Attack Bonus (Attack Roll)

Learn how Attack Bonus works in Pathfinder: Kingmaker! We break down d20 rolls, Armor Class, Base Attack Bonus, and all the factors that influence your hit chance.

Alright, let's talk about hitting things in Pathfinder: Kingmaker! Your Attack Bonus is basically your character's skill at landing a blow on an enemy. It's super important because if you can't hit, you can't do damage, right? Here's the lowdown: when you attack, you roll a 20-sided die (a d20) and add your Attack Bonus to that roll. Whatever number you get is your Attack Roll. If that number is equal to or higher than the target's Armor Class (AC), congratulations, you hit! If you hit with a weapon, you then roll for damage. If you hit with a spell, things can get a bit more complicated with spell resistance or saving throws, but the initial hit is still key.

The biggest piece of your Attack Bonus comes from your Base Attack Bonus (BAB). This score changes depending on your character's class and level. Think of it as your fundamental combat training. But that's not the whole story! Your Attack Bonus is a mix of many things.

Besides your BAB, you've got:

• Weapon Choice: What you're swinging matters.
• Feats: Special abilities you pick up can boost your accuracy.
• Magic Items: Enchanted weapons and armor often give you a bonus.
• Abilities: Certain skills or powers you use can affect your hit chance.
• Ability Score Modifiers: Your Strength (for melee) or Dexterity (for ranged) often adds to your Attack Bonus. Some cool feats, like Weapon Finesse for rogues using daggers, let you use Dexterity even for melee attacks!
• Situational Bonuses: Things like flanking an enemy or being invisible can give you a temporary boost.

Your gear plays a huge part too. While some things might actually lower your Attack Bonus (like trying to dual-wield without the right feats, or using a weapon you're not proficient with), most equipment aims to help. Masterwork or enchanted weapons usually give a nice +1 to +5 bonus. Special items, like Bracers of Archery, can boost your ranged attacks specifically, and gear that increases your Strength or Dexterity will indirectly pump up your Attack Bonus as well.

Keep in mind that some situations can mess with your ability to hit. Here's a quick rundown of conditions that can affect your Attack Roll:

Finally, how you attack also matters. A single attack usually takes a Standard Action. If you've got a high enough BAB, you can make multiple attacks, but that'll cost you a Full-Round Action.