Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous: Arcanist Class Build Guide

The Arcanist class in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a very interesting combination between Wizard and Sorcerer, that makes it easier for rookies to get the benefits of both classes and relieves them of the disadvantages they have. It’s a pretty interesting class with a lot of cool skills and some interesting Archetypes. If this class sounds like something you want to try out, here are some things you should know when building your Commander!

Arcanist Class Build Guide – Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

The most important stat for the Arcanist, whatever the Archetype, is Intelligence. So that means, when you choose a Race, you should consider:

• Elf
• Aasimar (Peri-Blooded)
• Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn)
• Tiefling (Rakshasha-Spawn)
• Human

Since Charisma might be the second best stat, the Aasimar is probably the best choice for this build.

After a bit of tweaking, your stats should look something like this:

• STR = 7
• DEX = 14
• CON = 14
• INT = 18 (22)
• WIS = 9 (10 at level 20)
• CHA = 18

With stats like these you should be able to use your Arcanist at its full potential.

The Archetypes for this class are pretty interesting, so here are some details about them to see if they might attract you more, and a ranking, from F to S:

• Brown-Fur Transmuter (A)
  • Stronger Transmutation Spells when buffing Ability Scores (Level 3)
  • Transmutation Spells that only target self can be cast on others (Level 9)
  • Longer Duration for all Transmutation Spells (Level 20)
  • Less Arcane Exploits (-2)
  • No Magical Supremacy at Level 20
• Eldritch Font (A+)
  • Eldritch Surge can buff Spell DC or Arcane Exploit (Level 3)
  • Eldritch Surge can roll two dice when casting a Spell that targets Armor, taking the higher value (Level 7)
  • Eldritch Surge can reroll the Saving Throw of a character against your Spell DC, taking the lower of the two rolls (Level 13)
  • Can replenish their Spells and Arcane Reservoir once per day (Level 20)
  • Less Arcane Exploits (-3)
  • No Magical Supremacy at Level 20
• Nature Mage (B)
  • Can cast Spells from the Druid Spell List
  • Can’t cast Spells on the Arcanist Spell List (unless they are also on the Druid Spell List)
• Phantasmal Mage (A-)
  • Can apply Extended, Reach, or Selective to any Arcanist Illusion Spell for 1 Arcane Reservoir Point (Level 5)
  • Can apply Persistent or Empowered to any Arcanist Illusion Spell for 2 Arcane Reservoir Points (Level 11)
  • Can apply Maximized for 3 Arcane Reservoir Points, or Quickened for 4 Arcane Reservoir Points to any Arcanist Illusion Spell (Level 17)
  • Can apply these effects for 1 less Arcane Reservoir Point than listed (Level 20)
  • Must be a Gnome
  • Less Arcane Exploits (-3)
  • Can’t increase the level of their Spells using their Arcane Reservoir
  • No Magical Supremacy at Level 20
• Unlettered Arcanist (B-)
  • Gains a Familiar
  • Has a smaller Spell List
• White Mage (A-)
  • Can Consume Spells to cast Cure Spells
  • Can revive fallen party members (Level 10)
  • Can AoE heal over time (Level 11)
  • No Arcane Exploit selection during Character Creation
  • Less Arcane Exploits (-2)

Once you know which Archetype you want, or if you want the normal Arcanist, it’s time to see which Feats are a must:

• Point Blank Shot
• Precise Shot
• Toughness
• Improved Initiative
• Spell Penetration

As for the Exploits, you should choose the ones that fit your playstyle the most and make sure to only choose Major Exploits once they are available.

READ NEXT : Genshin Impact: How to Get the Moonstringer Fishing Rod & Moonfin Location