Best Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous Builds (2024)

Fans of fantasy games will appreciate the sheer level of depth Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers players. 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.

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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, which Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous builds work best for this particular title?

Updated on July 6, 2023, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Update 2.1.4 of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous providing a smoother gameplay experience for its players, Pathfinder TTRPG fans may want to experiment with WOTR builds that break the game or give them a more enjoyable play. Some new builds to consider include a Bard that has mastery over fire, a Barbarian who performs best with a beast in tandem, an all-rounder Sorcerer, a Warpriest who has more defenses instead of utility, and a Slayer with the wrath of the gods on their side. Unlike usual builds that tend to multiclass, these Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous builds hold the potential of a linear progression with barely any deviation. However, just how can these work in the player’s favor?

12 Flickering Flames Bard

Attributes: STR 8, DEX 16, CON 8, INT 12, WIS 10, CHA 20

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 Bard (1-20)

Flame Dancer Abilities

• Spellcasting (Cantrips)
• Inspire (Courage, Greatness, Heroics)
• Detect Magic
• Fire Dance
• Fascinate
• Bardic Performance (Move, Swift Actions)
• Fan the Flames
• Soothing Performance
• Deadly Performance

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.

11 Power In Madness

Attributes: STR 20, DEX 12, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 Mad Dog (1-20)

Mad Dog Abilities

• Fast Movement
• Animal Companion
• Pack Tactics
• Danger Sense
• Rage Power
• Ferocious (Trip, Fetch)
• Rage (Greater, Tireless, Mighty)
• Damage Reduction
• Throat Cutter

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.

10 Proclaimer Shield

Attributes: STR 17, DEX 13, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 10

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 Proclaimer (1-20)

Proclaimer Abilities

• Blessings
• Bonus Feats
• Sacred Weapon
• Cleanser of Evil
• Zone of Sanctification
• Aspect of War

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 in 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.

9 Empyreal All-Rounder

Attributes: STR 8, DEX 16, CON 8, INT 12, WIS 20, CHA 10

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 Empyreal Sorcerer (1-20)

Empyreal Sorcerer Abilities

• Empyreal Bloodline
• Bloodline Arcana
• Spellcasting (Cantrips)
• Detect Magic
• Bonus Feat
• Heavenly Fire
• Bless
• Celestial Resistance
• Protection from Energy
• Remove Curse
• Channel Positive Energy
• Flamestrike
• Dispel Magic (Greater)
• Banishment, Conviction, WIngs
• Sunburst
• Summon Monsters IX
• Ascension

The has a notoriety 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 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.

8 Deliverer Assassin

Attributes: STR 14, DEX 20, CON 14, INT 12, WIS 8, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 Deliverer (1-20)

Deliverer Abilities

• Deity Selection
• Studied Target
• Determined Zeal
• Slayer Talents (Advanced Talents)
• Sneak Attack
• Quarry (Improved Quarry)
• Divine Anathema
• Slayer's Advance
• Master Slayer

Players who want to spice things up in their Wrath of the 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 courses of action. With this Deliverer Assassin build, the player moves away from the archetypal stealthy Rogue and into the aggressive territory of the Deliverer, this time a killer motivated to further their deity's plans no matter the means.

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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.

7 Eldritch Domination

Attributes: STR 10, DEX 19, CON 12, INT 18, WIS 10, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-10 - Eldritch Archer (1-10)
• 11-20 - Eldritch Knight (1-10)

Eldritch Archer Abilities

• Arcane Pool
• Arcane Weapon +1
• Ranged Spell Combat
• Ranged Spellshot
• Arcane Accuracy
• Spell Recall
• Arcane Weapon +2
• Empower Magic
• Arcane Medium Armor
• Arcane Weapon +3
• Ghost Blade
• Fighter Training

Eldritch Archer Feats

• Point Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Arcane Strike
• Rapid Shot
• Weapon Focus
• Many Shot
• -Eldritch Knight Abilities
• Diverse Training
• Arcan Spellcasting
• Spell Critical

Eldritch Knight Feats

• Deadly Aim
• Weapon Specialization
• Greater Weapon Focus
• Point-Blank Master
• Clustered Shots
• Greater Weapon Specialization
• Improved Critical
• Penetrating Strike

Compared to , 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.

