Article-At-A-Glance
- The Shadow Sniper[1] is renowned for its precise targeting and stealth tactics in combat.
- Explores optimal Pathfinder 1E Gunslinger Builds for character creation and development.
- Focuses on maximizing skills and abilities through strategic level progression.
- Analyzes weaknesses and countermeasures including vulnerabilities and skill enhancements.
Click on the level for more information
At Level 1, our Gunslinger Sniper[1] is built for stealth and precision. As a human musket master, the focus is on utilizing ranged combat with feats like Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot. Ambush Training trait boosts initiative and damage in surprise rounds, while Sharp Eye trait offers immunity to being dazzled.
Stat Block Level 1:
Gunslinger: male, human Gunslinger 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +0; Atk +4 musket (1d12/x4) or +1 dagger; Full Atk +4 musket (1d12/x4) or +1 dagger; SA None; SQ Gunsmith, nimble; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +0; Str 7, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +8, Perception +6, Disguise +6, Craft (alchemy) +6, Sense Motive +6; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload: Musket.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Gunsmith allows creation of firearms and ammunition.
Possessions: Musket, alchemical cartridges, leather armor, dagger.
This sniper[1] build at level 5 focuses on precision and damage output. Multiclassing as a Gunslinger Musket Master and Slayer, it leverages dexterity to make long-range, high-damage attacks using a musket. With feats like Point-Blank Shot and Rapid Shot, it increases accuracy and rate of fire, complemented by Slayer skills such as Stealth and Perception. The build’s main perk is stacking damage via Vital Strike as it levels up.
Stat Block Level 5:
Gunslinger: male, Human Gunslinger 5/Slayer 0; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10; hp 33; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk musket +10 ranged (1d12+5); Full Atk musket +10 ranged (1d12+5) and additional Rapid Shot +10 ranged (1d12+5); SA Gunslinger’s Dodge; SQ Musket Training, Grit points; AL Neutral; SV Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 7, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +10, Perception +9, Disguise +8, Craft (Alchemy) +8; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Musket), Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Gunslinger’s Dodge: By expending one grit point, dodge a ranged attack by moving 5 feet; Grit Points: Pool of points that empower deeds.
Possessions: Masterwork musket, ammunition, leather armor.
At level 10, capabilities include taking advantage of feats like Deadly Aim and Vital Strike, and skills such as Stealth for hiding indefinitely, making it effective in both attack and evasion. Utilizing the Musket Master archetype and building towards the Assassin Prestige Class, this sniper[1] focuses on delivering massive damage from a distance, leveraging high Dexterity for precision and readiness.
Stat Block Level 10:
Sniper[1]: male, Human Gunslinger 5/Slayer 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid; HD 5d10+5d10; hp 65; Init +9; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 17, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +9; Grp +11; Atk Musket +16 (1d12+8, 20/x4) or Melee attack -; Full Atk Musket +16/+11 (1d12+8, 20/x4) or Melee attack -; SA Sneak Attack +3d6, Death Attack 1/day; SQ Gunslinger abilities, Slayer talents, Hide in Plain Sight; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +5; Str 7, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +18, Perception +15, Disguise +12, Survival +10; Feats Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (Musket), Vital Strike, Overwatch Style, Murderous Sniper[1].
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Overwatch Style grants four ready attacks, Sniper[1]’s Eye extends Sneak Attack range.
Possessions: Masterwork Musket, rounds of ammunition, basic adventuring gear.
This build at level 15 maximizes long range damage output with readied actions and sniping using a Musket. The main damage comes from combining Greater Vital Strike with Overwatch Style, allowing 16d12 damage per attack. Additional power from Sneak Attack and Musket Master bonuses yields a total of 16d12+60 plus 24d6 damage each round from hiding. The Assassin Prestige Class grants a once per day Death Attack at range without needing to study the target beforehand.
Stat Block Level 15:
Sniper[1]: male, human Gunslinger 5/Slayer 5/Assassin 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+5d10+5d8; hp 120; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk Musket +19 (16d12+60/×4) or Musket +19; Full Atk Musket +19/+14/+9 (16d12+60 plus 24d6) or Musket +19/+14/+9; SA Greater Vital Strike, Sneak Attack +4d6, Death Attack; SQ Musket Master, Slayer Talents, Hide in Plain Sight; AL N; SV Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +9; Str 7, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +25, Perception +22, Disguise +20, Survival +15; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload (Musket), Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (Musket), Vital Strike, Overwatch Style, Murderous Sniper[1], Overwatch Tactician, Improved Vital Strike.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Death Attack causes instant death on a failed Fortitude save; Sniper[1]’s Eye increases Sneak Attack range.
