Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous - Best Builds (2024)

Fans of fantasy games will appreciate the sheer level of depth Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers. Set inside the Worldwound, players are tasked with starting a crusade to end a demonic invasion across the land. However, the player’s journey, and especially the choices they make along the way, will inevitably change the fate of the world around them.

Players who love their in-depth RPGs will appreciate this Pathfinder title for its rather complex character progression system. With players capable of tinkering with almost all aspects of their character, Wrath of the Righteous gives them many more possibilities to create their ideal character. Without further ado, here are the best builds for Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.

Updated on August 16, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Wrath of the Righteous getting its last Premium DLC in the form of A Dance of Masks, fans of the hit RPG are treated to new content that takes them to one last ride to save the world - and see their characters relax afterwards. Thanks to new Archetypes such as the Drunken Master, Bladebound, and the Mantis Zealot, players of Wrath of the Righteous have a lot of room to play with new gameplay mechanics to see just where their builds can take them. Among must-tries for fans of the franchise include the serrated ferocity of a new Warpriest Archetype, the charged intensity of a new ranged Kineticist, the inebriated freedom of a new Monk subclass, and the primal fury of a Weretouched.

16 Flickering Flames Bard

Grab Fire-Based Utility And Damage

Players enjoying their Pathfinder gameplay may want to consider a traditional spell-slinging Bard, which the Flickering Flame Bard represents. On top of their access to low-level Cantrips as additional utility, their Bard's innate Proficiencies make this player character more versatile in any combat situation. Their Inspires can give increasingly more potent bonuses to Saves and Hit Dice, making them relatively decent supports. The charms of Fascinate and Deadly Performance can either be a simple stun or an insta-kill, giving the Bard a lot of room for versatility.

This build capitalizes on the potential of the Flame Dancer 20 to become both a sub-DPS and sub-support unit to the party. However, where this build shines is Flame Dancer 20, where the Bard's fire-based kit adds the thematic allure of summer's flames. Fan the Flames will add Wizard spell staples such as Burning Hands, Flaming Sphere, and Fireball to the Bard's arsenal of abilities. Moreover, their Fire Dance can have performances grant Resist Fire to allies, incentivizing a more carefree use of damaging fire spells.

15 Power In Madness

Rage With A Companion

A straightforward melee domination build can always get the job done in a player's Pathfinder gameplay, especially from the perspective of the aggressive gameplay of Power in Madness. This Mad Dog Barbarian build relies heavily on players gaining the upper hand through sheer toughness and resilience. Unlike traditional Barbarians, this build's Mad Dog 20 focus also grants players access to an Animal Companion, effectively transforming them into tanky Druids minus the hassle of resource management.

The Mad Dog-Animal Companion tandem works with the Barbarian tanking threats while their pet takes charge of DPS. As a Mad Dog, the Barbarian can form combos involving Abilities such as Ferocious Trip and Ferocious Fetch, Pack Tactics, and Throat Cutter. This principle is translated into a party setting, with the Mad Dog's sheer ferocity taking control of bosses while the rest pick off mobs and focus on dealing damage.

14 Proclaimer Shield

Use Divine Magic To Bolster Defenses

While the traditional Warpriest takes on the role of a sub-tank/support in Wrath of the Righteous gameplay, this Proclaimer Shield variant emphasizes less of the Warpriest's buffing functions. Instead, it complements the tank in its defensive capabilities. Building upon the Proclaimer 20 setup, this character can adjust its arsenal of support spells depending on its deity of choice and the team's needs. Their Blessings further diversify their buffing capabilities, with Sacred Weapon enhancing their combat potential.

However, their potential truly shines within Cleanser of Evil and Zone Sanctification. With Cleanser of Evil, the Proclaimer Shield can blast enemies surrounding it at melee range. Moreover, the Cleanser can become a Zone of Sanctification that may hinder enemies from coming closer, allowing the Proclaimer Shield to protect otherwise fragile spellcasters from melee threats.