6 Zen Inquisitor

Attributes: STR 15, DEX 18, CON 10, INT 10, WIS 18, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-3 - Zen Archer (1-3)
• 4-20 - Faith Hunter (1-17)

Zen Archer Abilities

• Flurry of Blows
• Unarmed Strike
• AC Bonus
• Monk Bonus Feat
• Weapon Focus (Longbow)
• Ki Pool
• Zen Archery
• Point-Blank Master

Zen Archer Feats

• Deadly Aim
• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Improved Initiative

Faith Hunter Abilities

• Sworn Enemy - Chaotic
• Judgment
• Cunning Initiative
• Solo Tactics
• Bane
• Sworn Enemy - Smite
• Second Judgment
• Stalwart
• Greater Bane
• Exploit Weakness
• Third Judgment

Faith Hunter Feats

• Dodge
• Shielded Caster
• Clustered Shots
• Snap Shot
• Shake It Off
• Improved Critical
• Allied Spellcaster
• Warrior Priest
• Vital Strike
• Coordinated Defense
• Extra Bane Weapon
• Coordinated Maneuvers
• Improved Vital Strike

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.

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5 Aggressive Faithshooter

Attributes: STR 15, DEEX 18, CON 10, INT 10, WIS 18, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-4 - Zen Archer (1-4)
• 5-20 - Cult Leader (1-16)

Zen Archer Abilities

• Flurry of Blows
• Unarmed Strike
• AC Bonus
• Monk Bonus Feat
• Weapon Focus (Longbow)
• Ki Pool
• Zen Archery
• Point-Blank Master
• Ki Power: Barkskin

Zen Archer Feats

• Deadly Aim
• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Improved Initiative

Cult Leader Abilities

• Positive Energy
• Fervor
• Sneak Attack 1d6
• Sacred Weapon
• Sneak Attack 2d6
• Sacred Armor
• Sacred Weapon +2
• Sneak Attack 3d6
• Sacred Armor +2
• Sacred Weapon +3
• Sneak Attack 4d6
• Hide in Plain Sight
• Sacred Armor +3
• Sneak Attack 5d6
• Sacred Armor +4
• Sacred Weapon +4

Cult Leader Feats

• Warrior Priest
• Accomplished Sneak Archer
• Weapon Specialization
• Improved Critical
• Clustered Shots
• Greater Weapon Focus
• Snap Shot
• Greater Weapon Specialization
• Penetrating Strike

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 in 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.

4 Straightforward Thieving

Attributes: STR 17, DEX 18, CON 10, INT 14, WIS 8, CHA 10

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 - Rowdy Rogue

Rowdy Rogue Abilities

• Sneak Attack 1d6
• Vital Strike
• Vital Force
• Sneak Attack 2d6
• Uncanny Dodge
• Debilitating Strike
• Sneak Attack 3d6
• Improved Vital Strike
• Sneak Attack 4d6
• Improved Uncanny Dodge
• Sneak Attack 5d6
• Sneak Attack 6d6
• Greater Vital Strike
• Sneak Attack 7d6
• Hare Familiar
• Sneak Attack 8d6
• Canny Observer
• Sneak Attack 9d6
• Fast Stealth
• Sneak Attack 10d6
• Master Strike

Rowdy Rogue Feats

• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Weapon Focus
• Rapid Shot
• Deadly Aim
• Improved Initiative
• Light Armor Focus
• Manyshot
• Clustered Shots
• Dodge
• Improved Critical
• Combat Expertise
• Snap Shot
• Improved Precise Shot
• Improved Snap Shot
• Greater Snap Shot
• Hammer The Gap

Players of Dungeons & Dragons 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 that 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.

