pf2e investigator guide
The Investigator is a methodical, intelligent class excelling at solving mysteries and gathering information. They combine elements of the Alchemist and Rogue, offering versatility in both combat and problem-solving. With a focus on skills, talents, and strategic thinking, Investigators are perfect for players who enjoy unraveling puzzles and uncovering secrets. Their unique blend of empirical and esoteric abilities makes them invaluable in any party, whether deciphering clues or outwitting foes.
Core Features of the Investigator
Investigators excel in solving mysteries, using skills like Perception and Recall Knowledge. They gain versatile talents, combining empirical and esoteric abilities. Their expertise lies in gathering clues, deciphering puzzles, and outwitting foes, making them indispensable in mystery-driven campaigns.
Key Class Abilities
Investigators possess a unique blend of skills and talents tailored for mystery-solving and tactical play. Their proficiency in Perception and Recall Knowledge aids in uncovering hidden clues, while their access to Alchemist Discoveries and Rogue Talents provides versatility. The Investigator excels at problem-solving, using skills like Decipher Writing and Evidence Analysis to piece together mysteries. Their ability to Aid allies strategically in combat further enhances their utility, making them a valuable asset in both exploration and combat scenarios.
Class Progression and Development
Investigators progress by enhancing their skills and gaining access to powerful talents and feats. Early levels focus on building a strong foundation in Perception and Knowledge skills, while higher levels unlock advanced abilities like Alchemist Discoveries. Each level brings opportunities to specialize further, whether through empirical analysis or esoteric practices; This progression ensures Investigators remain adaptable and effective, capable of solving complex mysteries and contributing meaningfully to their party’s success.
Investigator Archetypes and Talents
Investigators can choose from diverse archetypes like Empiricism or Esoteric Order, each offering unique talents and playstyles; These options allow for deep customization, enabling players to craft a detective, scholar, or arcane investigator, blending Alchemist and Rogue elements seamlessly. Talents provide flexibility, enhancing skills or adding combat prowess, making the Investigator a versatile and dynamic class in both exploration and combat scenarios.
Archetype Selection Guide
Choosing the right archetype is crucial for an Investigator. The Empiricism archetype suits players who prefer a scientific approach, focusing on skill mastery and analytical thinking. In contrast, the Esoteric Order archetype is ideal for those who enjoy blending mystery with arcane or occult elements, offering unique spell-like abilities. Each archetype provides distinct talents and playstyles, allowing players to tailor their Investigator to fit their preferred role, whether as a detective, scholar, or enigmatic problem-solver. This flexibility ensures the class remains dynamic and engaging for various playstyles.
Talent Breakdown and Choices
Investigator talents offer a wide range of customization, allowing players to shape their character’s expertise. Key talents include Keen Recollection, granting mastery in all Knowledge skills, and Alchemist Discoveries, enabling the use of potent alchemical tools. Players can also choose from Rogue Talents, enhancing stealth, deception, or combat versatility. When selecting talents, consider your playstyle: focus on problem-solving, combat effectiveness, or skill mastery. This flexibility ensures Investigators can excel in any role, whether as a detective, scholar, or cunning operative.
Skill Selection and Optimization
Investigators excel through strategic skill selection. Focus on Perception for clue-gathering, Persuasion for interviews, and Knowledge skills for expertise. Allocate higher ranks to essential skills and choose class feats that enhance these abilities for maximum effectiveness.
Essential Skills for Investigators
Investigators rely on a mix of skills to excel in mystery-solving and combat. Perception is crucial for detecting clues and noticing hidden details. Persuasion and Deception are vital for interacting with NPCs and gathering information. Knowledge skills, such as Arcana, History, and Nature, provide expertise in specific areas. Stealth and Survival are also valuable for reconnaissance and tracking. Allocating higher skill ranks to these areas ensures investigators are well-rounded and effective in various scenarios.
Advanced Skill Techniques
Advanced investigators master specialized techniques to enhance their skills. Using Perception in combat to identify weaknesses or combining Stealth with Deception for flawless disguises exemplifies expert play. Feats like Assurance guarantee critical successes, while Critical Success effects unlock unique outcomes. High proficiency and specialized talents allow investigators to exceed skill limits, solving complex puzzles or outwitting foes with precision. These techniques ensure investigators remain indispensable in any challenging scenario, elevating their problem-solving prowess to extraordinary levels.
Class Feats and Build Guide
Investigators gain empowering feats that enhance their effectiveness. Feats like Assurance and Critical Success ensure consistent skill performance, while selections like Keen Recollection bolster knowledge expertise, creating a formidable investigator.
Feats Selection and Synergy
Feats are crucial for optimizing an Investigator’s effectiveness. Choices like Assurance and Critical Success enhance skill reliability, ensuring consistent performance in critical situations. Keen Recollection expands knowledge skills, making Investigators versatile problem solvers. Synergizing feats with class talents and archetypes can create powerful builds, such as combining Empiricism with Exploit Weakness for enhanced combat utility. Strategic feat selection ensures Investigators excel in both mysteries and combat, making them indispensable to any party.
Sample Builds and Playstyles
Investigators offer diverse playstyles through archetypes like Empiricism and Esoteric Order. The Empiricism build excels in combat, using feats like Exploit Weakness for precision damage. Conversely, the Esoteric Order focuses on mystery-solving, leveraging talents for clue-gathering. Players can also craft hybrid builds, blending combat prowess with investigative skills. Whether you prefer a Battlefield Investigator or a Scholarly Detective, each build offers unique synergies, allowing for tailored adventures and problem-solving approaches. Experimentation with talents and feats ensures endless customization.
