The Pathfinder 2e Investigator is a versatile problem-solver and detective, excelling in investigation, alchemy, and strategic combat․ Drawing from the Advanced Player’s Guide, they combine keen intellect with alchemical expertise, making them invaluable in solving mysteries and uncovering hidden truths, while their adaptability shines in exploration, combat, and social dynamics, offering a unique playstyle that appeals to those who enjoy both strategy and creativity․

1․1 Overview of the Investigator Class

The Investigator is a versatile class in Pathfinder 2e, blending intellectual prowess with alchemical expertise․ Introduced in the Advanced Player’s Guide, this class excels at solving mysteries, analyzing clues, and crafting potent alchemical items; Investigators are adept at gathering information, deciphering secrets, and adapting to diverse situations, making them invaluable in exploration, combat, and social scenarios․ Their unique blend of detective work and scientific knowledge sets them apart as a dynamic and strategic addition to any party․

1․2 Key Features and Playstyle

The Investigator excels in analysis, investigation, and alchemical craftsmanship, with a focus on problem-solving and adaptability․ Their class features include proficiency in Perception, Diplomacy, and alchemical tools, along with access to the Alchemist formula list․ Investigators thrive in both combat and non-combat scenarios, using their intellect to outwit foes and uncover hidden truths․ Their playstyle emphasizes strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and creativity, making them a unique and versatile addition to any Pathfinder 2e party․

1;3 Role in a Pathfinder 2e Party

The Investigator serves as the party’s detective and problem-solver, excelling in uncovering secrets and analyzing clues․ Their expertise in Perception and alchemical crafting makes them invaluable for identifying hazards and creating solutions․ In combat, they provide strategic support, using their intellect to outmaneuver foes․ Socially, their Diplomacy skills help navigate interactions, making them a versatile and indispensable asset․ Their adaptability ensures they thrive in exploration, combat, and roleplay scenarios, complementing any party’s needs with their unique skill set and alchemical gear․

Investigator Class Features

Investigators excel in solving mysteries and crafting alchemical solutions․ Their class features include skill mastery, alchemical expertise, and versatileproblem-solving abilities, making them adaptable and resourceful․

2․1 Class Skills and Proficiencies

Investigators are highly skilled in areas like Perception, Persuasion, and Deception, excelling at gathering and analyzing information․ They also gain proficiency in alchemical tools and select weapons, such as the rapier and short sword․ Their versatility extends to alchemical crafting, allowing them to create potent remedies or debilitating poisons․ This blend of skill mastery and tool expertise makes them adept at solving mysteries and adapting to diverse challenges in and out of combat․

2․2 Investigator’s Implements and Tools

Investigators rely on alchemical tools and implements to craft remedies, poisons, and other substances․ They also utilize weapons like rapiers and short swords for close combat․ Their proficiency with alchemical kits allows them to create items that aid in exploration, detection, and combat․ These tools enhance their problem-solving abilities and make them versatile in both investigation and battle, ensuring they are always prepared for diverse challenges and scenarios․

2․3 Key Abilities and Ability Scores

Investigators rely heavily on Intelligence for their alchemical expertise and skill proficiencies․ Dexterity enhances their accuracy in combat, while Wisdom improves perception and awareness․ High Charisma can aid in social interactions, though it’s less critical․ Balancing these abilities ensures versatility in both investigation and combat scenarios․ Prioritizing Intelligence and Dexterity allows investigators to excel in their core competencies, making them effective problem solvers and adaptable adventurers in any campaign setting․

2․4 Expertise and Skill Versatility

Investigators excel through their Expertise feature, granting them high proficiency in key skills like Perception, Persuasion, and Athletics․ This versatility allows them to adapt to various scenarios, from solving mysteries to navigating social dynamics․ Their access to the Alchemist formula list further enhances their utility, enabling creative problem-solving with alchemical tools․ This blend of skill mastery and alchemical adaptability makes Investigators highly effective at uncovering secrets and overcoming challenges in any campaign setting․

Investigator Archetypes and Feats

Investigators can choose from diverse archetypes like the Empiricist or Charlatan, each offering unique playstyles․ Essential feats include Alchemical Focus and Quick Recognition, enhancing their investigative and alchemical prowess․