3 Ancient Rage

Attributes: STR 18, DEX 12, CON 16, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 15

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 - Primalist

Primalist Abilities

• Arcane Bloodline
• Blood Rage
• Fast Movement
• Uncanny Dodge
• Blood Sanctuary
• Arcane Bloodrage
• Improved Uncanny Dodge
• Bonus Feat
• Damage Reduction 1
• Greater Arcane Bloodrage
• Bonus Feat
• Damage Reduction 2
• Greater Bloodrage
• Lethal Stance
• Increased Damage Reduction
• Damage Reduction 3
• Indomitable Will
• True Arcane Bloodrage
• Damage Reduction 4
• Tireless Bloodrage
• Damage Reduction 5
• Caster’s Bane
• Mighty Bloodrage

Primalist Feats

• Extra Bloodrage
• Weapon Focus
• Get Spells: Enlarge Person, Shocking Grasp
• Blind Fight
• Get Spell: Mage Armor
• Arcane Strike
• Get Spell: Protection From Alignment
• Dazzling Display
• Get Spells: Bull’s Strength
• Mirror Image
• Get Spell: Frigid Touch
• Improved Critical
• Power Attack
• Get Spells: True Strike
• False Life
• Get Spells: Greater Magic Weapon
• Stinking Cloud
• Dreadful Damage
• Get Spell: Vampiric Touch
• Improved Initiative
• Get Spells: Shield, Bear’s Endurance, Haste
• Cleave
• Get Spells: Stoneskin, Greater False Life
• Get Spells: Enlarge Person, Mass Shout
• Cleaving Finish
• Iron Will
• Get Spells: Eagle’s Splendor, Fireball
• Great Cleave
• Disruptive
• Get Spells: Protection From Energy
• Dragon’s Breath
• Improved Cleaving Finish

Similar to , the Bloodrager of the Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous game 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.

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2 Meditative Sharpshooting

Attributes: STR 15, DEX 18, CON 10, INT 10, WIS 18, CHA 8

Level (Class Level)

• 1-20 - Zen Archer

Zen Archer Abilities

• Flurry of Blows
• Unarmed Strike
• AC Bonus
• Monk Bonus Feat
• Weapon Focus (Longbow)
• Ki Pool
• Zen Archery
• Point-Blank Master
• Ki Power: Barkskin
• Ki Arrows
• Ki Power: True Strike
• Ki Power: Restoration
• Snap Shot
• Ki Power: Diamond Body
• Ki Power: Diamond Soul
• Ki Power: Cold Ice Strike
• Ki Power: Quivering Palm
• Ki Power: Wholeness of Body
• Ki Power: Perfect Self

Zen Archer Feats

• Deadly Aim
• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Improved Initiative
• Toughness
• Improved Precise Shot
• Clustered Shots
• Improved Critical
• Dodge
• Vital Strike
• Improved Vital Strike
• Combat Mobility
• Crane Style
• Greater Vital Strike
• Combat Reflexes
• Toughness

Being a base Class in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gameplay, 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.

1 Mounted Solitude

Attributes: STR 16, DEX 18, CON 15, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 10

Level (Class Level)

• 1-18 - Nomad

Nomad Abilities

• Medium Armor Proficiency
• Animal Companion
• Favored Enemy
• Flurry of Blows
• Devoted Guardian
• Monastic Mount
• Evasion
• Ki Pool, Ki Power: Extra Attack
• Ki Strike: Magic
• Ki Weapon
• Purity of Body
• Defensive Spin
• Weapon Training
• Ki Power: Barkskin
• Ki Strike: Cold Iron and Silver
• Ki Power: Restoration
• Improved Evasion
• Ki Power: True Strike
• Ki Strike: Lawful
• Ki Power: Diamond Body
• Weapon Training
• Ki Power: Diamond Soul
• Ki Power: Cold Ice Strike
• Ki Strike: Adamantine
• Ki Power: Shout, Weapon Training

Nomad Feats

• Point-Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Weapon Focus
• Improved Initiative
• Mounted Combat
• Rapid Shot
• Manyshot
• Indomitable Mount
• Deadly Aim
• Clustered Shots
• Improved Critical
• Snap Shot
• Improved Snap Shot
• Dodge
• Greater Snap Shot
• Vital Strike
• Crane Style

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 (2) 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 player’s 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 (8) attacks with Flurry of Blows, Rapid Shot, and Manyshot.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous was released in 2021 for Windows and iOS, and has an upcoming September 2022 release for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.

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