Tarondor’s Pathfinder 2e Guardian Guide (Remastered)

Tarondor's Guide to the Pathfinder Second Edition (Remastered) Guardian

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Guardian Class Features
• Attributes
• Types of Guardians
• Ancestries
• Backgrounds
• Skills and Skill Feats
• Feats
• Archetypes
• Equipment
• Guardian Tactics
• Guardian Builds
• Conclusion

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Introduction

Tarondor presents a Remastered analysis of the Guardian class in Pathfinder Second Edition. Published in Battlecry! in 2025, the Guardian is described as the party's tank, a defender who attracts attention and soaks hits to protect teammates while others deal damage. The guide uses a four-color system to rate options: RED (warnings), ORANGE (useful in niches), GREEN (strong choices), and BLUE (must-have). Guardians are best when worn in medium or heavy armor, ideally full plate, and typically paired with a warhammer and a steel shield for simplicity and survivability. There are two extra reactions at 7th level, with Intercept Attack and Shield Block as core Guardian reactions. The guide emphasizes melee engagement, shoving and trip-focused play, and large or medium ancestries as favorable depending on strategy. A caution is offered regarding ranged options, recommended only when enemies cannot close to melee.

Guardian Class Features

Key attributes: Strength is the Guardian's primary ability, aiding attack, damage, and combat maneuvers. Hit points are 12 plus Constitution modifier per level, among the strongest HP resources in PF2e. Perception starts trained and progresses to expert by level 7. Fortitude saves start expert and progress to master by level 9; Reflex begins at trained and reaches expert by level 7, then plateaus. Will saves begin expert and reach master at 17th level. Skills begin with Athletics and 3 plus your Intelligence modifier in additional skills. Attacks cover simple, martial, and unarmed weapons, with advancement to expert at 5th and master at 13th. Defense proficiency extends to all armor, with armor proficiency advancing to expert at 5th, master at 11th, and legendary at 15th. While wearing medium or heavy armor, Guardians gain 1 + half your level resistance to physical damage and can rest normally. Guardians gain the Shield Block general feat and, importantly, always gain a reaction on initiative, usable for guardian feats or class features only. At 3rd level, Diehard is gained; at 7th, an extra guardian reaction is added each turn (for guardian feats or class features). At 19th level, armor item bonuses can be added to Reflex saves against damaging effects and bulwark trait boosts apply.

Special Abilities include Taunt (one-action activity forcing enemies to choose between attacking you or suffering penalties), and Intercept Attack (as a reaction, you can step in front of an attack to take the hit intended for an ally). Guardians also gain two stances: Covering Stance and Hampering Stance at level 2, and Paragon's Guard at level 12, the latter being a free action every round that can significantly boost defense.

Attributes

Key suggestions prioritize Strength (for attacks and maneuvers) and Constitution (hit points and fortitude). Dexterity can be kept modest; higher Dex aids Reflex saves but may be sacrificed for more HP. Wisdom helps Perception and Will saves, while Intelligence offers lore and skill points but is often less critical for guardians. Recommended starting arrays include:

• STR +4, DEX +0, CON +3, INT +0, WIS +2, CHA +0
• STR +4, DEX +0, CON +3, INT +0, WIS +1, CHA +1
• STR +4, DEX +0, CON +2, INT +0, WIS +1, CHA +2

Types of Guardians

Guardians are defined by fighting style rather than sub-classes. The guide identifies six broad types:

• Weapon-and-Shield Guardians: The most defensive and common, using a shield for defense and optional weapon for offense.
• Reach Weapon Guardians: Use long reach weapons like glaive to threaten larger battlefield portions.
• Two-Handed Guardians: Use large weapons for higher offense, trading some defense for damage.
• One-Handed Guardians: One hand free for grappling, trapping, or shoves, typically with a shield on the other hand.
• Two-Weapon Guardians: The second weapon is a shield; effective for balancing offense and defense.
• Ranged option note: While not typical, composites shortbow or heavy crossbow can be used in special circumstances when melee is not possible.

Ancestries

Ancestries offer varied bonuses and feats, with common, uncommon, and rare options. Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Human, Leshy, Minotaur, Lizardfolk, Jotunborn, Centaur, Samsaran and others are discussed with heritage and ancestry feats to enhance survivability, speed, skill versatility, and weapon usefulness. The guide emphasizes that any ancestry can be viable for a Guardian, though some are naturally more favorable due to size, bonuses to AC, hit points, or mobility.

