Unleash Your Potential: Mastering Extra Feats in Pathfinder

So, you want to supercharge your Pathfinder character and gain access to more awesome abilities? Excellent! The path to power in Pathfinder is paved with feats, and knowing how to acquire extra ones is a crucial step.

The primary way to get extra feats in Pathfinder is through character level progression. You gain a feat at every odd-numbered level (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.). However, the most direct way to acquire extra feats beyond this progression is through bonus feats, which are granted by your race or class. Certain classes, like the Fighter, are especially generous in this regard, offering a plethora of bonus feats to customize your combat style. Furthermore, a character can obtain feats from mythic advancement. There are items that grant feats. Lastly, in some cases you can purchase them.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of feats with some frequently asked questions to truly master this aspect of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Extra Feats in Pathfinder

How many feats does a typical Pathfinder character get?

A standard Pathfinder character gains a feat at every odd level, starting at level 1. Therefore, by level 20, you’ll naturally acquire 10 feats from level progression. This is before factoring in bonus feats from your race and class. A character can obtain anywhere from 10 to 21 feats by level 20.

What are “bonus feats” and how do I get them?

Bonus feats are extra feats granted to a character on top of those gained through normal level progression. These feats typically come from your character’s race or class. For instance, Humans often receive an additional feat at 1st level as a racial trait. Certain classes, like the Fighter, are renowned for granting bonus combat feats at various levels, allowing for highly specialized builds.

Do I need to meet the prerequisites for bonus feats?

Generally, yes, you need to meet the prerequisites for bonus feats. However, there can be exceptions. If a class feature explicitly states that you gain a bonus feat without needing to meet the prerequisites, then you can bypass them. Always carefully read the description of the class feature or racial trait granting the bonus feat to understand any specific rules. In some cases, you can select a feat and not be qualified to use it, but will be able to use it once you meet the requirements.

Can I buy feats in Pathfinder?

While there aren’t many explicit rules for directly purchasing feats, there are a few ways to acquire them through in-game purchases. Some specific items, like the Dark Blue Rhomboid Ioun Stone, can grant feats when attuned. Also, some campaign settings might include NPCs or organizations that offer training or rituals granting feats in exchange for payment or service.

What are the prerequisites for feats in Pathfinder?

Most feats require specific prerequisites, such as a minimum ability score (e.g., Strength 13), a certain number of ranks in a skill (e.g., Acrobatics 5 ranks), a specific base attack bonus (e.g., BAB +1), or another feat. These prerequisites must be met before you can select the feat. The feat description clearly outlines all required prerequisites.

Can I take a feat that I don’t currently meet the prerequisites for?

Generally, no. You must meet all prerequisites before selecting a feat. There is the exception that if a class grants you a feat as a bonus feat, you never need the prerequisites unless it specifically says that you do. However, you can, however, take a feat you are not yet qualified to use, and it will remain unusable until you are qualified to use it.

Can I take the same feat multiple times?

No, you generally cannot take the same feat multiple times, unless the feat description specifically states that you can. Some feats, like Weapon Focus or Toughness, explicitly allow you to take them multiple times, each time applying to a different weapon or providing an additional benefit. Always consult the feat description for clarification.

What happens if I no longer meet the prerequisites for a feat?

If, due to some circumstance (e.g., ability score damage), you no longer meet the prerequisites for a feat, you cannot use that feat until you meet the prerequisites again. The feat essentially becomes inactive until you regain the necessary ability score, skill ranks, or other requirements.

Can I multiclass to gain more feats?

Multiclassing itself doesn’t directly grant more feats than single-classing. You still gain feats at the same odd-numbered character levels, regardless of your class combination. However, multiclassing can provide access to different class features that grant bonus feats. For example, a character multiclassing into Fighter might gain access to the Fighter’s bonus combat feats.

What is the highest ability score I can have in Pathfinder, and how does it affect feats?

At character creation, the highest an ability score can be is 18. Every 5 levels you can increase by 1, so by level 20 it can be 22. Potent items can give you a non-stacking +2 bonus, bringing it to 24. Since many feats require a minimum ability score as a prerequisite, increasing your ability scores is essential for unlocking more powerful and versatile feat options.

Can I “retrain” my feats in Pathfinder?

Retraining is an optional rule that allows you to change previously selected feats, skills, or other character choices. The specific rules for retraining can vary depending on the Pathfinder edition and the GM’s preferences. Typically, retraining requires time and possibly some cost (gold or services). This allows you to correct mistakes or adapt your character to new challenges.

What are Mythic Feats and how are they different?

Mythic feats are a special category of feats available to characters who have attained mythic tiers or ranks. These feats are significantly more powerful than standard feats and require a non-mythic feat as a prerequisite. Mythic feats can only be selected as part of mythic advancement, not as part of a character’s normal advancement or in place of any other bonus feat. Mythic feats greatly enhance a character’s abilities, often providing extraordinary powers and supernatural effects.

Does race influence how many feats I get?

Yes! Some races, like Humans, often get an additional feat at 1st level. This racial bonus feat provides a significant advantage early in the game, allowing you to customize your character and access powerful abilities from the very beginning. Always check the racial traits of your character to see if they grant a bonus feat.

Can you wait to take a feat Pathfinder?

AFAIK you can’t delay taking a feat. You can, however, take a feat you are not yet qualified to use, and it will remain unusable until you are qualified to use it. To use your above example you could Fury’s Fall at level 5 and then be able to actually use it at level 6 once you’ve taken Improved Trip.

Where can I learn more about optimizing my character’s feats?

There are numerous online resources, forums, and guides dedicated to Pathfinder character optimization. Communities like Paizo’s forums, Reddit’s r/Pathfinder_RPG, and various Pathfinder wikis are excellent sources of information. Consider exploring educational resources related to gaming, such as those available through the Games Learning Society. These resources can provide deeper insights into game mechanics and strategy. Explore GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about game based educational theory.

Mastering feats is a core aspect of Pathfinder character development. By understanding how to acquire extra feats, meeting prerequisites, and utilizing retraining options, you can create a truly powerful and customized character that excels in any adventure. Go forth, adventurer, and forge your legend!