3․1 Archetype Selection Guide

Investigators can choose from a variety of archetypes, each tailoring their expertise․ The Empiricist excels in alchemical experimentation, while the Charlatan relies on deception and persuasion․ Other archetypes like the Forensic Investigator focus on crime scene analysis, and the Impossible Lands Survivor brings a rugged, adaptable approach․ Each archetype offers unique abilities and playstyles, allowing players to craft investigators that fit their preferred role in the party․ Choosing the right archetype depends on your character’s background and the campaign’s demands․

3․2 Essential Feats for Investigators

Investigators benefit from feats that enhance their alchemical and investigative capabilities․ Quick Alchemy allows rapid crafting of alchemical items, while Empirical Strike adds precision to attacks․ Investigative Logic boosts skill checks, and Evasion improves survivability․ Feats like Alchemist’s Toolkit Proficiency and Expert Forgery enhance versatility․ Selecting feats that align with your archetype and playstyle ensures a well-rounded investigator, capable of excelling in both combat and problem-solving scenarios․

3․3 Multiclassing Options and Strategies

Investigators can multiclass effectively with alchemists or rogues to enhance their skills․ Combining with the Alchemist class boosts alchemical prowess, while Rogue adds sneak attack damage․ Multiclassing with Ranger or Barbarian can improve combat versatility․ Consider archetypes like Empiricist or Charlatan for synergy․ When multiclassing, focus on maintaining your primary role as a problem-solver while leveraging new abilities to enhance your investigative and combat capabilities․ This approach allows for a well-rounded character with unique playstyle opportunities․

Equipment and Gear for Investigators

Investigators rely on alchemical supplies, masterwork tools, and versatile gear․ They often carry magnifying glasses, short swords, and leather armor, prioritizing items that enhance Perception and crafting skills․

4․1 Weapon and Armor Choices

Investigators favor agility and precision over heavy armor, often opting for light weapons like short swords or daggers․ They excel with simple weapons, leveraging Dexterity for accuracy․ Light armor, such as leather, enhances mobility while maintaining defensive capabilities․ Alchemical bombs and tools complement their combat style, allowing versatile tactics․ Their proficiency in simple weapons and light armor ensures adaptability, making them formidable in both ranged and melee encounters while maintaining their investigative focus․

4․2 Alchemical Supplies and Consumables

Investigators rely on alchemical tools and consumables to enhance their investigative and combat capabilities․ Alchemical bombs, elixirs, and extracts from the Advanced Player’s Guide provide versatile options for offense, defense, and utility․ Healing potions, antitoxins, and curative myrrh are essential for survival․ Alchemical items like smoke bombs or flash paper can create tactical advantages․ These consumables complement the investigator’s skill versatility, offering creative solutions in exploration, combat, and problem-solving scenarios, making them a cornerstone of their adaptive playstyle․

4․3 Investigator-Specific Gear Recommendations

Investigators benefit from gear that enhances their investigative and alchemical prowess․ Essential tools include an alchemist’s kit, crowbar, and thieves’ tools for solving mysteries and bypassing obstacles․ Alchemical items like smoke bombs, flash paper, and healing potions provide tactical flexibility․ A backpack or explorer’s pack is ideal for carrying supplies during long investigations․ For combat, consider a light crossbow or dagger for precision attacks․ These gear choices, detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide and Pathfinder Core Rulebook, ensure the investigator is prepared for any scenario, blending utility with combat readiness․

Investigator Spells and Alchemical Formulas

Investigators cast spells and prepare alchemical formulas from the alchemist formula list, focusing on detection, utility, and support․ Spells like Mage Hand and Detect Magic aid investigations, while alchemical items enhance combat and exploration versatility, as detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide․

5․1 Spellcasting as an Investigator

Investigators cast spells using the alchemist formula list, blending magical and scientific expertise․ Key spells like Mage Hand and Detect Magic enhance investigation and problem-solving․ They prepare spells daily, gaining versatility through alchemical knowledge․ This unique system allows Investigators to support allies, analyze clues, and adapt to challenges, making them invaluable in both exploration and combat scenarios, as detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide․

5․2 Alchemist Formula List and Preparation

Investigators utilize the alchemist formula list for spellcasting, preparing extracts daily․ These extracts, such as Mage Hand and Detect Magic, are chosen based on their Intelligence modifier․ This system allows Investigators to adapt their magical tools to suit various scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities․ The Advanced Player’s Guide details this unique preparation process, enabling Investigators to combine alchemical expertise with spellcasting, making them highly versatile in both exploration and combat situations․

