle Smith or Artificer specialist?
In any case, most of the Battle Smith’s Defender properties are hidden behind spells and some class abilities, so be sure to position yourself (and your new pet!) wherever it’d be easiest. This artificer subclass is a lot of fun. To start, every artificer gains proficiency with some toolkit. The Battle Smith has the best proficiency there!
Can a steel defender move on its own?
In combat, the steel defender […] can move and use its reaction on its own, but the only action it takes on its turn is the Dodge action, unless you take a bonus action on your turn to command it to take one of the actions in its stat block, or the Dash, Disengage, Help, Hide, or Search action.
What happens to steel defender after mending spell?
If the Mending spell is cast on it, it regains 2d6 hit points. If it has died within the last hour, you can use your smith’s tools as an action to revive it, provided you are within 5 feet of it and you expend a spell slot of 1st level or higher. The steel defender returns to life after 1 minute with all its hit points restored.
