Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a deep, complex CRPG based on the Pathfinder First Edition ruleset. While it improves upon Kingmaker with better tutorials and interface upgrades, it still presents a steep learning curve. This guide offers essential tips to help beginners survive and thrive—from combat fundamentals to party composition and character class recommendations.

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Combat Basics

You can choose between two combat modes:

• Real-Time with Pause: Best for experienced players who prefer faster-paced gameplay.
• Turn-Based Mode: Ideal for beginners, offering more control and a true tabletop-style experience.

You can toggle between these at any time. All in-game actions rely on classic dice rolls, particularly the 20-sided die (d20), with various modifiers influencing outcomes.

Key Combat Rolls:

• Initiative: Determines turn order.
• Attack Rolls: Decide if an attack hits.
• Skill Checks: Used for things like persuading NPCs or disarming traps.

Roll results are compared against a Difficulty Class (DC). Bonuses from stats, feats, and gear help meet or exceed these thresholds.

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Attack Rolls and Damage Explained

Attack Roll Formula:

D20 + Base Attack Bonus (BAB) + Ability Modifier + Other Modifiers

• BAB increases with level, especially for martial classes like Fighters and Barbarians.
• Strength affects melee attacks, Dexterity boosts ranged attacks.

To hit, your attack roll must equal or exceed the enemy’s Armor Class (AC):

AC = 10 + Armor Bonus + Shield Bonus + Dex Modifier + Other Bonuses

Combat Rules to Remember:

• Rolling a natural 1 = automatic miss.
• Rolling a natural 20 = automatic hit (and potential critical hit).

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Attacks of Opportunity

Enemies can take a free melee attack if:

• You cast a spell, drink a potion, or move out of melee range.
• To prevent this: keep spellcasters and ranged characters in the back row, and invest in the Mobility skill.

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Damage Rolls and Critical Hits

• Weapons deal set base damage (e.g., 1d8 for a longsword).
• Melee weapons add Strength bonus; ranged weapons often add Dexterity (if composite).
• Critical Hits multiply base damage. For example, a weapon with 18–20×2 crit range can deal double damage if confirmed.

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Spellcasting Essentials

• Spells must be prepared and rested to use (except for Sorcerers).
• Level 0 spells (Cantrips/Orisons) are unlimited-use.
• High-level spells require:
  • 10 + Spell Level in the casting ability (Int, Wis, or Cha).
• Some spells (like Acid Arrow) bypass resistance—great for consistent damage.

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Beginner-Friendly Classes

Start with classes that are easy to grasp and strong from the beginning:

• 🛡 Fighter – Straightforward melee combatant.
• 🧠 Cleric – Great healer and buffer.
• 🗡 Barbarian – High damage and good survivability.
• 🎯 Rogue – High single-target damage and utility (traps/locks).
• 🔥 Sorcerer – Simple, powerful spellcaster (no spell preparation required).

Stick with single-class builds until you’re comfortable with the mechanics.

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Ideal Party Composition

Aim for a balanced party with:

1. Tank – High AC, holds enemy attention (e.g., Seelah).
2. Healer/Buff Support – Provides sustainability (e.g., Sosiel).
3. Melee Damage Dealer – Frontline threat (e.g., Woljif).
4. Ranged DPS – Safe damage from afar (e.g., Arueshalae).
5. Arcane Caster – Crowd control and elemental damage (e.g., Ember).

Tip: Spread Perception across your party to find traps and hidden loot.

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Encumbrance and Inventory Tips

Heavy inventory can slow you down and reduce combat effectiveness.

• Buy the Bag of Holding early (available in Defender’s Heart).
• Drop or stash extra camping supplies and armor.

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Combat Tips for Beginners

• Use Masterwork Weapons for +1 to attack rolls.
• Equip longer weapons (e.g., glaives) for reach advantage.
• Cast buffs before battle (e.g., Bless, Shield of Faith).
• Open combat with ranged or stealth attacks for surprise advantage.

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Extra Tips for New Players

• Turn on auto-leveling for companions if you’re unsure about builds.
• Adjust difficulty settings to fit your learning curve—no shame in playing on Normal or Story Mode at first.
• Avoid multi-classing until you fully understand how classes scale.

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Final Thought

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is deep and rewarding, but it doesn’t hold your hand. With the tips above, you’ll avoid early pitfalls and enjoy a smoother, more powerful journey through the Worldwound. Choose your class wisely, build a balanced party, and above all—have fun experimenting.