Article-At-A-Glance
- Offers strategies for maximizing the Pathfinder 1E Base Kineticist[1] Build through level progression.
- Details how to combat weaknesses using specific abilities and feats effectively.
- Growth and powers derived from leveling are key to tactical gameplay success.
- Emphasizes roleplaying depth, enhancing both immersion and skill in TTRPG sessions.
Click on the level for more information
This Level 1 Kineticist build focuses on resilience and range attack efficiency. With a high Constitution of 20 ensuring a large hit point pool, the character can sustain Non-Lethal Damage from their abilities. The character starts with the Earth element, enhancing their attack with ‘Earth Blast’ and adds ‘Pushing Infusion’ for controlling opponents. Defensive adaptability is aided by Kinetic Cover from Wild Talents to create barriers.
Stat Block Level 1:
Kineticist: male, human Kineticist 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8; hp 23; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Earth Blast +3 ranged (1d6); Full Atk Earth Blast +3 ranged (1d6); SA Earth Blast, Pushing Infusion; SQ Burn, Kinetic Cover (Wild Talent); AL Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 8, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +4, Acrobatics +4, Stealth +4; Toughness, Point-Blank Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Earth Blast allows ranged attacks with additional effects; Pushing Infusion lets blasts push targets; Kinetic Cover provides temporary barriers.
Possessions: Basic adventurer’s kit (backpack, bedroll, rations).
At level 5, this Kineticist build is an elemental powerhouse with significant ranged attack capabilities and some elemental defense. The Earth element provides powerful blasts and battlefield control through wall creation. With a healthy dose of Constitution and Dexterity, this build is resilient and capable of dealing consistent damage. The character is beginning to shine with Entangling Infusion and an ability to heal allies outside of combat, showcasing support versatility.
Stat Block Level 5:
Kineticist: male, Human Kineticist 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8; hp 45; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk Earth Blast +6 ranged (1d6+5) or Entangling Infusion; Full Atk Earth Blast +6 ranged (1d6+5) or Entangling Infusion; SA Kinetic blast, Burn defense; SQ Elemental focus (earth), Gather power, Infusion specialization, Internal buffer; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +3; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 22, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +8, Stealth +8, Perception +8, Craft (Alchemy) +5; Toughness, Tribal Scars, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Kinetic cover (creates cover, defense boost), Earth Climb (enhanced movement), Entangling Infusion (renders target entangled).
Possessions: Earth-infused focus items, robes that enhance Constitution, basic adventuring gear.
The level 10 Kineticist build focuses on dealing with non lethal damage efficiently due to its Elemental Blasts and Burn. The character is versatile thanks to its control and healing abilities. With Medium Armor Proficiency and improved initiative, the Kineticist strikes first while maintaining decent defenses. This build emphasizes long range combat with abilities like Wall and Tremorsense for superior battlefield control.
Stat Block Level 10:
Kineticist: male, human Kineticist 10; CR 9; Medium humanoid; HD 10d8+30; hp 78; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +7; Grp +10; Atk Earth Blast +12 ranged (2d6+10) or melee touch; Full Atk Earth Blast +12 ranged (2d6+10) or melee touch; SA Elemental Blasts (Earth, Water), Burn (5); SQ Infusions (Pushing, Extended Range, Entangling), Wild Talents (Kinetic Cover, Earth Climb, Tremorsense, Kinetic Healer); AL Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 15, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +15; Acrobatics +12; Stealth +12; Craft (any) +10; Toughness, Tribal Scars, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Initiative, Medium Armor Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Elemental unity leads to versatile blasting with a focus on defensive and supportive roles, managing Burn effectively.
Possessions: Basic adventuring gear, elemental focus medallion, medium armor.
This Level 15 Kineticist build focuses on high Constitution for a robust pool of hit points and burn tolerance. Utilizing the elements Earth, Water, and Air, the character wields a diverse range of long-range attacks such as Entangling Infusion and Wall for battlefield control. With abilities like Earth Glide and Kinetic Healer, the build offers both effective mobility and support options. Feats enhance defensive capabilities and precision in combat, while Wild Talents like Weather Master and Seismic Master emphasize the character’s control over the surroundings.
