Choosing the right class build in Pathfinder: Kingmaker can be daunting, especially with the vast array of options available. This guide will walk you through some of the most effective and fun class builds to help you conquer the Stolen Lands. Whether you're a seasoned Pathfinder player or new to the game, these builds will provide a solid foundation for your adventure.

Understanding Class Builds in Pathfinder: Kingmaker

Before diving into specific builds, let's cover some essential concepts. In Pathfinder: Kingmaker, your class determines your primary abilities, skills, and role in the party. Each class has multiple archetypes that further specialize your character. Understanding these archetypes and how they modify the base class is crucial for creating a powerful and versatile character.

Key Attributes: Each class relies on specific attributes. For example, Fighters benefit from Strength, while Wizards need Intelligence. Prioritizing these attributes during character creation and level-ups is essential for maximizing your character's effectiveness. Don't spread your attribute points too thin; focus on the stats that directly enhance your class abilities.

Skills: Skills are another critical aspect of character development. They determine your success in various interactions and challenges throughout the game. Some essential skills include Persuasion for dialogue, Perception for spotting hidden objects and enemies, and Knowledge skills for unlocking lore and crafting recipes. Choose skills that complement your class and fill gaps in your party's capabilities.

Feats: Feats provide additional abilities and bonuses that can significantly enhance your character. Selecting the right feats is crucial for optimizing your build. Some feats improve your combat prowess, while others enhance your spellcasting or skill proficiency. Consider your character's role in the party and choose feats that align with your overall strategy.

Melee DPS Builds

1. Two-Handed Fighter

The Two-Handed Fighter is a classic melee DPS build that excels at dealing massive damage with greatswords, greataxes, and other two-handed weapons. This build focuses on Strength, Power Attack, and Cleave to mow down enemies quickly. Two-Handed Fighters are straightforward and effective, making them an excellent choice for players who enjoy a direct and aggressive playstyle.

Attributes:

• Strength: 19
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 8
• Charisma: 7

Key Feats:

• Power Attack
• Cleave
• Great Weapon Focus
• Great Weapon Specialization
• Improved Critical (Greatsword/Greataxe)
• Dazzling Display
• Shatter Defenses

Progression:

1. Fighter (Level 1-20): Focus on maximizing your damage output with two-handed weapons. Take feats that increase your attack power and critical hit chance.

Why it Works:

This build is all about dishing out heavy damage. Strength is your primary stat, boosting your attack rolls and damage. Power Attack lets you trade accuracy for extra damage, while Cleave helps you hit multiple enemies at once. As you level up, you'll become a whirlwind of destruction, capable of taking down even the toughest foes. The Dazzling Display and Shatter Defenses feats are excellent for debuffing enemies, making them easier to hit and increasing your party's overall damage output.

2. Sword Saint

The Sword Saint is a powerful melee class that combines martial prowess with arcane abilities. This class uses a single one-handed weapon and no armor, relying on buffs and spells to enhance their combat capabilities. Sword Saints are versatile and can adapt to different combat situations, making them a popular choice for experienced players.

Attributes:

• Strength: 16
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 16
• Wisdom: 8
• Charisma: 7

Key Feats:

• Weapon Focus (Scimitar/Rapier)
• Dodge
• Crane Style
• Improved Critical (Scimitar/Rapier)
• Weapon Specialization (Scimitar/Rapier)
• Greater Weapon Focus (Scimitar/Rapier)
• Greater Weapon Specialization (Scimitar/Rapier)

Progression:

1. Sword Saint (Level 1-20): Focus on increasing your Intelligence and Strength to enhance your combat abilities and spellcasting.

Why it Works:

The Sword Saint uses Intelligence to cast spells and enhance their weapon attacks. Buffs like Mirror Image and Blur increase survivability, while spells like Shocking Grasp add extra damage to your attacks. The Crane Style feat provides additional defense when fighting defensively, making you a difficult target to hit. As you level up, you'll become a master of both swordplay and magic, able to take on any challenge with grace and power.

Ranged DPS Builds

1. Ranger (Hunter)

The Ranger is a versatile ranged DPS class that excels at dealing damage from a distance. With a focus on archery and animal companions, Rangers can control the battlefield and take down enemies before they get too close. The Hunter archetype is particularly effective, as it allows the Ranger to share teamwork feats with their animal companion, making them both more powerful.

Attributes:

• Strength: 14
• Dexterity: 19
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 8

Key Feats:

• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Rapid Shot
• Manyshot
• Improved Precise Shot
• Weapon Focus (Longbow)
• Weapon Specialization (Longbow)

Progression:

1. Ranger (Hunter) (Level 1-20): Focus on archery feats and teamwork feats that benefit both you and your animal companion.

Why it Works:

Dexterity is your primary stat, increasing your accuracy with ranged attacks. Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot eliminate penalties for shooting into melee, while Rapid Shot and Manyshot allow you to fire multiple arrows per round. Your animal companion provides additional support and can help control the battlefield. With the Hunter archetype, you can share teamwork feats like Outflank and Precise Strike with your companion, making you both formidable combatants.

2. Kineticist

The Kineticist is a unique ranged DPS class that channels elemental energy to unleash devastating attacks. Unlike traditional spellcasters, Kineticists don't use spell slots; instead, they gather power from their chosen element and unleash it in the form of blasts and infusions. This class is highly customizable, allowing you to specialize in different elements and playstyles.

Attributes:

• Strength: 10
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 19
• Intelligence: 8
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 7

Key Feats:

• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Weapon Focus (Kinetic Blast)
• Improved Initiative
• Spell Penetration
• Greater Spell Penetration

Progression:

1. Kineticist (Level 1-20): Focus on selecting infusions and blasts that align with your chosen element. Prioritize Constitution to increase your burn capacity.

