Pathfinder 2e Smite Build

2 min read 01-01-2025

Pathfinder Second Edition offers a wealth of character build options, and few are as satisfying as a well-crafted smite build. This guide dives into the mechanics and strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of your divine retribution in Pathfinder 2e. We'll explore the key elements needed for a potent smite build, focusing on optimizing damage output and survivability.

Choosing Your Champion: Class Selection

Several classes excel at delivering smiting justice. The most obvious choice is the Paladin, whose core abilities revolve around holy power and combat prowess. However, other classes can effectively incorporate smite into their strategies. The Cleric, with its diverse spellcasting and access to powerful divine buffs, is a strong contender. Even the Inquisitor, with its focus on investigation and divine judgment, can be built for devastating smite attacks.

Consider the following factors when selecting your class:

Spellcasting: Access to spells that buff your attack rolls, damage, or provide additional utility significantly impacts your effectiveness.
Divine Abilities: Specific class features that synergize with smite, such as additional damage dice or increased critical hit chances, are crucial.
Feats: Feats are paramount to building a successful smite character. The right feats can substantially improve your damage output and survivability.

Key Abilities & Stats

While the specific stat priorities may slightly vary depending on your chosen class and build, generally, Strength and Charisma are paramount.

Strength: This directly impacts your attack rolls and damage output, making it a primary stat to focus on.
Charisma: Charisma influences your spellcasting and divine abilities for many classes, further boosting your damage and overall effectiveness.

Depending on your class and preferred playstyle, consider increasing Constitution for improved hit points and survivability. Dexterity is also a valuable stat, influencing your Armor Class and potentially your initiative.

Essential Feats: Boosting Your Smite

The selection of feats is pivotal to a successful smite build. Focus on feats that augment your ability to land attacks, increase damage, and enhance your survivability. Some examples of powerful feats include:

Improved Initiative: Ensuring you strike first is key to maximizing smite's impact.
Weapon Focus/Greater Weapon Focus: Improving your attack rolls with your favored weapon is essential.
Power Attack: Trading accuracy for significant damage increase is a common and effective strategy.
Critical Focus/Greater Critical Focus: Increasing critical hit chances dramatically amplifies your damage output.

Remember to choose feats that complement your class abilities and overall build strategy.

Optimizing Your Equipment

Your equipment choices significantly influence your smite build's effectiveness. Focus on weapons that offer high damage dice and critical hit multipliers. Armor that provides substantial armor class while maintaining mobility is also essential. Consider using items that boost your Strength, Charisma, or other relevant stats to further increase your effectiveness.

Gameplay Strategies: Unleashing Divine Wrath

Effective smite application goes beyond simply having high damage. Consider these strategies:

Positioning: Strategically position yourself to maximize your chances of hitting your target and minimizing incoming damage.
Crowd Control: Utilize spells or abilities that control or hinder enemies to improve your chances of hitting your primary target.
Party Coordination: Coordinate with your party members to control the battlefield and ensure the most effective target is engaged first.

Conclusion: The Path to Smite Mastery

Building a powerful smite character in Pathfinder 2e requires a thoughtful approach, balancing offensive power with necessary defenses. By carefully selecting your class, prioritizing key abilities, choosing impactful feats, and optimizing your equipment, you can create a devastating force capable of meting out divine justice upon your enemies. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges you face, ensuring your smite strikes true and hard!