• Dwarf: Notable feats include Dwarven Lore, Dwarven Weapon Familiarity, and Heritage options like Forge-Dwarf and Mountain Strategy. Many dwarven feats grant fortitude and survivability in combat.
• Elf: Offers a range of ancestries such as Ancient Elf, Arctic Elf, Cavern Elf, and more. Ancestry feats can grant trickery, perception, or magical options.
• Gnome: Provides a mix of arcane innate spells and clever tricks that support guardians, including life-giving magic and illusions.
• Goblin: Known for versatility with many Uncommon feats, including Dokkaebi Goblin options for innate spells and trick options.
• Halfling: Excellent for supportive builds, with a focus on Halfling Luck and other unique feats.
• Human: Highly flexible with multiple heritage options; favored for adaptable feat design like Natural Ambition and Versatile Heritage.
• Other ancestries (Centaur, Minotaur, Lizardfolk, Samsaran, Jotunborn, etc.) are outlined with specific feat chains and playstyles including Reach, Shove, Trample, and Barriers to mobility.

The guide provides detailed feat lists by level for each ancestry, including 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th level lines, covering lore, weapon familiarity, and special abilities that support a Guardian's core role.

Backgrounds

Backgrounds can supply Strength or Constitution bonuses along with a relevant feat or action. The listed backgrounds (Acrobat, Alloysmith, Anti-Tech Activist, Artisan, Back-Alley Doctor, Beast Seeker, Cannoneer, Curandero, Deckhand, etc.) help a guardian meet their core defense mission. A rare background Shielded Fortune is highlighted as especially suitable for guardians; it improves survivability through destiny-driven benefits.

Skills and Skill Feats

Guardians typically focus on Athletics, Crafting, Intimidation, Medicine, and a third skill of choice (often Nature, Survival, or Perception). The guide emphasizes maximizing Athletics and suggests Assurance as a key skill feat to help with Shove and other maneuvers. Other recommended feats include Titan Wrestler for grappling, and a selection that improves the ability to Aid teammates or perform tactical actions.

Feats

Guardian Feats are described across levels 1 through 20, with separate progressions for No Free Archetype and Free Archetype variants. Core builds emphasize Bodyguard, Defensive Advance, Larger than Life, Punishing Shove, Shielding Taunt, Hampering Stance, Toughness, Group Taunt, Paragon's Guard, and many more that provide defensive bonuses, improved action economy, or enhanced survivability. The guide includes insight into the effects of each feat on the Guardian's role and synergy with archetypes and equipment. The table of contents shows dynamic progression with notable notch points such as Level 12 Paragon's Guard and Level 18 Perfect Protection, among others. The text elaborates on stacking bonuses, situational benefits, and the interplay with armor, shields, and the bulwark trait.

Archetypes

The guide covers a broad spectrum of multiclass and other archetypes that pair well with Guardians, along with commentary on their usefulness. Archetypes discussed include Alchemist, Animist, Barbarian, Bard, Champion, Cleric, Druid, Exemplar, Fighter, Gunslinger, Inventor, Investigator, Kineticist, Magus, Monk, Oracle, Psychical, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Summoner, Swashbuckler, Thaumaturge, Witch, Wizard, Bastion (shield-focused), Beastmaster, Blackjacket, Blessed One, Eagle Knight, Lastwall Sentry, Marshal, Mauler, Medic, Spirit Warrior, Kaiju Defense Oath, Stalwart Defender, Viking, Wrestler, and others. The guide provides an assessment of each archetype, noting synergies, potential drawbacks, and whether a Free Archetype rule should be used.

The author also discusses other archetypes including Beastmaster for guardians and the value of a Shield-based or two-weapon style, praising the Bastion and Shield Mastery paths for strong defensive combos.

Equipment

Adventuring gear, alchemical items, armor, banners, consumables, worn magic items, apex items, enchants, and runes are extensively cataloged. The armor section covers common sets (Hide Armor, Scale Mail, Chain Mail, Breastplate, Splint Mail, Half Plate, Full Plate) with stats for AC, Dex cap, checks, speed penalties, strength required, bulk, and armor group. The Remastered notes discuss plate wearers benefiting from the Fleet general feat and Nimble Elf or Unburdened Iron to mitigate heavy Dex penalties. Armor property runes such as Stanching, Dread, Ready, Quenching, Energy-Resistant, Malleable, Fortification, Winged, and others are listed with their effects and level gating.