13 Empyreal All-Rounder

Become A More Magical Defender

is notorious for having a kit that matches the Wizard's in terms of versatility, with their Wrath of the Righteous gameplay demonstrating more potent spells in exchange for a smaller arsenal compared to the library of options available to their bookish counterparts. Particular to the Pathfinder RPG is the Empyreal Sorcerer, an archetype of the Sorcerer that relies more on insight than personality to amplify their spells, hence a Wisdom-focused kit. This progression is capitalized in the Empyreal All-Around build, highlighting the Empyreal Sorcerer's capabilities of being a pseudo-Paladin with their more balanced arsenal of protective spells.

Focusing on Empyreal Sorcerer 20 allows players to access many abilities that make them viable for most combat roles. Their early access to defensive skills such as Bless, Celestial Resistances, Resist Energy, Protection from Energy, and Remove Curse can make them sub-support and leave the rest of the healing to healers. Likewise, their damaging abilities such as Heavenly Fire (which can heal allies), Flamestrike, and Sunburst can give them much-needed combat options.

12 Deliverer Assassin

Become A More Aggressive Assassin

Players who want to spice things up in their Wrath of Righteous gameplay should consider building a Slayer, especially if they want to fulfill the archetype of a fantasy secret agent. Specializing in studying their targets before eliminating them, the Slayer is built to outlast and outpace their foes regardless of their course of action. With this Deliverer Assassin build, the player moves away from the archetypal stealthy Rogue and into the aggressive territory of the Deliverer, a killer motivated to further their deity's plans no matter the means.

This straightforward Deliverer 20 build takes full advantage of the Slayer's default specializations, especially bonuses to attacks granted by Studied Target and its social version via Quarry. However, the added element of a deity gives the Deliverer access to special thematic abilities that add a divine spin to their cloak-and-dagger tactics. Moreover, Determined Zeal and Divine Anathema add bonuses when facing enemies with alignments at least two steps away from the player.

11 Eldritch Domination

Tap Into Any Weapon Setup

Compared to Dungeons & Dragons, where the Fighter taps into magical archery and swordsmanship via the Arcane Archer and Eldritch Knight archetypes, respectively, the Classes in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous take a more nuanced approach. Players who want to maximize their magical efficiency in any range of combat would do great with the Eldritch Domination build.

This setup is an Eldritch Archer 10/Eldritch Knight 10 split, capitalizing on the ranged options of the base Magus Class as it specializes in the Eldritch Archer Sub-Class before taking Eldritch Knight as a Prestige Class. As a result, players can tap into almost any weapon setup and take on foes from afar with a bow before slicing them with a longsword up close. If players successfully aim for that DEX 19 and INT 18, they’ll be able to dish out spells as a secondary role, practically making them a jack of all trades.

10 Zen Inquisitor

Punish From Afar, Devastate Up Close

Fans of the holier-than-thou get a chance of being highlighted in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gameplay, especially when players give the Zen Inquisitor build a shot. With this Pathfinder playstyle, players take the Ki-empowered sharpshooting of the Zen Archer with the relentless pursuit of the Faith Hunter, resulting in a Zen Archer 3/Faith Hunter 17 split.

When built properly, this is a long-distance archery build that keeps players safe from a distance but still gives them a lot of room to dish out damage up close. In emergencies, players should still be able to rely on Flurry of Blows, Smite, Judgment, and Bane. Likewise, their slate of Divine Spells should allow Pathfinder players to remain capable of protecting their allies even from afar.

9 Aggressive Faithshooter

The Gods' Fury From A Distance

Faith takes a more aggressive turn in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gameplay, especially should players consider the sheer fury of the Aggressive Faithshooter. Again beginning with the sharpshooting prowess of the Zen Archer Class, players expand this build by dabbling into the Warpriest and making the faithful Cult Leader their focus. This entails a Zen Archer 4/Cult Leader 16 split across this Pathfinder build, enabling players to attack from the rear while still empowering the rest of their allies on the front lines.

