Pathfinder: WotR Kineticist Ranged Build Guide | Late-Game Blue Flame Blast

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is not a seasonal game. As of June 2024, the latest major DLC is "A Dance of Masks," and a corresponding patch has been applied. The latest update is 2.7.0W. This article is based on current information.

A Kineticist sweeps away enemies with an infinite stream of elemental power. Known as one of the premier damage dealers in "Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous," this class offers deep resource management and damage output that skyrockets with progression. This article focuses on a particularly potent ranged Blast build, specifically the "Blue Flame Blast" variant specializing in single-target damage. We will thoroughly explain every aspect of its development, from navigating the unstable early game to achieving a late-game form capable of incinerating hordes of demons.

What is a Kineticist? A Master of Kinetic Power with Infinite Force

The Kineticist is a unique class that can endlessly use "Kinetic Blasts," powerful ranged attacks unconstrained by Spell Slots or usage limits. Their power source lies in their own life force, with "Constitution" serving as their primary ability score. Constitution influences damage rolls and the "Burn" limit (explained later), meaning the tougher you are, the higher your damage output. Additionally, "Dexterity" is equally crucial for reliably landing these ranged blasts on enemies.

Key to mastering this class is its unique resource system, "Burn." When using powerful class features like "Infusion" to enhance blasts, the Kineticist incurs "Burn." For each point of Burn accumulated, the character takes non-lethal damage based on their character level, and their maximum Hit Points (HP) temporarily decrease. This cost does not recover until resting. However, performing a "Gather Power" action can reduce Burn costs. Optimizing battlefield positioning and action choices, and skillfully managing Burn to maximize damage output, will be the mark of a proficient Kineticist player.

Build Overview and Character Creation

This guide aims for a high single-target damage build that performs well even on high difficulties. It focuses on stabilizing the early game with utility abilities and then rapidly increasing damage output from the mid-game onwards.

Recommended Build Configuration

Early Game (Levels 1-6): Period of Survival and Laying Foundations

In the early game, a Kineticist might feel weaker and more fragile compared to other classes. The goal here is to ensure survival and lay the groundwork for future power spikes. The most crucial decision is your initial "Element" choice.

Recommended Element: Water

At level 1, selecting "Water" is strongly recommended. The Water Kinetic Blast deals physical damage, providing consistent damage against early-game enemies. However, its true value lies in the Wild Talent "Slick," acquired at level 2. This is an area attack with an effect nearly identical to the "Grease" spell, capable of tripping enemies. Remarkably, this ability has zero Burn cost and can be used an unlimited number of times. Simply placing "Slick" beneath groups of enemies will allow you to safely and advantageously navigate many encounters.

Level-by-Level Progression Guide: The Path to Becoming the Strongest

From the mid-game onwards, the Kineticist transforms into an astonishing damage dealer. The selection of feats and elements will determine the success of your build.

Acquired Feats

Prioritize acquiring feats essential for a ranged attack class. Below is an example of the acquisition order:

1. Level 1: Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot *Acquire both with Human bonus feat
2. Level 3: Weapon Focus: Kinetic Blast
3. Level 5: Elemental Focus: Fire *Acquire for later
4. Level 7: Deadly Aim
5. Level 9: Improved Critical: Kinetic Blast
6. Level 11: Critical Focus
7. Level 13: Critical feats (e.g., Staggering Critical, Blinding Critical)
8. Level 15 onwards: Greater Weapon Focus: Kinetic Blast, Greater Elemental Focus, and other damage-enhancing feats

"Point-Blank Shot" and "Precise Shot" are absolutely indispensable for eliminating the attack roll penalty when allies are adjacent to the target. Being able to acquire both at level 1 makes Humans an ideal race for a Kineticist.

Element and Wild Talent Selection

Element selection is core to the build. In this guide, they are acquired in the following order:

• Level 1: Water → Wild Talent: Slick
• Level 7: Fire → This unlocks the composite blast "Steam Blast."
• Level 7 (Expanded Element): Fire → Acquire "Blue Flame Blast." This is the main weapon of this build. Blue Flame Blast is an energy-type attack that targets the enemy's Touch AC, making it very easy to hit.
• Level 15: Earth → Acquire defensive Wild Talent "Flesh of Stone" for damage reduction (DR) and the powerful area control ability "Deadly Earth" to broaden your tactical options.

Alternatively, if you want to specialize in Area of Effect (AoE) attacks, a build that selects "Earth" twice at levels 1 and 7 to acquire "Deadly Earth" and "Bowling Infusion" (which trips enemies hit by your blast) early on is also very powerful.

Mythic Path and Combat Strategy

Mythic power dramatically enhances a Kineticist's abilities. Especially for this build, which primarily uses the Fire element, certain Mythic abilities are essential.

Recommended Mythic Paths and Abilities

• Essential Mythic Ability: Ascendant Element (Fire) - This is where it all begins. Many demons have fire resistance or immunity, so making this ability a top priority ensures you can completely ignore their resistances.
• Important Mythic Abilities/Feats: Kinetic Overcharge, Mythic Weapon Focus (Kinetic Blast), Mythic Improved Critical (Kinetic Blast) - These directly enhance your blast's damage and critical performance.
• Synergistic Mythic Paths:
  • Azata: Highly versatile, with powerful "Superpowers" that support allies. Particularly, "Zippy Magic," which grants advantage on attack rolls, can cause your blasts to chain to additional enemies, compensating for the single-target build's weakness against groups.
  • Demon: "Demon Rage" provides a purely powerful increase to ability scores, significantly boosting burst damage. It also has aspects that synergize well with trip tactics, creating interesting synergies depending on the build.

Combat Strategy (Turn-Based/Real-Time)

A Kineticist's combat effectiveness hinges on how well you utilize "Gather Power."

• Turn-Based Mode: The most basic sequence is "move action to Gather Power → standard action to unleash a blast with reduced Burn cost." If you want to use more powerful Infusions, the sequence "full-round action to Gather Power to maximum → next turn for a full-power blast with 0 Burn cost" is potent. It's crucial to maintain proper distance from enemies and secure a safe position for Gather Power.
• Real-Time with Pause (RTWP): Before combat begins, select your character and turn on "Gather Power." This will automatically start Gathering Power as soon as combat starts. Once enemies are in range, pause, select your target, and unleash your blast. Always position yourself in the backline, attacking from behind the wall formed by your frontline allies.

Conclusion

While the Kineticist ranged Blast build primarily relies on "Slick" for support in the early game, from the mid-game onwards, upon acquiring "Blue Flame Blast" and Mythic power, it evolves into one of the game's top damage dealers. Its resource management is unique, but once you grasp it, its overwhelming firepower will allow you to incinerate any formidable foe. Use this article as a guide to develop your ultimate Kineticist and cleanse the demon-infested Worldwound with your infinite power.