Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous – How To Build A Witch

One of the reasons role-playing games are so popular is the choices of classes. All RPGs have some version of this, although some are developed as part of the progression while others are chosen during the character creation process before the gameplay actually begins. Table-top RPGs like Pathfinder feature a wide variety of choices when it comes to classes, and the second installment in the video game wing of the franchise, Wrath of the Righteous, has 25 to choose from, and the Witch is one of them. ​​​

The Witch is a class unique to the Pathfinder universe, although some of the powers that Warlocks have in Dungeons & Dragons can be comparable. The Witch is a spell caster that depends on Intelligence for their saving throws and specializes in a type of spell called a Hex. This can vary depending on the build, and some types of Witches don’t use Hexes at all.

A Witch’s powers are some of the most potent in the game, but they can be challenging to learn how to use, which is one of the reasons this class is considered to be a difficult one to play and isn’t recommended for beginners. There is one subclass, the Stigmatized Witch, that uses their Charisma instead of intelligence as their main ability score and has spontaneous casting powers that are comparable to a Sorcerer or Bard. Here’s everything you need to know about building a witch.

Ability Scores For Witches

• Intelligence. The Witch is a casting class that uses Intelligence as opposed to Wisdom or Charisma, comparable to the Wizard.
• Charisma. This is only important for a specific subclass, the Stigmatized Witch. One of the companions in the game, Ember, is of this class and Archetype.
• Constitution. The lack of armor for this class means you have to hoard a few hit points for this ability, similar to other casting classes.
• Dexterity. This ability score not only affects spell hit rating but also your ability to use certain weapons.
• Wisdom. Witches are often confused with Clerics in this regard, but this stat isn’t important to the Witch, unless they plan to multiclass.
• Strength. The “dump stat” for this class unless you want to multiclass a Warrior Witch. It’s not the worst idea a gamer ever had.

Party Roles For Witches

• Damage. The pure damage build is the easiest, most straightforward way to build a Witch. It’s also the most common role for the Witch to take in a party.
• Healing Support and Damage. Witches have access to some limited healing spells through certain Hexes, so they can help out your main healer in a tough fight when they can take a break from doing damage. This build can also swap out and handle some Crowd Control.
• Crowd and Battlefield Control. The Witch can use their Hex for crowd control abilities like Slumber, which is their version of Sleep. Witches can also help the melee fighters organize the battlefield with powers like Aura of Purity.

Racial Choices For Witches

Witches need to prioritize their Intelligence stats, with one subclass favoring Charisma instead, and there are relatively few races that have bonuses in both.

The Witch is a highly specialized class that’s not as versatile as other classes or even other casters, but there are few choices that will break the build. Players will also want to consider future plans, like multi-classing and Prestige classes when choosing a race.

• Aasimar: This race is mostly about Charisma, which the Stigmatized Witch can use. The Emberkin Heritage offers an Intelligence and Charisma bonus of +2 to each ability score.
• Dhampir: A race that includes buffs for Strength and Increased perception, there are two choices for Dhampir Heritage that also have Intelligence bonuses. This would be an ideal choice for a Witch damage build.
• Dwarf: A Consitution buff is a nice start, and you can build on that if you’re building a Healer or Support Witch.
• Elf: One of the best choices for a Witch, Elves get a +2 bonus to both Intelligence and Dexterity, plus a heightened resistance to Elven magic and Enchantment spells. They are also immune to sleep effects.
• Gnome: The Dexterity bonus of +2 is helpful, plus this race has powers like Keen Senses for better Perception, so a Gnome Witch can definitely work.
• Half-Elf: An excellent choice for any build, since this customizable race has a floating +2 bonus that you can use to raise any Ability Score.
• Half-Orc: Although it doesn’t seem like an obvious choice, the Half-Orc race also has a +2 bonus that you can put anywhere you like. If your Witch needs some extra Strength or Consitution it’s a decent combination.
• Halfling: Dexterity and Charisma are the bonuses for this race, which can definitely be useful for a Witch. Skills like Sure Footed and Halfling Luck are also helpful to any spellcasting class.
• Human: As always, a great choice for any class with the customizable Ability Score points along with the extra Feat, and an extra Skill point for each level.
• Kitsune: Choose the Keen Kitsune Heritage to get a +2 bonus to both Intelligence and Dexterity, a great start for a Witch Build.
• Oread: This race focuses on Wisdom, Charisma, and Strength, so unless your Witch plans on multiclassing into a spellcaster, there are better choices.
• Tiefling: Almost every option for a Tiefling Heritage has a Dexterity or Intelligence bonus and many of them have both, making this race an ideal choice not only for the stats but also for the Customization options.

The Witch Subclasses

The powers of the Witch Archetypes vary widely. Although the Hex is often seen as the Witch’s signature ability, there are some subclasses that don’t use it at all. In fact, Hexes are often a way to give Witches powers often associated with other classes, so the use of a Hex can negate the need for a multi-classed character.

Choose your Feats wisely and you can even get abilities like Metamagic and access to certain kinds of spells, which will not only thicken the Witch’s spellbook and make them more useful in battle, but open a path for an advanced Prestige Class.