Shields are discussed as defensive items that also serve as weapons; the Shield Block and Shield Warfare feats influence shield-based combat. Shield runes, including reinforcing runes and shield-specific effects, are included. The text details precious material shields such as Abysium, Djezet, Keep Stone Shield, Noqual, and more, noting their unique effects like resistance boosts, counterspells, and reflective properties. The weapon section enumerates a large list of martial, advanced, reach, and ranged weapons, including Fauchard, Bec de Corbin, Glaive, Guisarme, Longsword, Warhammer, and various two-handed options for different Guardian builds. Weapon property runes (Crushing, Returning, Ghost Touch, Bane, Fearsome, Rooting, Wounding, Astral, Corrosive, Decaying, Flaming, Frost, Shock, Thundering, Ancestral Echoing) and their effects are outlined.

Other inventory types include banners, consumables (mutagens, tonics, potions), worn magic items (rings, cloaks, belts, armored augmentations), apex and rare items (armor sets with unique abilities like Dragon Turtle Armor or Lion's Armor), and special-talisman and tattoos that grant battlefield control, healing, or mobility options. The section ends with weapon and shield recommendations for different guardian builds.

Guardian Tactics

This section covers strategic combat thinking and team coordination. It emphasizes Team Over Individual play, the Action Economy, knowledge of enemies, battlefield awareness, cover usage, and protecting allies. The guide recommends avoiding group clumps to mitigate AoE damage, focusing fire to collapse enemies efficiently, and maintaining mobility to adapt to battlefield conditions. It also highlights the importance of not breaking control spells and the value of knowing the party's buffs and how to maximize them during combat. The Guardian's interaction with shields, Take Cover action, Reflex saves, and energy resistance is discussed with practical tips for mid-battle repositioning and endurance.

Guardian Builds

Classic Guardian (Balanced): A shield-based build illustrating a basic approach using a Forge Dwarf, energy resistance, and a Warhammer with a Steel Shield. It features a plan around Paragon's Guard, Tenacious Stance, and the use of Shield Augmentation for control. The build emphasizes Shove, Taunt, and the use of the Warrior's book knowledge to mitigate risk. The build includes a progression of Guardian feats, skill increases, and final attributes. It demonstrates a path with an emphasis on defense, survivability, and a straightforward, practical route from levels 1-20.

Classic Guardian (Shield Master): A variant that emphasizes shield based defenses with a Minotaur using a Tower Shield and a battle axe. The Roaming Minotaur heritage allows ignoring difficult terrain. It uses Punishing Shove and Shield Block synergy, plus group taunt for crowd control. Paragon's Guard is used to maintain shield raised and Take Cover to maximize AC. The build includes a progression of feats and archetypes, demonstrating a shield-centric approach.

Reach Guardian: Builds around reach weapons and the Shove trait to control the battlefield. The Mauler archetype with a Shove-friendly weapon, followed by the Twin Parry or Double Slice synergy for extra coverage of two targets, is discussed. The Centaur ancestry is used to gain reach benefits with Fleetwind for speed.

Two-Handed Guardian (Mauler): Uses heavy two-handed weapons like Maul, with Shove, and a Mauler archetype to enable area control and massive damage. The build emphasizes two-handed power, Trample, and Shove synergy for widesweeping damage. Feats like Clear the Way and various Taunt options are highlighted.

Juggernaut Charge Guardian: A fast guardian focusing on mobility and drag, using a Druid archetype with Fleet Step and Tailwind to improve movement. Juggernaut Charge enables dragging enemies and keeping the target away from allies while taunting others. This build shows how to center on mobility, crowd control, and tactical repositioning.

Other builds include Boss-like Keeper strategies, Archtypes for support, and various synergy setups that leverage Free Archetype rules to maximize versatility.

Conclusion

Tarondor closes with a note inviting feedback and acknowledging sources and contributors. The Remastered guide emphasizes practical, tested options that provide robust survivability while enabling party success through tactical play and clever use of the Guardian's unique reactions and stances. The document offers numerous resources, including the Archives of Nethys and HeroLab Online, and lists several videos and online discussions for further study. It invites GMs to allow the Free Archetype rule to expand character options.

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Images

• cover_tarondor_guardian_remastered.jpg — Tarondor's Guide Cover, Guardian theme.
• guardian_illustration_1.jpg — Guardian in battlefield, armor and shield.

Notes

This guide formats the document into a structured, SEO-friendly Markdown article with anchors for in-page linking and a table of contents. It preserves core information on Guardian class options, including tactics, builds, and equipment, and provides guidance on choosing ancestries, backgrounds, and archetypes for effective gameplay.