5․3 Top Picks for Investigator Spells

Essential spells for Investigators include Mage Hand for utility, Detect Magic for uncovering clues, and Invisibility for stealth․ Guidance and Disguise enhance social interactions, while Alchemical Allocation optimizes alchemical items․ See Invisibility and True Seeing are crucial for countering illusions․ These spells complement the Investigator’s alchemical expertise, making them versatile problem solvers in exploration, combat, and social scenarios, as detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide․

Character Building and Optimization

Optimizing an Investigator involves selecting the right race, background, and feats․ Focus on boosting Intelligence and Dexterity, and choose archetypes like Alchemist for enhanced alchemical capabilities, as detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide․

6․1 Race Selection for Investigators

Choosing the right race for an Investigator is crucial․ Races like Gnome or Dwarf offer bonuses to Intelligence, enhancing investigative skills․ The Lost Omens: Character Guide introduces versatile heritages, while upcoming sourcebooks like Howl of the Wild promise new racial options․ Selecting a race that complements your build ensures optimal performance, whether focusing on alchemy, stealth, or skill mastery․ This versatility allows Investigators to excel in diverse roles within a party․

6․2 Background and Heritage Choices

Backgrounds and heritages shape an Investigator’s identity and abilities․ The Advanced Player’s Guide and Lost Omens: Character Guide offer diverse options, such as scholarly or criminal backgrounds, enhancing skills like Perception or Deception․ Heritages like the Versatile Heritage from Howl of the Wild provide adaptability, while others grant bonuses to key abilities․ Selecting a background that aligns with your Investigator’s backstory and playstyle ensures a well-rounded character, ready to excel in investigation, alchemy, and combat scenarios․

6․3 Feat Progression and Build Guide

Feat progression for Investigators should focus on enhancing investigative skills, alchemical prowess, and combat versatility․ Start with feats like Alchemical Crafting to boost potion-making․ At higher levels, choose Expert or Master feats for key skills like Perception or Deception․ Consider Multiclass feats for hybrid builds, blending alchemy with spellcasting or martial abilities․ Sourcebooks like the Advanced Player’s Guide and Lost Omens: Character Guide offer diverse feat options, ensuring a well-rounded and optimized Investigator tailored to your playstyle․

6․4 Multiclass Builds for Investigators

Investigators shine in multiclass builds due to their skill versatility and alchemical expertise․ Popular combinations include Alchemist for enhanced crafting, Rogue for sneak attacks, or Wizard for spellcasting synergy․ A Rogue-Investigator blend offers unmatched stealth and deception, while an Alchemist-Investigator hybrid maximizes alchemical damage․ For a more magical approach, pairing with Occult or Divine traditions can create a unique problem-solver․ These builds leverage the Investigator’s adaptability, offering diverse playstyles rooted in exploration, combat, and mystery-solving, as detailed in the Advanced Player’s Guide and other Pathfinder 2e sourcebooks․

Investigator in Different Adventures and Campaigns

Investigators excel in diverse campaigns, leveraging their investigative skills, alchemical prowess, and tactical acumen․ Whether in urban mysteries, dungeon crawls, or high-fantasy quests, their adaptability shines, making them invaluable problem-solvers in any setting․

7․1 Investigator’s Role in Exploration

Investigators are invaluable during exploration, using their keen senses and alchemical tools to uncover hidden clues, track targets, and navigate challenging terrains․ Their expertise in Perception, Survival, and Nature ensures they excel at identifying hazards, deciphering clues, and mapping uncharted areas․ With access to alchemical items like torches and potions, they can overcome environmental obstacles and reveal secrets, making them indispensable for uncovering hidden truths in both wilderness and urban settings․

7․2 Investigator’s Role in Combat

Investigators excel in combat as versatile tacticians, leveraging their alchemical tools and precision attacks to control the battlefield․ With access to ranged alchemical weapons and area effects, they can deal consistent damage while maintaining a safe distance․ Their expertise in identifying weaknesses allows for strategic targeting, and their proficiency in Perception ensures they’re prepared for enemy movements․ This blend of adaptability and precision makes them a valuable asset in both offense and defense, complementing both fighters and spellcasters seamlessly․