Possessions: Musket, Ammunition, Camouflage Cloak.
This Sniper[1] build focuses on high damage from afar using feats like Vital Strike and the Overwatch Style line. Combining the Musket Master’s unique abilities, Assassin’s ranged Death Attack, and the Slayer’s Stealth capabilities, it obliterates foes from concealment. It’s capable of dealing 16d12+60 plus 24d6 damage per round, leveraging the powers of Greater Vital Strike and Deadly Aim. Hide in Plain Sight allows for unfettered sniping from any location.
Stat Block Level 20:
Sniper[1]: male, Human Gunslinger 5/Slayer 5/Assassin 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d10 plus 5d10 plus 5d8; hp 190; Init +11; Spd 30 ft.; AC 23, touch 17, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +17; Grp +20; Atk Musket +24 (1d12+15/x4 plus Sneak Attack or Deadly Aim damage) or Death Attack; Full Atk Musket +24, +19, +14, +9 (1d12+15/x4 plus Vital Strike or Deadly Aim damage); SA Greater Vital Strike, Overwatch Vortex, Sniper[1]’s Eye, Death Attack; SQ Hide in Plain Sight, Trapfinding, Studied Target; AL CN; SV Fort +12, Ref +17, Will +10; Str 7, Dex 20, Con 11, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Stealth +33, Perception +33, Disguise +28, Survival +23, Craft (Alchemy) +28, Sense Motive +25; Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (Musket), Vital Strike, Overwatch Style, Murderous Sniper[1], Overwatch Tactician, Improved Vital Strike, Overwatch Vortex, Greater Vital Strike.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Greater Vital Strike quadruples damage on a single musket shot; Overwatch Style allows for multiple readied attacks in a round; Death Attack from Assassin can kill or paralyze foes at a distance; Hide in Plain Sight allows disappearing within any environment.
Possessions: Masterwork Musket, various mundane and alchemical ammunition, assassin’s tools, stealth-enhancing gear, and camping equipment.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Initiate your journey as Gunslinger. Acquire key feats like Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot to increase accuracy and damage at close range. Establish Rapid Reload proficiency to maintain firing efficiency with your musket.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into the Slayer class, enhancing your combat abilities. Develop the Overwatch Style feat to prepare multiple attacks per round, focusing on stealth and positioning. At Level 10, enter the Assassin Prestige Class, unlocking the potential for a ranged Death Attack.
- Levels 11-15: Refine your lethal precision with Improved Vital Strike and the Murderous Sniper[1] feat. These levels allow you to optimize sneak attack damage, further integrating deadly ambush tactics that amplify your sniper[1] effectiveness.
- Levels 16-20: Achieve mastery in your craft with Greater Vital Strike and Overwatch Vortex, maximizing the damage potential of each shot. Utilize your Slayer talents like Sniper[1]’s Eye, enhancing attack range, and capitalize on the Assassinate ability for strategic eliminations.
Core Abilities & Features
The Shadow Sniper[1] build in Pathfinder 1E expertly combines classes and archetypes for a lethal ranged attacker. This character sheet fuses the Musket Master, Slayer, and Assassin, achieving supreme precision and stealth. It promises massive damage output, highlighted by the combination of Vital Strike and Overwatch Style feats. Imagine rolling 16d12 damage per round by maximizing single attack potential. This build skillfully weaves standard attacks into opportunities for stealth and percussion, enhancing damage through precision and surprise.
The Skills section is crucial here. Stealth, Perception, and Disguise are non-negotiable; they set the Shadow Sniper[1] apart by allowing engagement on its terms. Ambush Training and Sharp Eye further enhance this character’s tactical advantage, ensuring it acts fast and remains composed in the heat of battle.
Feats transform this build into a powerhouse. Key feats like Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot guarantee accuracy, while Musket Master’s Rapid Reload ensures sustained firepower. Overwatch Style and Murderous Sniper[1] stand out, pushing the Sniper[1] to heights where it readies multiple actions each round. The favored Slayer Talents extend the deadly range and empower strikes against concealed enemies. With a Musket at its side, this Shadow Sniper[1] becomes a vigilant guardian of the battleground landscape, its efficiency and lethality unsurpassed.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Musket | Start with a standard musket; upgrade to Masterwork for a +1 to attack rolls. |
| L6-10 | +1 Musket with Alchemical Cartridges | Add a +1 enhancement bonus to your musket and utilize alchemical cartridges to reduce loading time by one step. |
| L11-15 | +3 Seeking Musket | Enhance your musket to +3 and gain the Seeking property, allowing you to ignore concealment penalties. |
| L16-20 | +5 Distance Musket | Maximize your musket’s enhancement to +5 and add the Distance property to double the weapon’s range increment. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the tight, winding corridors of a dungeon, utilize the Hide in Plain Sight ability to remain unseen. This allows you to take out enemies stealthily, one by one, reducing the risk of swarming. Use the cramped environment to your advantage, readying actions for any enemy that enters your line of sight.
