This is the most important decision. You get "Chosen Weapon" bonuses, so switching weapons later hurts your progression.
Option A: The Finesse Duelist (Recommended)
Option B: The Elven Powerhouse
Option C: The Traditionalist
To make a Sword Saint work, you need to max out three stats: Dexterity, Intelligence, and Strength (if using a two-handed weapon) or Constitution (if using a one-handed weapon).
Recommended Race:
Stat Spread (15 Point Buy):
If you want a specific level-by-level feat and spell list for one of the two example builds (Dex or Str), tell me which and I’ll produce a detailed 1–20 progression table.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Magus Sword Saint Guide
The Magus is a versatile class in Pathfinder: Kingmaker, combining arcane power with martial prowess. The Sword Saint archetype for the Magus takes this a step further, specializing in the use of swords and enhancing both their magical and martial abilities. This guide will help you navigate the creation and play of a Sword Saint Magus, focusing on key choices, strategies, and optimizations.
Cantrips: Acid Splash, Disrupt Undead, Touch of Fatigue. pathfinder kingmaker magus sword saint guide
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Level 5:
Level 6:
Spell Combat & Spellstrike: Always use Spell Combat (extra attack). Use Spellstrike to deliver touch spells via weapon (e.g., Shocking Grasp critical ×3 damage).
If you play the Varnhold’s Lot DLC or the standalone Beneath the Stolen Lands roguelite mode:
The standard Magus wears medium armor and casts spells to buff and blast. The Sword Saint rejects armor entirely, gaining the AC of a monk (Canny Defense) and focusing entirely on a single, chosen weapon. You trade durability for critical hit devastation.
Key Mechanics:
The Big Picture: You are a glass cannon with high AC, but low HP. Your job is to teleport across the battlefield (Dimension Door or Bladed Dash), delete a high-priority target with a maximized, critical Shocking Grasp delivered through your katana, then rely on mirror images to survive the counterattack.
The standard Magus is a jack-of-all-trades who wears armor and casts spells through their sword. The Sword Saint is different: