Pathfinder: WotR - Paladin Tank Build Guide with Angel Mythic Path

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has no season pass system. The latest major DLCs are "A Dance of Masks" (released May 2024) and "The Lord of Nothing" (released November 2023). The latest major patch is version 2.4.0x, which includes additional content related to DLCs and fixes for classes and mechanics. The information provided is current as of the 2.3.2f update on June 20, 2024. This guide is based on the latest available information.

In "Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous", where demon armies ravage the Worldwound, the Paladin, who strikes down evil with holy power, is one of the most fitting classes for the protagonist. This article thoroughly explains the "Paladin Tank Build", which protects allies with high defensive capabilities and purifies demons with divine strikes. By combining it with the perfectly synergistic Angel Mythic Path, you will become the party's cornerstone as an unwavering shield of faith.

Build Concept: An Unwavering Shield of Faith

The goal of this build is to stand on the front lines of the party and serve as the "main tank", drawing the enemy's attacks. Paladins boast high AC (Armor Class) from heavy armor and a shield, and their class feature "Divine Grace" adds their Charisma bonus to all saving throws, granting them extremely high durability against both physical attacks and spells.
Furthermore, the Paladin's signature "Smite Evil" is a powerful offensive ability that adds their Charisma bonus to attack rolls and their Paladin level to damage rolls against evil-aligned enemies. In this game, where most enemies are evil-aligned, this ability simultaneously boosts both defensive (AC bonus) and offensive capabilities as a tank, truly making it a trump card. By balancing Strength and Charisma, a holy knight embodying both offense and defense is achieved.

Character Creation and Ability Score Allocation

Character creation, which forms the foundation of the build, is crucial. Especially ability score allocation significantly impacts subsequent growth. The recommended configuration is summarized below.

For ability scores during Level Up (class level progression), continue to allocate 1 point to Strength every 4 levels to maximize offensive performance.

Class Progression and Feat Progression

Important Paladin Class Features

Paladins gain powerful class features as they Level Up (class level progression). For "Divine Bond" acquired at level 5, be sure to select "Sacred Mount (Animal Companion)". Riding a horse dramatically reduces your chance of being hit and improves mobility, greatly enhancing your tanking capabilities. The horse itself also grows, becoming a powerful defensive barrier.

Recommended Feat Acquisition Order

Feats are a fundamental element of a build. The following order is recommended:

1. Lv1: Shield Focus
2. Lv3: Power Attack
3. Lv5: Improved Bull Rush
4. Lv7: Weapon Focus (for your chosen one-handed weapon, e.g., Longsword)
5. Lv9: Improved Critical (for selected weapon)
6. Lv11: Extra Smite Evil
7. Lv13: Armor Focus (Heavy)
8. Lv15: Dazzling Display
9. Lv17: Shatter Defenses
10. Lv19: Critical Focus

Power Attack significantly boosts damage, while Improved Bull Rush helps disrupt enemy actions as a tank. From mid-game onwards, the build focuses on enhancing critical performance and supporting allies' damage output with Shatter Defenses.

Mythic Path and Combat Tactics

Optimal Choice: Angel Mythic Path

The ultimate form of this build is achieved by merging with the Angel Mythic Path. The Angel Path dramatically enhances the Paladin's abilities, bestowing powers befitting a divine agent.

• Spellbook Integration: Integrating the Angel spellbook with the Paladin spellbook results in a Caster Level of "Paladin level + Mythic Rank", allowing access to powerful Cleric spells at higher levels.
• Potent Mythic Spells: Angel-exclusive defensive spells like "Blessing of the Sun" and "Unwavering Shield" elevate tanking capabilities to the highest level in the game. Additionally, the offensive buff from "Sword of Justice" is incredibly powerful.
• Recommended Mythic Abilities and Feats: Unstoppable Defense and Enduring Spells are standard Mythic Abilities. For Mythic Feats, acquire Power Attack (Mythic) and Weapon Focus (Mythic) to bolster fundamental combat prowess.

Combat Tactics

Real-time with Pause (RTwP):
When combat begins, charge directly into enemy groups while mounted to draw their attention. Use "Smite Evil" on the most dangerous enemies (such as casters or large demons) to quickly neutralize them. "Lay on Hands" is useful for emergency healing for yourself or allies.

Turn-based Mode:
In the first turn, move to block enemy paths while casting defensive spells (such as Angel spells). "Smite Evil" is generally used against strong enemies, but it's also effective for its AC bonus. Steadily defeat enemies by incorporating "Lay on Hands", which can be used as a Swift Action. The high freedom of positioning while mounted is also a strong advantage.

Conclusion

The Paladin tank build introduced here offers one of the best experiences in terms of both performance and roleplaying for conquering the main campaign of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The sight of this build protecting allies with overwhelming defensive capabilities and sweeping away hordes of demons with the divine power of the Angel and "Smite Evil" is the very ideal of a holy knight. For equipment, prioritize gathering the best heavy armor, shields, and items/gear/spell components that enhance Strength and Charisma, then bring down the hammer of justice upon the Worldwound.