- Open Fields:
- With vast open spaces, use your Musket’s range to pick off enemies from a distance. Set up on elevated terrain if possible, and use Overwatch Tactician to coordinate with allies and cover a wide area. Maximize the advantage of distance, making it difficult for enemies to retaliate.
- Ambushes:
- As the quintessential sniper[1], preset traps and use Ambush Training to get a crucial first strike in. Start the fight with a Death Attack from range, followed by utilizing Overwatch Style to strike multiple foes and then vanish. Keep moving to avoid counterattacks, using the terrain to stay hidden.
- Defensive Stands:
- Hold your ground using Greater Vital Strike to deal massive damage to any approaching threats. Coordinate with allies via Overwatch Vortex to control the battlefield. Raise defenses and protect critical zones, leveraging your range and readiness to disrupt enemy advances consistently.
- Urban Encounters:
- In cityscapes, use the cluttered environment to vanish from sight and take advantage of rooftops and narrow alleys. Surprise foes with Sneak Attacks from unexpected angles and utilize Disguise skills to blend in-between shots. Urban settings are perfect for causing confusion and executing planned strikes.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Reliance on Surprise Rounds | Ambush Training trait boosts effectiveness during surprise rounds. |
| Feats Dependent Build | Choose Human race for extra feat and adaptability. |
| Detection When Using Sniping | Benefit from the Hide in Plain Sight ability to remain unseen. |
| Limited Death Attacks | Murderous Sniper[1] allows Death Attack at range, paired with careful planning to maximize its use. |
| Low Constitution | Maintain distance in combat; invest in the best available armor for added protection. |
Roleplaying
The Elusive Marksman
Imagine the rush of adrenaline as your Gunslinger Shadow Sniper[1], a master of hiding in plain sight, takes position atop a rocky hill. Your character thrives in the shadows, always on the lookout, ever perceptive. The thrill lies in remaining unseen until it’s time to strike, when time seems to slow down, and their enemies are mere silhouettes against the setting sun. Your role is akin to a silent guardian who spends more time observing than acting, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash precision and power.
Consider the emotional depth: your character may carry the weight of each life taken or pride in each defense provided. Their motives might be driven by a calling to protect, seeking redemption or revenge through their formidable sniping skills. The nomadic lifestyle gives the impression of a loner, yet keenly observant and deeply connected to the few they trust.
A Strategic Game of Cat and Mouse
This build excels in ambushing foes with a deathly silent efficiency. As discussion and laughter echo around the campfire below, your Shadow Sniper[1] Gunslinger waits, calculating wind distance, heartbeat steady. Suddenly, a critical intervention is needed. From that unseen perch, shots ring out so swiftly that foes have no time to respond.
Roleplay the psychological games—the charming socialite by day, feared specter by night. Use the Disguise skill to infiltrate and gather intelligence, blurring the lines between friend and foe. The contrast enhances the mysterious aura and creates tension and drama in every interaction, leaving allies and enemies alike wondering which persona they’ll encounter next. Each decision is deliberate, each action—calculated chaos, a dance of shadow and light.
FAQ
What makes a Shadow Sniper[1] Gunslinger unique in Pathfinder 1E?
Sniper[1] Gunslingers excel at long-range combat, striking from immense distances. Their abilities allow them to pick off targets unnoticed. With precise aim, they can deal devastating damage in a single shot. They are perfect for ambush scenarios or supporting a party from afar. Their unique trick shots can control the battlefield effectively. Stealth and positioning are crucial to maximize their potential.
How important is the choice of weapon for a Shadow Sniper[1] Gunslinger?
The weapon is critical for a Sniper[1]’s effectiveness. Rifles and muskets with high range are ideal. These weapons gain benefits from feats like Deadly Aim. Your choice should complement your feats and playstyle. Consider enhancements that increase range and accuracy. Magical enchantments can provide additional benefits in combat. Regular maintenance ensures peak weapon performance.