7․3 Investigator’s Role in Social Encounters

Investigators excel in social encounters by leveraging their keen intellect, persuasion skills, and alchemical tools․ They use Diplomacy and Intimidation to negotiate or extract information, while their expertise in Deception and Performance aids in infiltrating or misleading foes․ Their ability to craft alchemical items, like truth serum or calming draughts, enhances their social utility․ Investigators are adept at uncovering secrets and manipulating situations, making them invaluable mediators, negotiators, or infiltrators, complementing the party’s social dynamics with their versatility and creativity․

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Investigators

Mastering skill checks, optimizing alchemical item usage, and positioning in combat are key․ Combine expertise with higher-level spells for maximum effectiveness, enhancing versatility in any scenario․

8․1 Mastering Skill Checks and Investigation

Investigators excel at skill checks, particularly in Perception, Diplomacy, and Deception․ To master investigations, focus on improving these skills through expertise and feats․ Use alchemical tools like truth serum to gather information and analyze clues meticulously․ Always prepare for unexpected scenarios by carrying versatile gear․ In combat, position yourself to maximize your abilities while supporting allies․ Leveraging your alchemical expertise in and out of combat can turn the tide of any encounter, making you an indispensable asset to your party․

8․2 Using Alchemical Items Effectively

Investigators excel with alchemical items, which enhance their versatility in both combat and exploration․ Prioritize crafting versatile items like elixirs and tools that suit various scenarios․ Use area effects like bombs strategically to control crowds or create openings․ Always carry a selection of alchemical supplies to adapt to unexpected challenges․ By mastering your alchemical arsenal, you can solve problems creatively and gain a decisive edge in any encounter, solidifying your role as a resourceful problem-solver․

8․3 Advanced Combat Tactics

Investigators shine in combat by combining mobility, alchemical tools, and clever positioning․ Use your expertise to exploit enemy weaknesses and create strategic advantages․ Deploy status effects like slow or enfeebled to hinder foes, while maintaining a safe distance with ranged weapons․ Leverage alchemical bombs for area control and capitalize on your precision attacks․ Consider using higher-level spells to debilitate enemies or bolster allies, ensuring you remain a dynamic and unpredictable force on the battlefield while adapting to evolving combat scenarios․

Investigator-Specific Sourcebooks and Updates

The Advanced Player’s Guide and Dark Archive sourcebooks introduce key Investigator features and updates․ Paizo’s Pathfinder 2e Remaster Project refreshes core content, enhancing the class’s versatility and playability․

9․1 Advanced Player’s Guide

The Advanced Player’s Guide introduced the Investigator class, offering a blend of detective work and alchemical prowess․ It details class features, archetypes, and feats, making it a cornerstone for players․ The guide also provides essential builds and strategies, showcasing the Investigator’s versatility in both exploration and combat․ Paizo’s updates ensure the class remains balanced and engaging, with new content expanding its role in Pathfinder 2e adventures․ This sourcebook is a must-have for anyone embracing the Investigator’s unique playstyle․

9․2 Investigator Updates in the Pathfinder 2e Remaster

The Pathfinder 2e Remaster Project includes updates to the Investigator class, refining its core features and balance․ Paizo has revised key elements like alchemical formulas and skill versatility to enhance playability․ The remaster ensures the Investigator remains a dynamic and strategic choice, with improved clarity on class progression and interactions․ These updates aim to maintain the Investigator’s unique identity while aligning with the game’s evolving meta, offering players a polished and engaging experience in the updated edition․

9․3 Investigator Content in Upcoming Sourcebooks

Upcoming sourcebooks like Howl of the Wild and the Elemental Planes book promise new content for Investigators․ Paizo plans to expand the class with fresh archetypes, alchemical formulas, and investigative tools․ The Kingmaker Companion Guide will also provide new builds and options tailored for Investigators․ These releases aim to deepen the class’s versatility and customization, offering players more ways to craft unique characters and enhance their investigative and alchemical prowess in future campaigns․

Investigator Builds and Example Characters

Explore iconic builds like the Classic Investigator or Alchemist-Investigator Hybrid, and discover example characters that showcase the class’s adaptability․ These builds highlight the Investigator’s versatility in solving mysteries and excelling in various roles․

10․1 The Classic Investigator Build

The Classic Investigator build emphasizes skill mastery, alchemical prowess, and strategic versatility․ Focusing on Perception, Investigation, and Diplomacy, this build optimizes the Investigator’s core abilities․ By leveraging alchemical tools and spells, it excels in exploration, combat, and social scenarios․ Key feats like Expertise and Alchemical Weapon enhance effectiveness․ This build is ideal for players seeking a well-rounded character capable of adapting to any situation, making it a cornerstone of Pathfinder 2e Investigator gameplay․