Stat Block Level 15:
Kineticist: male, human kineticist 15; CR 14; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+90; hp 157; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 15, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +11; Grp +10; Atk Earth Blast +16 ranged touch (10d6+1) or Air Blast +16 ranged touch (10d6+1); Full Atk Earth Blast +16/+11/+6 ranged touch (10d6+1) or Air Blast +16/+11/+6 ranged touch (10d6+1); SA Burn 15, Entangling Infusion, Tremorsense; SQ Elemental Overflow, Gather Power, Infusion Specialization +1, Metakinesis (maximized), Kinetic Cover; AL NG; SV Fort +20, Ref +11, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 24, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +22, Acrobatics +17, Stealth +17, Craft +15, Profession +15; Toughness, Tribal Scars, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Initiative, Medium Armor Proficiency, Dodge, Mobility, Shot on the Run.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Earth Glide, Weather Master, Seismic Master, Kinetic Healer.
Possessions: Mithral Shirt, various utility and elemental scrolls, potions for situational uses.
The level 20 Kineticist character is a master of elemental manipulation, capable of wielding Earth, Water, and Air elements with immense power. The build emphasizes versatility, defense, and healing, making it formidable both in combat and in supporting roles. The character boasts excellent ranged attack options, battlefield control, and post battle healing capabilities through unlimited healing using Gather Power. The combination of Kinetic Cover and Wall infusion enhances defenses despite low AC.
Stat Block Level 20:
Kineticist: male, human kineticist 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8; hp 223; Init +13; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 21, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +15; Grp +15; Atk Earth Blast +18 (+20 with Point-Blank Shot) (5d6+5, range 30 ft.) or Water Blast at +18 (5d6+5); Full Atk Earth Blast +18/+13/+8 or Water Blast +18/+13/+8; SA Elemental Blasts, Pushing Infusion, Entangling Infusion, Wall, Fragmentation, Torrent; SQ Wild Talents, Kinetic Cover, Earth Climb, Tremorsense, Kinetic Healer, Earth Glide, Healing Burst, Spark of Life, Weather Master, Cryokinetic Stasis, Seismic Master; AL neutral; SV Fort +18, Ref +17, Will +14; Str 8, Dex 19, Con 28, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +23, Acrobatics +25, Stealth +23, Craft +20, Profession +20; Toughness, Tribal Scars, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Improved Initiative, Medium Armor Proficiency, Dodge, Mobility, Shot on the Run, Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities
Blasts have expanded range and effects, capable of creating elemental barriers and summoning elemental allies.
Possessions: No specific items required, highly adaptable to any situation.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Focus on building initial resilience with Toughness and Tribal Scars for HP boost. Establish your ranged strategy with Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot, ensuring effective use of your physical blasts.
- Levels 6-10: Enhance your blast capabilities with improved range and control through Extended Range and Wall infusions. Acquire Kinetic Healer to provide out-of-combat healing support, maintaining party resources.
- Levels 11-15: Incorporate aerial and defensive tactics with Medium Armor Proficiency and Dodge. Utilize Wall and Tremor wild talents for battlefield control, adding variety with Air Blast and new infusions like Impale.
- Levels 16-20: Master ultimate elemental control with Weather Master and Seismic Master talents. Use advanced infusions and wild talents to create diverse tactical options, such as area effects and formidable defenses.
Core Abilities & Features
The Base Kineticist[1] is an intriguing choice within Pathfinder 1E, embracing the raw and elemental nature of the Kineticist class, specifically aiming for elemental unity. With abilities that evolve over 20 levels, this build is centered around exploiting elements for maximum impact and versatility.
This particular build starts with Earth, but quickly incorporates Water and Air, leading to a tri-elemental dynamo that can adapt to varying combat scenarios. Your character’s backbone is its ability scores, optimally using Con as the driver. Constitution is pivotal not only for Hit Points but also for mitigating the dangerous effects of Burn, a mechanic that damages the Kineticist to fuel powerful abilities. You must keenly manage Burn through strategic use of Gather Power and by wisely allocating the Favored Class Bonus to HP, vital for sustaining longer confrontations.
The talents gain flavor and depth with a selection of Infusions and Wild Talents. Early choices like Pushing Infusion begin the arsenal for battlefield control, while advanced choices like Fragmentation and Torrent make your area-of-effect choices formidable. As you progress, Wild Talents like Kinetic Cover and Tremorsense offer innovative methods of field manipulation and reconnaissance, bolstering your role as a battlefield tactician and adventure scout. In essence, this build weaves elemental mastery with strategic defenses, forming a balanced yet bold Kineticist.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Mithral Chain Shirt | Provides good AC with minimal spell failure and no armor check penalty, perfect for a dexterous low-armor character. |
| L6-10 | Belt of Mighty Constitution +2 | Boosts Constitution, increasing both HP and the efficiency in handling Burn mechanics. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Physical Might (Dex & Con) | Improves both Dexterity and Constitution, aiding in defense and resilience as well as attack rolls. |
| L16-20 | Belt of Physical Perfection +6 | Maximizes Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution, allowing the kineticist to be more versatile and enduring. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Your Earth Glide and Tremorsense talents shine, allowing you to navigate and detect any hidden traps or creatures. Use Kinetic Cover to create barriers and ensure safe passage for your party, while utilizing your Blasts to deal with tricky monsters hiding in the shadows.