What feats should a Shadow Sniper[1] Gunslinger prioritize?
Important feats for Snipers include Deadly Aim and Rapid Reload. Precise Shot is also essential to avoid penalties for firing into melee. Point-Blank Shot is useful for close-quarters combat. Improve Critical can drastically increase damage output. Later, consider feats like Far Shot to extend your range. Customizing feats to fit your campaign style is beneficial.
Is stealth truly necessary for a Shadow Sniper[1] build?
Stealth is highly beneficial for a Sniper[1] build. It allows you to position yourself before firing. Attack undetected and take enemies by surprise. Combine this with Silent Shot for devastating opening attacks. Being stealthy increases your survival chances in prolonged fights. Utilize skills and gear to improve your stealth capabilities.
How can Shadow Snipers support their party effectively?
Snipers provide cover fire for their allies. They can disable enemies before they approach. Using trick shots, they can disarm or trip foes from afar. Control the battlefield and divert attention from vulnerable allies. Communication with team members enhances this support role. Adapt your tactics based on the party’s needs.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Sniper!
Bring the marksman’s precision and take your enemies by surprise. Could the Shadow Sniper[1] be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the discussion in the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Gunslinger – Sniper – Pathfinder 1E ( Sniper )
Sniper
When we talk about guns, it inevitably goes down into the sniper talk at one point or another. Does that mean I have a sniper build for you?
Why, yes, yes it does mean exactly that.
We will be multiclassing, taking the Musket Master Archetype, the Slayer class and the Assassin Prestige Class. Our Leveling should look like the following:
Classes
Gunslinger 5/Slayer 5/Assassin 10
Race
We are beyond feat starved, so we are going for Human here. That floating +2 goes into Dex.
Ability Scores
15Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 19/Con 10/Int 14/Wis 14/Cha 7 Throw everything into Dexterity
20Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 20/Con 11/Int 14/Wis 14/Cha 7 Once again, everything into Dex.
25Point-Buy
Str 7/Dex 20/Con 11/Int 16/Wis 14/Cha 7 Again, everything into Dexterity
Traits
Ambush Training gives you an Initiative and Damage bonus during the Surprise Round, and
Sharp Eye gives you Immunity to the Dazzled Condition.
Favored Class Bonus
Skills, as we will be staying as far away from melee as possible anyway.
Skills
Stealth, Perception, Disguise are all mandatory for this build. Beyond that, Survival is extremely thematic, Craft to reduce our money throwing build with each bullet, and Sense Motive are all great to have too.
Feats by Level
1-Point-Blank Shot
Human Bonus-Precise Shot
Musket Master-Rapid Reload(Musket)
3-Deadly Aim
Bonus 4-Rapid Shot
5-Weapon Focus(Musket)
7-Vital Strike
9-Overwatch Style
11-Murderous Sniper
13-Overwatch Tactician
15-Improved Vital Strike
17-Overwatch Vortex
19-Greater Vital Strike
Aight aight, Precise Shot and Deadly Aim are pretty much self-explanatory, but our main methods of damage comes from the Vital Strike and Overwatch Style feat lines, one allowing us to quadruple our damage die if we make a single attack a round, and the other letting us ready four standard action attack per turn as a standard action, letting us also hide as a move action each turn. Just from this we get 16d12 damage a round, and that’s before any other bonus at all. Finally, Murderous Sniper lets us use our Death Attack from Assassin at range.
Slayer Talents by level
7-Rogue Talent: Sniper’s Eye
9-Deadly Range
Increase your Sneak Attack Range and can Sneak Attack opponents with Concealment. Great stuff.
Equipment
You start with a Musket for free and frankly, that is all you will ever need. Have fun with the rest of your equipment.
Final Thoughts on the Build
So, each round you can ready four standard action attacks, with your Musket, each doing Greater Vital Strike damage because they both are Standard Action Attacks, with your Musket Master bonuses, Deadly Aim, Sneak Attack, Studied Target, we are dealing, each round, 16d12+60 plus 24d6 damage. All that from a hiding place that can be anywhere because we have Hide in Plain Sight. Oh, and we can Death Attack a target without studying them 1/day and if we succeed at a stealth check, no one knows we killed them, where we are or whatever, allowing us to study another target from our hiding spot to, once again, insta kill em in a few rounds… Or we can start blasting I guess.
If we do not use readied actions and sniping, we are attacking 5x/round for a total of 5d12+75 plus 30d6 each turn. That’s more than enough to make our target bite the dust.
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