Equipment and Consumables Guide
Investigators often wield versatile weapons like swords or cane-swords, combining combat with detective work. Essential tools include magnifying glasses, alchemist’s kits, and potions for situational advantages. Consumables like scrolls or elixirs enhance problem-solving and survival, while armor choices balance mobility and protection. Strategic item selection complements their investigative and combat prowess, ensuring they’re prepared for diverse challenges.
Weapon and Armor Choices
Investigators typically favor weapons that combine utility with lethality, such as the cane-sword or rapier, allowing them to remain agile and deadly. Ranged options like shortbows provide versatility for distance combat. Armor choices lean towards light or medium types, ensuring mobility for skill-based tasks. Some archetypes, like the Empiricist, may prefer simple weapons, while others, such as the Charismatic Duelist, excel with fencing weapons. Weapon selections often mirror their investigative style, blending practicality with combat efficiency.
Useful Consumables and Items
Investigators benefit from alchemical items like alchemist’s fire, smoke bombs, and potions of perception or healing. Tools such as a merchant’s scale or a disguise kit enhance their investigative skills. Magic items like a crystal orb or a spell component pouch can aid in divination or utility spells. Versatile gear like a cane-sword or a collapsible shield offers both practicality and combat readiness. These items complement the Investigator’s versatility, making them a well-rounded problem solver.
Advanced Techniques and Strategies
Investigators excel by mastering advanced skills like Recall Knowledge and Perception, leveraging items like a crystal orb for divination, and employing clever item combinations.
Tactical Combat Strategies
Investigators thrive in combat by leveraging their skills and items. Use Recall Knowledge to identify weaknesses and Demoralize to unsettle foes. Position yourself to flank enemies, enhancing ally attacks. Employ consumables like alchemical items strategically. Investigators can also use items like a crystal orb for divination in combat. Optimize your role by supporting allies with Aid or controlling the battlefield with clever positioning. Mastering these tactics ensures your Investigator is a valuable asset in any combat scenario.
Problem-Solving and Puzzle Mastery
Investigators excel at unraveling mysteries and solving complex puzzles. Use skills like Recall Knowledge and Perception to gather and analyze clues. Their methodical approach ensures they uncover hidden details others miss. Proficiency in Decipher a Writing and Use an Expertise aids in solving intricate riddles and decoding secrets. Investigators are adept at piecing together seemingly unrelated information, making them invaluable for mystery-focused campaigns. Their problem-solving skills often lead to breakthroughs, showcasing their intellectual prowess in every adventure.
Party Role and Synergies
Investigators excel as problem-solvers and information gatherers, enhancing party dynamics with their analytical skills. Their expertise in skills like Recall Knowledge and Perception aids in uncovering clues and supporting allies, making them versatile assets in diverse adventuring parties.
Team Collaboration Tips
Investigators thrive in coordinated teams, using their skills to support allies. Communicate your findings to set up teammates for success. Use Aid to boost allies’ attacks or skill checks, and leverage Recall Knowledge to identify enemy weaknesses. Coordinate with spellcasters by revealing key vulnerabilities, and assist martial allies with tactical positioning. Share clues and insights to solve puzzles collectively. By combining your analytical mind with your party’s strengths, you become an indispensable asset, ensuring missions unfold smoothly and effectively.
Optimizing Party Contributions
Investigators optimize party contributions by leveraging their skills and versatility. Use Recall Knowledge to identify enemy weaknesses, enabling allies to exploit them. Employ Aid to bolster teammates’ attacks or skill checks, enhancing overall effectiveness. Share insights from your investigations to guide the party’s strategy. Your expertise in problem-solving and adaptability makes you a key asset, ensuring your party operates cohesively and efficiently in both combat and exploration scenarios.
Resources and Community Guides
Explore Pathfinder 2e Investigator guides on forums like RPGnet and Reddit. Watch videos from creators like The Local Disaster Tour Guide for in-depth strategies and builds. Utilize community tools and discussions to enhance your gameplay and character optimization.
Recommended Reading and Videos
For in-depth insights, check out guides from experienced creators like The Angry GM and The Local Disaster Tour Guide. Their videos and blogs offer detailed strategies, class breakdowns, and build optimizations. Community forums such as RPGnet and Pathfinder 2e subreddits provide invaluable discussions and feedback. Additionally, a comprehensive 200-page Investigator build guide is available, covering everything from class features to advanced techniques. These resources ensure you’re well-equipped to master the Investigator’s unique playstyle.
Community Discussions and Forums
Engage with the Pathfinder 2e community through forums like RPGnet and dedicated subreddits. These platforms offer invaluable discussions, shared builds, and advice from experienced players. The Guide to Guides often features community-created resources, including detailed Investigator builds. Participate in threads to ask questions, share strategies, and learn from others. These forums are a goldmine for optimizing your Investigator and staying updated on the latest discoveries and tactics within the community.
The Investigator is a versatile and strategic class, excelling at problem-solving and adaptability. To maximize their potential, focus on skill mastery, clever use of class talents, and strategic planning. Whether embracing empirical analysis or esoteric insights, the Investigator offers a unique playstyle. Always stay creative, leverage community resources, and experiment with different builds. With dedication, your Investigator will become an indispensable problem-solver and mystery-unraveler in any campaign, embodying the true spirit of detective work and adventure.