- Open Fields:
- Here, Extended Range and Elemental Blasts are key, focusing on picking off enemies from a distance. Use Weather Master to control the battlefield’s conditions, either hindering enemy movement or giving your party advantageous positioning.
- Ambushes:
- React quickly with Improved Initiative. Use Kinetic Cover to protect yourself and allies while retaliating with Pushing Infusion to break enemy lines. Shot on the Run allows flexibility and mobility to surprise your ambushers with unpredictable angles of attack.
- Defensive Stands:
- Use Wall Infusion to channel enemies into tight areas where your party can focus their attacks. Prepare by setting up Kinetic Covers strategically for additional protection and create chokepoints, maximizing the impact of your AoE blasts.
- Urban Encounters:
- Avoid collateral damage with precision blasts using Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot. Use Earth Climb and Tremorsense to stealthily navigate rooftops or sewers, gaining the element of surprise. Fragmentation Infusion serves well in crowd control when enemies cluster.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low AC | Use Kinetic Cover Wild Talent to create barriers or Wall Infusion to block attacks. Consider wearing Amulet of Natural Armor (+1 or higher) to improve AC. |
| High Burn Cost | Utilize Gather Power to reduce Burn cost. Invest in items like a Ring of Sustenance to minimize the need for rest, enabling quicker recovery from Burn. |
| Limited Melee Combat Ability | Weapon Finesse allows you to use Dexterity for melee attacks. Rely on ranged attacks primarily with feats like Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot. |
| Dependence on Traits | Consider acquiring Boots of Speed for extra initiative and attack boosts when needed, compensating for not having Reactionary during retraining or trait swapping. |
| Low Charisma | Incorporate skill items like Headband of Alluring Charisma (+2 or higher) for social encounters. Alternate party members can handle diplomacy while you focus on combat roles. |
Roleplaying the Element Seeker
The Kineticist embarks on a journey that balances physical endurance with elemental mastery. As a Kineticist, your unique bond with Earth, Water, and Air provides a mysterious aura. Imagine entering a bustling market, where whispers of your powers reach the ears of curious townfolk. Roleplay the intrigue that follows your character—an enigmatic figure seeking harmony across all elements.
Your character could have a backstory involving a deep personal connection to nature. Perhaps, they grew up at the edge of a forest or by a stormy coastline, where elemental forces were a day-to-day companion. Delve into the motivations that drive your character to master each element. Is it a quest for knowledge, or a personal drive to reconcile past events linked to these primal forces?
Connection to Elements
Your character’s devotion to elemental affinity might manifest in small, roleplay-rich interactions. While traversing rocky terrain, a moment of meditation could allow them to ‘speak’ with the stones through Tremorsense. In towns, they might be seen causing ripples in a pond or playing with gusts of wind, always practicing and connecting with their elemental bonds.
Explore the thematic tension of wielding such power with the inevitability of Burn. Accepting the pain of Non-lethal Damage could be portrayed as a stoic acceptance of sacrifice for greater mastery. It reinforces a theme of endurance; a self-imposed trial to achieve something greater. Perhaps there’s a ritual your character performs to reflect on their condition and push through their limits.
FAQ
What makes the Base Kineticist[1] a unique character option in Pathfinder 1E?
The Base Kineticist[1] stands out with its elemental manipulation abilities. It channels raw power from natural elements like fire, water, air, and earth. This connection allows for ranged attacks and area control tactics. Unlike traditional spellcasters, kineticists do not require spell slots. Instead, they manage their abilities with Burn, a self-imposed damage system. This dynamic approach provides flexibility and creative strategy options.
What ability scores are critical for a successful Kineticist build?
Constitution is crucial for a Kineticist, as it determines your hit points and Burn management. Dexterity should be prioritized next for accuracy and defense. Consider Wisdom for your Will saves, improving resistance against mental effects. A good Constitution means you can withstand using your abilities more frequently. This is essential, as you will take damage to fuel some of your powers.
How should I manage Burn for optimal performance?
Managing Burn is vital to a Kineticist’s strategy. Using too much Burn can weaken you severely in combat. Focus on using Fire, Earth, or Water infusions sparingly for maximum efficiency. Use abilities that allow you to gather power to reduce Burn, especially when preparing for strong attacks. Burn management is balancing power usage with your health, requiring careful planning each turn.