• Elemental Witch. This Witch has some powerful spells based on heightened elemental powers but wields less powerful Hexes in return.
• Hagbound. Cursed to slowly turn into a Hag, this Witch faces a grim fate with more powerful abilities associated with their emerging form but has less powerful Hexes.
• Hex Channeler. The Channel Energy ability, which is unique to this subclass, allows the Witch to use a field of energy to either heal or harm depending on their alignment.
• Ley Line Guardian. As the name suggests, this Witch can use lines of energy in the ground to empower their abilities using a spell named Conduit Surge. This is an ideal choice for a Damage build, however, they do not have a Patron or access to Hexes.
• Stigmatized Witch. This is the only Archetype that uses Charisma instead of Intelligence to determine their saving throws. Their powers are innate and function more like a Bard or a Sorcerer. This is an ideal choice if you plan to multi-class later into a class that values Charisma.
• Witch of the Veil. This is an Archetype you can take if you want access to certain Rogue-like abilities without the fuss of multiclassing. This Witch has access to skills such as Stealth and Trickery.

Prestige Classes And Multi-Classing Options For Witches

Players who want a multiclass character with both martial abilities and spellcasting powers will rarely choose a Witch, opting for classes that have spontaneous casting abilities or better AC options instead. That doesn’t mean creative or ambitious players shouldn’t give the process a try if they want to create a unique character that has powers that include Hex, Patron, or Witch’s Familiar. Combine the Witch with certain classes to augment their builds and make them a better fit for a certain role in the party.

Combine a Witch with a spontaneous caster to give the Witch the ability to access arcane powers or a martial class that uses Dexterity to give them better options for armor and weapons. Although the concept of dual classing as it is known in the D&D universe doesn’t exist in Pathfinder, similar rules apply. For example, a character must have an Ability Score of at least 13 in the most important stat for another class in order to multiclass. For example, A Witch should have an Intelligence score of at least 13, and if she wants to combine with a Fighter to get some melee abilities, she has to have a Strength score of 13 as well. This is why the easiest multiclass combinations share the same primary Ability Score.

Regular Classes For Witches

• Alchemist. This class also uses Intelligence as their main Ability Score, so the combination makes sense. It could be a way to boost either damage or healing abilities depending on the build.
• Arcanist. Another spellcasting class that relies on Intelligence, is one way to give a Witch access to spells usually reserved for Wizards and Sorcerers.
• Bard. This combination is ideal for a Stigmatized Witch because of the Charisma Ability Score, especially if that Witch wants spontaneous casting power and finesse weapon abilities.
• Bloodrager. Here’s the Warrior Witch, for those who are thinking about it. This would also have to be a Charisma-based Witch who is focused on DPS (damage per second) as their party role.
• Oracle. Give a Witch access to Divine Spells by combining them with another unique Pathfinder class. A good choice for a healing build.
• Fighter. A classic that can work with any combination, this build would have to be a more Dexterity and Strength-based Fighter but it can still work.
• Kineticist. Neither of these classes uses armor, which is one thing they have in common, as long as the Witch has a decent Consitution. Combine this class with a Witch subclass such as Ley Line Guardian or Hex Channeler and make a living DPS bomb.
• Magus. An Intelligence-based caster that blends well with the Witch, giving the class the ability to use Arcane spells along with the ability to cast and wield weapons simultaneously.
• Rogue. Second only to the Fighter in terms of multiclassing, it’s great for a Witch who wants to be able to pick pockets, open locks, and disarm traps.
• Slayer. Here’s another option for that Fighting Hexer, and since this class also has Intelligence-based abilities it might be the better option. For those RPers, it’s a good idea for a Witch that moonlights as a hired killer or an assassin.
• Wizard. A common choice for a multiclass option with a Witch. Both use Intelligence as their main Ability score, and both are powerful spellcasters. Put them together and you would have an overpowered magic user.

Prestige Classes For A Witch

• Arcane Trickster. If your Witch is already taking a Rogue-like path or perhaps has taken the Witch of the Veil subclass, this is an obvious choice for advanced progression. Some knowledge of Arcana is required, but a Witch can get that through a Background or Feat Choice, and they already are proficient in simple weapons.
• Assassin. Another ideal choice for a stealthy Witch, this Prestige Class only requires a Stealth ability of 5 and an Evil Alignment.
• Mystic Theurge. Some arcane and divine spell knowledge is required, so keep this in mind during the initial build, since a Witch will need to use a Feat or a Background to access these powers unless you plan to multiclass.
• Winter Witch. A Prestige Class that was probably designed with a Witch in mind, progression into this class requires abilities like Frost or Winter that are unique to the class. An Elemental Witch subclass is a nice option here for a Frost Specialization damage build.

Examples of Witch Builds

These are some sample witch builds.

Passive But Aggressive

• Party Role: Damage and Healing Support
• Ideal Race: Human or Half-Orc to boost that Consitution Ability Score.
• Best Subclass: Stigmatized Witch
• Important Ability Scores: Intelligence and Constitution are the most important factors here since this Witch might have to take a hit or two and has to be able to stay up and keep casting.

Deadly Hexen

• Party Role: Damage
• Ideal Race: Tiefling or Kitsune, both equipped with a handy Dexterity buff.
• Best Subclass: Hex Channeler or Ley Line Guardian.
• Important Ability Scores: This Witch tends to stay out of melee range, so they can focus on Dexterity and make their casting skills as powerful as possible. A multiclass with another spellcasting class that also uses Intelligence can boost this Witch’s damage output even more.

The Warrior Witch

• Party Role: Damage
• Ideal Race: Elf or Half-Elf, with all the right bonuses plus resistance to and even immunities to certain types of spells.
• Best Subclass: Elemental Witch
• Important Ability Scores: Either Dexterity or Constitution will be a priority for this Witch right after Intelligence, depending on what kind of melee damage they’ll be doing. Witches that use sneak attacks or Stealth will depend more on Dexterity