When utilized properly, the Aggressive Faithshooter should have access to Divine Spells that can bolster their allies and debilitate the enemy lines without risking exposure. Likewise, whereas the Zen Archer can give access to Feats that guarantee powerful long-ranged attacks early in the game, the later progression of the Cult Leader can give players access to an arsenal of Divine Spells that would make enemies regret ever trying to attack the Aggressive Faithshooter in melee.

8 Straightforward Thieving

Build Up To Much Faster Kills

know how powerful the Rogue can get, especially with stealth as a pure focus. Fans of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gameplay can achieve a similar feat with the Rogue, this time through the Rowdy Sub-Class. When doing a full Rowdy Rogue 20 setup, players would be surprised that the nifty trap-detection and nimble movement of this rather meek Rogue could end up boasting some of the most powerful playstyles in the game.

At its core, the Straightforward Thieving build shines the most in the later levels, especially when the Rowdy Rogue finally gets access to Greater Vital Strike, which can practically one-shot most opponents. Either way, growing with the Straightforward Thieving can give players unbelievably-high damage numbers even early on, especially when Sneak Attacks are given priority.

7 Ancient Rage

An All-Around Frontliner

Similar to , the Bloodrager of the Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous can also channel their inner rage into a devastatingly-strong altered state. However, Bloodragers are unique in the Pathfinder game in that they access powers unique to their bloodline through their anger. An example of a particularly good Bloodrager approach would be the Primalist, an Archetype that taps into ancient traditions and transforms the Bloodrager’s rage into something more controlled and refined.

Mechanically speaking, this Ancient Rage build gives a Primalist 20 approach just enough tankiness to outlast most foes while still packing enough of a punch to protect the party. This is a build that suits a frontline tank very well, as it’s straightforward enough not to be complicated but still provides players with multiple combat options to adjust to different situations.

6 Meditative Sharpshooting

Dependable Long-Ranged Attacker

Being a base Class in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, it makes sense for the Zen Archer to fit an archetype for players to experiment with. Assigned to be the long-ranged specialist, the Zen Archer capitalizes on a multitude of ranged attack options that diversifies their role as the resident sharpshooter in any team. With the Meditative Sharpshooting build, players can transform a Zen Archer 20 into a ranged juggernaut capable of protecting the team even from afar.

At its core, the Meditative Sharpshooting capitalizes on the Zen Archer’s many benefits when pursuing a straight build of the Class. While the Zen Archer can indeed fit multiple Classes to give them a ranged advantage, tapping into the Zen Archer fully can eventually give players massive defensive buffs that can make them nigh-invincible even when cornered in melee. Given the chance, this build can maximize the Zen Archer’s overall ranged DPS while still letting them pack quite the punch through Unarmed Strikes.

5 Mounted Solitude

Get A Multi-Ranged Monk

With Pathfinder: Path of the Righteous gameplay having the Nomad act like and the Sohei becoming a variant of a mounted D&D Fighter, it makes sense for RPG fans to see how the two Classes could work well for a ranged build. This becomes apparent in Mounted Solitude, wherein the multi-weapon specializations of both the Nomad and the Sohei are combined in a Nomad 2/Sohei 18 setup that not only gives players opportunities for long-ranged combat but to do it while mounted as well.

The key to this build is to ensure players get STR 16 and DEX 18 as soon as possible, as this expands the combat roles further. At its core, Mounted Solitude should allow players to switch between melee and ranged combat seamlessly, with one turn providing room for at least eight attacks with Flurry of Blows, Rapid Shot, and Manyshot.

4 Mantis Assassin

Fascinate Enemies As They Are Being Torn Apart

Courtesy of A Dance of Masks DLC, fans can get the vicious Mantis Zealot as a subclass for the Warpriest - essentially a servant of Achaekek, the Patron Deity of Assassins. In the player’s Wrath of the Righteous gameplay, undertaking the Mantis Assassin build allows their Warpriest to channel the stylistic fatal talents of the Red Mantis. Their kit focuses on the new Sawtooth Saber weapon type, for which players are given a Weapon Focus and evolving Weapon Specialization Feats. Sawtooth Sabers hit as hard as the regular Longsword, but can bypass even two-handed weapon types when the Mantis Assassin is kitted to the max.