10․2 Alchemist-Investigator Hybrid Build

The Alchemist-Investigator hybrid build combines the Investigator’s skill versatility with the Alchemist’s explosive combat potential․ By blending alchemical bombs, mutagens, and extracts, this build creates a character adept at both solving mysteries and delivering devastating attacks․ Proficiency in Perception and Investigation complements the Alchemist’s crafting skills, while mutagens enhance physical abilities․ This build excels in adaptability, offering a unique blend of detective work and explosive firepower, making it a formidable choice for players seeking a dynamic playstyle in Pathfinder 2e․

10․3 Investigator Archetype Builds

Investigator archetypes offer unique twists, such as the Empiricist or Iconoclast, allowing players to specialize in alchemy, critical hits, or versatile skill mastery․ The Empiricist archetype enhances alchemical capabilities, including mutagens and bombs, while the Iconoclast focuses on weapon expertise and critical hits․ These builds enable players to craft characters that excel in specific roles, whether as alchemical masterminds or combat-focused investigators․ Archetype selection is key to defining the character’s identity and playstyle in Pathfinder 2e․

Investigator in the Pathfinder 2e Meta

The Investigator excels as a versatile problem-solver, combining investigation, alchemy, and strategic combat․ While not as combat-focused as martial classes, their adaptability and skill expertise make them a strong, flexible choice in the current meta, ideal for players seeking a blend of intellect and utility in exploration and encounters․

11․1 Investigator’s Strengths and Weaknesses

The Investigator excels as a problem-solving specialist, leveraging exceptional skills in investigation, perception, and alchemy; Their versatility shines in exploration, combat, and social scenarios, making them a valuable asset․ However, their reliance on Intelligence and alchemical tools can be a drawback in direct combat, where they may struggle against heavily armored foes․ While their strategic combat style is effective, it requires careful planning, limiting their adaptability in high-pressure, dynamic battles․ Their alchemical items can also be resource-intensive, leaving them vulnerable if depleted․

11․2 Investigator’s Place in the Current Meta

The Investigator holds a solid position in the Pathfinder 2e meta due to their versatility and adaptability․ With support from sourcebooks like the Advanced Player’s Guide and Dark Archive, their alchemical and investigative abilities remain highly relevant․ Recent updates in the Pathfinder 2e Remaster and new content in Howl of the Wild further enhance their capabilities, making them a popular choice for players seeking a blend of problem-solving and strategic combat․ Their unique playstyle ensures they remain a staple in many parties․

11․3 Future of the Investigator Class

The Investigator class is poised for growth with upcoming content from Paizo․ The Howl of the Wild sourcebook and Pathfinder 2e Remaster promise new archetypes and alchemical options, enhancing their versatility․ Paizo’s commitment to expanding the class through updates ensures the Investigator will remain a dynamic choice for players seeking a blend of detective work and strategic combat․ Future releases will likely introduce more tools for problem-solving and adaptability, keeping the class relevant in the ever-evolving meta․

The Pathfinder 2e Investigator is a versatile and engaging choice, combining detective work with alchemical prowess․ Its adaptability in various scenarios makes it a compelling option for players seeking a blend of strategy and creativity․ Paizo’s continuous support through sourcebooks ensures its longevity and appeal․

12․1 Final Thoughts on the Investigator Class

The Pathfinder 2e Investigator offers a unique blend of detective work, alchemical ingenuity, and strategic combat versatility․ With continuous support from Paizo through sourcebooks like the Advanced Player’s Guide and updates, this class remains engaging and dynamic․ Its adaptability in exploration, combat, and social scenarios makes it a compelling choice for players who enjoy solving mysteries and applying creative problem-solving skills․ The Investigator’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of intellect and practicality, ensuring it remains a standout option in the Pathfinder 2e meta․

12․2 Encouragement for Players to Try the Investigator

If you enjoy solving mysteries, mastering alchemy, and excelling in both combat and exploration, the Investigator is an ideal choice․ With its unique blend of detective work and strategic versatility, this class offers a rewarding experience for players who thrive on creativity and problem-solving․ Supported by sourcebooks like the Advanced Player’s Guide, the Investigator provides depth and adaptability, making it a standout option for those seeking a dynamic and engaging playstyle in Pathfinder 2e․