If you prefer dueling like a gentleman, stabbing from the shadows, or mastering two-weapon combat, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover the best feats and class choices for Dexterity-based melee fighters, helping you craft a nimble and deadly warrior.

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Best Classes for Dex-Based Melee Fighters

While any class can be adapted, the following classes are ideal for Dex-based builds:

1. Vivisectionist (Alchemist Archetype) – Offers Sneak Attack, Mutagen, and useful buffs.
2. Archaeologist (Bard Archetype) – A skillful, self-buffing combatant with Archaeologist’s Luck.
3. Inquisitor – Judgment abilities boost offense and defense, making them great in melee.
4. Aldori Defender (Fighter Archetype) – Specializes in one-handed dueling and defensive combat.
5. Magus (Sword Saint Archetype) – Powerful one-handed duelist, blending magic and swordplay.
6. Ranger – Can specialize in two-weapon fighting.
7. Rogue (Knife Master, Eldritch Scoundrel, Thug) – Masters of Sneak Attack and mobility.
8. Slayer – A hybrid of Rogue and Fighter, gaining Sneak Attack and high combat versatility.

If you want to play something unique, any class can work with creativity, but these options make the process easier.

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Ability Scores for Dex-Based Fighters

• Dexterity (Primary Stat) – Increases attack rolls, AC, initiative, and reflex saves.
• Intelligence – Required for Duelist, Sword Saint, and extra skill points.
• Charisma – Useful for Dazzling Display builds.
• Strength (Dump Stat) – Not needed, as Dexterity-based feats replace Strength for damage.

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Essential Feats for Dex-Based Melee Builds

Core Feats

1. Weapon Finesse – Uses Dexterity instead of Strength for melee attack rolls.
2. Weapon Focus (Your Weapon of Choice) – Increases attack accuracy.
3. Fencing Grace (Piercing Weapons) / Slashing Grace (Slashing Weapons) – Adds Dexterity to damage.

Two-Weapon Fighting Feats (For Dual Wield Builds)

4. Two-Weapon Fighting – Reduces the penalty for attacking with both hands.
5. Improved Two-Weapon Fighting – Grants an additional off-hand attack.
6. Greater Two-Weapon Fighting – Grants another extra off-hand attack.
7. Hammer the Gap – Each successive hit deals extra damage.

Critical Strike Feats

8. Improved Critical (Your Weapon of Choice) – Doubles the critical threat range.
9. Critical Focus – Grants +4 to confirm critical hits.

Combat Maneuver Feats

10. Combat Reflexes – Gain extra attacks of opportunity based on Dexterity modifier.
11. Trip – Enables knocking down enemies, making them prone.
12. Fury’s Fall – Uses Dexterity instead of Strength for trip attempts.
13. Agile Maneuvers – Applies Dexterity to all combat maneuvers.

Teamwork & Positioning Feats

14. Outflank – Grants +4 to attack rolls when flanking.
15. Seize the Moment – Triggers attacks of opportunity on critical hits.
16. Precise Strike – Adds +1d6 precision damage when flanking.

Defensive Feats (For Duelist or Evasive Builds)

17. Dodge – Grants +1 AC.
18. Combat Mobility – +4 AC against attacks of opportunity.
19. Defensive Parry (Aldori Defender only) – Grants +4 AC when attacking.
20. Spring Attack – Move before and after attacking, avoiding retaliation.

Skill Feats

21. Accomplished Sneak Attacker (For Rogues & Slayers) – Grants +1 Sneak Attack die.
22. Stealthy – Improves Stealth and Escape Artist checks.
23. Dazzling Display – Intimidates enemies, reducing their effectiveness.

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Combat Playstyles

Duelist Playstyle (One-Handed, Defensive, and Mobile)

• Primary Class: Sword Saint, Aldori Defender, Duelist.
• Key Feats: Weapon Finesse, Fencing Grace, Combat Mobility, Spring Attack, Improved Critical.
• Strategy: Evade enemy attacks while dealing precise strikes.

Two-Weapon Fighting Playstyle (Dual Wielding Daggers, Rapiers, or Kukris)

• Primary Class: Rogue (Knife Master), Slayer, Ranger.
• Key Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, Hammer the Gap.
• Strategy: Focus on stacking attacks per turn and dealing Sneak Attack damage.

Trip & Attack of Opportunity Playstyle (Dexterity-Based Control Build)

• Primary Class: Fighter, Slayer, Vivisectionist.
• Key Feats: Combat Reflexes, Trip, Agile Maneuvers, Fury’s Fall.
• Strategy: Knock enemies down and punish movement with extra attacks.

Sneaky Stabber Playstyle (Stealth & Sneak Attacks)

• Primary Class: Rogue, Slayer, Eldritch Scoundrel.
• Key Feats: Accomplished Sneak Attacker, Dazzling Display, Combat Reflexes.
• Strategy: Attack from stealth or flank enemies to land high-damage sneak attacks.

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Final Thoughts

Dexterity-based melee fighters thrive on agility, precision, and mobility. Choosing the right feats early helps maximize damage output, survivability, and combat effectiveness. Whether you prefer dueling, two-weapon fighting, or sneak attacks, this guide provides the essential blueprint to craft a deadly Dex-based melee combatant.

More Pathfinder: Kingmaker guides coming soon—stay tuned!