The rest of the Mantis Assassin’s kit emphasizes dishing out as much damage with the least risk. Their Red Shroud boosts their dodge defenses, while Deadly Fascination inflicts an aura that may stun enemies around a creature the Mantis Assassin kills. At higher levels, Fading transforms the Mantis Assassin into a near-ethereal state, making them more capable of dodging attacks. If created as a Human, their additional Feats can transform the Mantis Assassin into a melee powerhouse. Once the Mantis Assassin acquires Weapon Finesse, they can use DEX instead of STR to empower their attacks. The rest of the build focuses on either improving their overall damage while ensuring players dodge as often as they can.

3 Kinetic Sniper

Wield The Elements Through Concentrated Hits

Aside from the Mantis Zealot, the Kinetic Sharpshooter arrives with the A Dance of Masks DLC. Introduced as individuals capable of channeling the elements through their ranged weapons, the Kinetic Sniper maximizes the Kineticist’s already potent kit with the bonuses of Longbows. At the same time, Kinetic Quiver allows them to forego Gather Power and attack immediately as long as they have Charged Ammunition. Getting Spell Penetration and Weapon Focus early should allow players to easily hit enemies, especially when their Energy Blasts must overcome the enemy’s Spell Resistance. Getting Air’s Reach allows players to compensate for the lack of more effective range, which plays into the other half of this kit.

A Kinetic Sniper shines when they start beefing up their criticals via Critical Focus, Flaying Critical, and Improved Critical: Kinetic Blast - allowing players to proc criticals more frequently and dish out more damage. Once they start getting their infusions, Spindle and Cyclone are situational attacks, while Rending Arrows is a decent AC-reduction tool. Most importantly, Chain Arrows at a later level should allow players to hit up to eight enemies.

2 Weretouched Beast

Capitalize On Shapeshifting For Massive Damage

While the Shifter is already recognized as among the best classes of Wrath of the Righteous, the Weretouched Beast takes this further with the devastating damage potential of their Major Lycanthropic Form. A vital aspect of the Weretouched Beast is building up the number and intensity of their attacks, specifically Bite, as it allows the Weretouched to attempt to Trip adjacent enemies as a Free Action. With the Mask of the Rapid Bites, the Weretouched Beast gets another Bite as soon as their first one hits - allowing them to get more Trips.

Thanks to Shifter’s Fury, Great Cleave, and Cleaving Finish, players can release devastating damage even when they end up at Level 16. Their last leg should be a Multiclass into Fighter - Mutation Warrior for an extra boost. While players won’t get Weapon Training as a Mutation Warrior, the last levels can be invested into Feats that further improve Bite (Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization) and acquire extra defenses via Combat Reflexes and Dodge.

1 Drunken Master

A Tiny Fist That Packs A Dragon

Built around the unique physiology of the Halfling, the Drunken Master takes the new Monk archetype from A Dance of Masks and sends them haywire with beefed-up stats. The build capitalizes on the new Drunken Ki mechanic of the Monk, which essentially acts like Ki Points but can be refreshed by Consume Booze. A lot of the Drunken Master’s natural bonuses come into play. At the same time, they are inebriated, such as Attack and AC boosts (Drunken Combat), +Xd8 damage to Melee Attacks for rounds up to their WIS Mod (Drunken Power), potent Will Save Throw boosts (Drunken Courage), and a whopping +6 Drunken Ki (Eternal Drunkenness).

Creating a Hasty Halfling Pickpocket can give the Drunken Master up to +4 Initiative, allowing them to dash headfirst into combat. Weapon Finesse should let them tap into DEX instead of STR for attacks, while Crane Style adds Dodge AC and reduces Attack Roll penalties when fighting defensively. Defenses can get stacked with Cautious Fighter, Dodge, Crane Wing, and Defensive Spin. By the time protections are settled, the Drunken Master can slowly build their way into a critical powerhouse by enhancing their Improved Critical Strikes.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:81/100 Critics Recommend:78%

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Switch

Released

September 2, 2021

Developer(s)

Owlcat Games