What skills should I prioritize when leveling a Kineticist?
Focus on skills that complement your combat style. Acrobatics can help with mobility to avoid attacks and reach advantageous positions. Knowledge skills related to your elemental focus aid in outsmarting enemies. Diplomacy can be useful for engaging with other characters who might be wary of your abilities. These skills not only enhance combat efficiency but also enrich role-playing experiences.
Which Infusions are best for a versatile Base Kineticist[1]?
The Expanded Element infusion is essential for flexibility. It allows access to new elements and their powers. Consider the Sculptor’s Infusion for shaping attacks in tight situations. The Kinetic Blade is fantastic for melee range encounters. Versatility in your infusions maximizes combat effectiveness and adaptability. Always plan your selections based on future threats and party roles.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Base Kineticist!
Try playing a Base Kineticist[1] in your next Pathfinder game. Do you think the Base Kineticist[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the conversation on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Kineticist – Base Kineticist – Pathfinder 1E ( Base Kineticist )
Base Kineticist
This is a basic Kineticist build, of one who goes around learning all the elements and trying to achieve elemental unity within and without.
Class:
Kineticist 20
Race
We will choose human and put that floating +2 into Constitution.
Ability Scores
15Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 12/Con 20/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 8
Put your +1 at lvl 4 in Dex, then everything else in Constitution
20Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 15/Con 20/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 8
Round up Dex, then everything else in Constitution
25Point-Buy
Str 8/Dex 16/Con 20/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 10 Everything in Constitution
Traits
Reactionary for that +2 in Initiative is great, Indomitable Faith will help with our poor Will Saving Throw.
Favored Class Bonus
Let me be very clear. Because of the mechanics involved with Burn from the Kineticist, you will be dealing yourself Non-Lethal Damage to activate your various powers and this will put a hard cap on what you can do within a day. Non-Lethal damage is a secondary pool of hp that when it meets with regular hp you become Staggered and if it goes over, you fall Unconscious. Each time you accept a Burn, you take Non-Lethal Damage equal to your level. This is only one point at first, but it goes up really, really fast. And that Non-Lethal Damage from Burn specifically cannot be healed until you have an 8hours rest.
All of this to say: If one of my builds is not putting the FCB into HP, I must have either:
1-Gone completely mad
2-Have a very good reason to.
Skills
Perception, Acrobatics, Stealth, Craft and Profession.
Feats by Level
1-Toughness
Human Bonus-Tribal Scars(from People of the North and not the Adventurer’s Guide)
3-Point-Blank Shot
5-Precise Shot
7-Deadly Aim
9-Improved Initiative
11-Medium Armor Proficiency
13-Dodge
15-Mobility
17-Shot on the Run
19-Weapon Finesse
If you have followed the guide so far, at level one, with the help of Tribal Scars and Toughness you will have 23 HP. As the overwhelming majority of your Blasts will be at range, Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot are mandatory, Deadly Aim applies to your Physical Blasts. Dodge, Mobility increase your Defenses and help with Mobility, so does Shot on the Run, and finally Weapon Finesse lets you do melee if no other options are available.
Elements and Blast Chosen by Level
1-Earth (Earth Blast)
7-Water (Water Blast)
15-Air (Air Blast)
Infusion by Level
1-Pushing Infusion
3-Extended Range
5-Entangling Infusion
9-Wall
11-Impale
13-Tremor
17-Fragmentation
19-Torrent
Your Blasts can Bull Rush opponents, have a fairly long range, can entangle foes, pierce through several targets, take the shape of a wall, fragment for area damage. Great variety usable will all three of your elements.
Wild Talents by Level
2-Kinetic Cover
4-Earth Climb
6-Tremorsense
8-Kinetic Healer
10-Earth Glide
12-Healing Burst
14-Spark of Life
16-Weather Master
18-Cryokinetic Stasis
20-Seismic Master
You can summon covers, can gain a climb speed and a burrow speed, tremorsense which is great for scouting, you can heal allies outside of battle which is amazing for your clerics/paladins for resources conservation, you can create Elementals, Control Weather, Earthquake and put yourself in an almost indestructible sheet of ice into a Temporal Stasis.
Something something wanted to literally play Aang or something.
Equipment
You quite literally need nothing so go ham.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You can call forth three of the four classical elements, blasting enemies and yet being a quite versatile character with much maneuverability and even some supporting ability, via Gather Power you can reduce Burn for your healing meaning you have unlimited healing, and while not useful in battle, it will be invaluable after each fight. And despite your low AC, via your Kinetic Cover Wild Talent and Wall infusion, you are still great at defense and battlefield control.
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