Pathfinder WotR: Best Monk Builds – DEX Unarmed and Zen Archer Guide

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is not a live service game, so it does not employ a seasonal system. The latest major DLC is "A Dance of Masks," and the latest major update is version 2.5.0y. Bug fixes and other updates have been continuously released since then. This article is based on the current version.

In the world of "Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous," the Monk is an ascetic who fights with only their own body as a weapon. While their builds are diverse, two particularly powerful ones are the "DEX-focused Unarmed Monk," boasting incredible evasion capabilities, and the "Bow Monk (Zen Archer)," which is also the archetype of the companion Lann. This article provides a thorough explanation of the composition, feat / class feature acquisition order, and combat strategy for these two strongest builds, effective from early to late game.

DEX-Focused Unarmed Monk Best Build Guide

This build maximizes Dexterity (DEX) to evade enemy attacks while defeating foes with rapid successive strikes. It secures AC (Armor Class) and attack rolls with DEX, becoming a late-blooming evasion tank and attacker that truly shines from the mid-game onwards once feat / class features and equipment are acquired.

Build Overview and Characteristics

Based on the Traditional Monk, this build multiclasses with Rogue (Thug) to apply DEX to damage and boost attack power with sneak attacks. Choosing Human offers the advantage of acquiring many important feat / class features early on.

Feat / Class Feature Acquisition Order

In the early game, prioritizing improved defensive capabilities with Crane Style is key. From mid-game onwards, once damage becomes stable with the Rogue class abilities, acquire offensive feat / class features.

1. Lv1: Weapon Finesse, Crane Style
2. Lv2 (Monk bonus): Dodge
3. Lv3: Crane Wing
4. Lv5: Crane Riposte
5. Lv7: Power Attack
6. Lv9: Greater Weapon Focus: Unarmed Strike
7. Lv11: Shatter Defenses
8. Lv13: Dazzling Display
9. Lv15: Improved Critical (Unarmed Strike)
10. Lv17: Staggering Critical
11. Lv19: Any (defensive feat / class features like "Mythic Resolve" are also good)

Mythic Path

This section introduces the Mythic Path that maximizes this build's potential, along with compatible Mythic abilities and Mythic feat / class features.

• Recommended Mythic Path: Trickster
  Trickster is optimal as it significantly enhances critical-related abilities. Acquiring "Perception (Rank 2) Trick," which improves the critical range and multiplier for unarmed strikes, dramatically boosts offensive performance.
• Recommended Mythic Abilities: Unrelenting Assault (Unarmed Strike), Stand Still
• Recommended Mythic Feat / Class Features: Mythic Weapon Finesse, Mythic Improved Critical (Unarmed Strike), Mythic Power Attack

Combat Strategy (Turn-Based / Real-Time)

In the early game, even with Weapon Finesse, damage output can be low, so the focus is on maintaining the frontline as a tank with high AC, leveraging the high number of attacks. Once you acquire "Finesse Training" at Rogue level 3 or obtain the "Amulet of Agile Fists," DEX will apply to damage, completely transforming your offensive power.
Always activate "Fighting Defensively" and "Crane Wing" in combat. This reduces the AC penalty and grants incredible evasion capabilities.
Turn-Based: Charge into enemy lines, activate "Crane Riposte" with a move action, and unleash a flurry of blows with a full-round action. By drawing enemy attacks, you also protect your allies.
Real-Time: Send your character to charge into groups of enemies to draw their attention. Since the AI automatically uses Flurry of Blows, focus on managing your defensive abilities.

Bow Monk (Zen Archer) Build Guide

This is a ranged physical attacker build that selects the Monk archetype "Zen Archer." It features the ability to add Wisdom (WIS) to attack and damage rolls, along with an overwhelming number of attacks from Flurry of Blows. Many players are familiar with its strength, as the companion Lann is this class. It consistently delivers high damage output from early to late game.

Build Overview and Characteristics

The Zen Archer can apply many of the Monk's class abilities to bows, making it most powerful when focused as a single class without multiclassing. An Aasimar with a Wisdom bonus is ideal for this build.

Feat / Class Feature Acquisition Order

As an archer, acquire basic feat / class features in due course. Note that Flurry of Blows cannot be used with Rapid Shot or Manyshot. Zen Archers have abundant bonus feat / class features, allowing them to learn many essential ones.

1. Lv1: Weapon Focus: Longbow, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
2. Lv2 (Monk bonus): Perfect Strike
3. Lv3: Deadly Aim
4. Lv5: Clustered Shots
5. Lv6 (Monk bonus): Greater Weapon Focus: Longbow
6. Lv7: Improved Precise Shot
7. Lv9: Improved Critical: Longbow
8. Lv10 (Monk bonus): Weapon Specialization: Longbow
9. Lv11: Hammer the Gap
10. Lv13: Critical Focus
11. Lv15: Staggering Critical
12. Lv17: Any (e.g., "Snap Shot")
13. Lv19: Any (e.g., "Combat Reflexes")

Mythic Path

As a pure damage dealer, select Mythic abilities and Mythic feat / class features that directly enhance offensive performance.

• Recommended Mythic Path: Any path is powerful, but if you seek pure combat prowess, "Legend" or "Aeon" (which can also support allies) are good choices.
• Recommended Mythic Abilities: Unrelenting Assault (Longbow), Distracting Shots
• Recommended Mythic Feat / Class Features: Mythic Point-Blank Shot, Mythic Deadly Aim, Mythic Improved Critical (Longbow), Mythic Rapid Shot *While Rapid Shot itself cannot be used, this Mythic feat / class feature grants additional arrows and stacks with Flurry of Blows.*

Combat Strategy (Turn-Based / Real-Time)

The combat strategy for this build is very simple. Always maintain a backline position and continuously fire Flurry of Blows with a full-round action from a clear line of sight. This is your primary source of damage.
A key advantage of the Zen Archer is its higher defensive capabilities compared to typical archers, as it can add its WIS bonus to AC even without wearing armor. Should enemies approach, it can withstand a certain amount of punishment.
Turn-Based: Aim to attack with a full-round action each turn without moving. Maintaining appropriate distance from enemies is crucial.
Real-Time: Position your character away from enemies and simply designate a target; they will automatically continue attacking with the maximum number of attacks. It's easy to control and powerful, making it recommended for beginners.

Conclusion

The two Monk builds introduced in this guide are both powerful configurations that you can rely on to clear the game. The "DEX-focused Unarmed Monk" is an artistic evasion tank and attacker that continuously dodges enemy attacks by a hair's breadth, offering a special sense of accomplishment when the build is complete. On the other hand, the "Bow Monk (Zen Archer)" is an exceptionally stable ranged attacker that pierces enemies with an overwhelming number of attacks from early on. Try developing your ideal Monk according to your playstyle and party composition.