Why it Works:

Constitution is your primary stat, increasing your burn capacity and overall survivability. Kinetic Blasts deal elemental damage, while infusions add special effects like pushing enemies or creating walls of fire. The Kineticist is a versatile class that can adapt to different combat situations, making them a valuable addition to any party. Just be mindful of your burn, as overusing your abilities can lead to fatigue and penalties.

Support Builds

1. Cleric

The Cleric is a quintessential support class that provides healing, buffs, and battlefield control. With access to a wide range of spells and divine abilities, Clerics can keep your party alive and thriving, even in the most challenging encounters. Choosing the right deity and domains is crucial for tailoring your Cleric to your party's needs.

Attributes:

• Strength: 14
• Dexterity: 10
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 19
• Charisma: 8

Key Feats:

• Selective Channel
• Extra Channel
• Extend Spell
• Maximize Spell
• Persistent Spell
• Spell Focus (Conjuration)

Progression:

1. Cleric (Level 1-20): Focus on selecting spells and domains that provide healing, buffs, and battlefield control. Prioritize Wisdom to increase your spellcasting effectiveness.

Why it Works:

Wisdom is your primary stat, increasing your spellcasting effectiveness and channel energy ability. Healing spells keep your party alive, while buffs like Bless and Haste enhance their combat capabilities. Battlefield control spells like Hold Person and Create Pit can disable enemies and create tactical advantages. With the right spells and domains, the Cleric is an indispensable member of any party.

2. Bard

The Bard is a versatile support class that combines spellcasting, music, and social skills. With their ability to inspire allies and demoralize enemies, Bards can significantly enhance your party's effectiveness both in and out of combat. The Archaeologist archetype is particularly effective, as it focuses on self-buffs and direct combat abilities, making the Bard a more active participant in battles.

Attributes:

• Strength: 12
• Dexterity: 14
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 10
• Charisma: 19

Key Feats:

• Lingering Performance
• Extra Performance
• Combat Casting
• Arcane Armor Training
• Arcane Armor Mastery
• Spell Focus (Enchantment)

Progression:

1. Bard (Archaeologist) (Level 1-20): Focus on selecting spells and performances that provide buffs and debuffs. Prioritize Charisma to increase your spellcasting effectiveness and performance duration.

Why it Works:

Charisma is your primary stat, increasing your spellcasting effectiveness and performance duration. Bardic performances like Inspire Courage and Inspire Greatness provide valuable buffs to your party, while spells like Sleep and Hideous Laughter can disable enemies. The Archaeologist archetype allows you to use your bardic abilities to enhance your own combat capabilities, making you a more formidable combatant. With the right spells and performances, the Bard is a valuable asset to any party.

Tank Builds

1. Paladin

The Paladin is a powerful tank class that combines martial prowess with divine abilities. With their ability to heal, buff, and protect their allies, Paladins are excellent front-line fighters who can withstand significant damage. The Divine Grace ability, which adds the Paladin's Charisma bonus to all saving throws, makes them incredibly resistant to magical attacks.

Attributes:

• Strength: 16
• Dexterity: 12
• Constitution: 16
• Intelligence: 8
• Wisdom: 10
• Charisma: 16

Key Feats:

• Power Attack
• Shield Focus
• Shield Wall
• Saving Shield
• বুলwark
• টাফনেস

Progression:

1. Paladin (Level 1-20): Focus on feats that enhance your tanking abilities and divine spells that provide healing and buffs. Prioritize Strength, Constitution, and Charisma.

Why it Works:

Strength and Constitution provide the brawn needed to withstand enemy attacks, while Charisma enhances your divine abilities and saving throws. Power Attack adds damage, while Shield Focus and Shield Wall provide defensive bonuses. As you level up, you'll become a stalwart protector, capable of absorbing damage and keeping your party safe. The Paladin's ability to heal and buff allies makes them an invaluable asset in any challenging encounter.

2. Tower Shield Specialist

The Tower Shield Specialist is a formidable tank class that excels at absorbing damage and protecting allies. With their mastery of tower shields, these fighters can withstand massive amounts of punishment while providing cover for their party members. Tower Shield Specialists are the ultimate protectors, capable of turning the tide of battle with their unwavering defense.

Attributes:

• Strength: 19
• Dexterity: 10
• Constitution: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 7

Key Feats:

• Shield Focus
• Tower Shield Proficiency
• Tower Shield Specialist
• Shield Wall
• Saving Shield
• Bulwark

Progression:

1. Fighter (Tower Shield Specialist) (Level 1-20): Focus on feats that enhance your shield proficiency and tanking abilities. Prioritize Strength and Constitution.

Why it Works:

Strength is essential for carrying heavy armor and shields, while Constitution increases your survivability. Shield Focus and Tower Shield Proficiency enhance your defensive capabilities, while Tower Shield Specialist provides additional bonuses when using a tower shield. As you level up, you'll become an impenetrable wall, capable of withstanding even the most devastating attacks. The Tower Shield Specialist is the perfect choice for players who enjoy protecting their allies and controlling the battlefield.

Conclusion

Choosing the right class build in Pathfinder: Kingmaker is essential for your success in the Stolen Lands. Whether you prefer a melee DPS, ranged DPS, support, or tank role, there's a build that's perfect for you. By understanding the key attributes, skills, and feats for each class, you can create a powerful and versatile character that can conquer any challenge. So, grab your sword, bow, or spellbook, and embark on your epic adventure in Pathfinder: Kingmaker! Have fun experimenting and finding the build that best suits your playstyle, guys!