How to Use Pathfinder 2E’s Coup De Grace to Your Advantage: A Guide

BySolidarity Project Blog, How To Tips

Coup de Grace’ is an attack action that allows a character to attempt a final attack against a dying or disabled enemy in Pathfinder 2e.

Pathfinder 2E Coup De Grace

Pathfinder 2E Coup De Grace is a powerful finishing attack designed to quickly and decisively weaken or even eliminate an enemy. By using a Coup De Grace, a character can gain additional damage while also denying the target creature a saving throw or other action that could turn the tide of battle.

Coup De Grace requires a standard action and can be used on any creature that has fewer than half its maximum hit points. A successful Coup De Grace results in an automatic critical hit, maximized damage, and unconsciousness for enemies with no more than 4 Hit Dice or levels of experience. For creatures with higher hit points, they must make either a Fortitude save or die instantlybut if they survive the attack they are reduced to 0 hit points instead of the regular damage.

For characters wielding two-handed weapons (or spontaneously casting touch spells), they may also attempt an Improved Coup De Grace, which grants them an additional point of damage for every increase in size category when attacking large opponents. All Coup De Graces can only be used once per round as part of a full attack action and dont trigger any special effects or resistances grants from special abilities like regeneration.

By sharpshooting their foes at just the right moment, Pathfinder 2E characters can rely on Coup De Grace to deliver them powerful endgame attacks and solidify their victory over formidable opponents!

What Is Coup De Grace?

In Pathfinder 2nd Edition, a Coup De Grace is an attack action that can be used against a helpless enemy. It involves making a single attack roll with advantage, and if successful, the attack deals double damage. This action is only available to players or NPCs when an enemy has been rendered helpless, either due to being incapacitated or through the use of certain spells or abilities.

Rules For Coup De Graces

When performing a Coup De Grace, the attacker must make a single attack roll against the enemy’s AC with advantage. If the attack is successful, the damage dealt is doubled on top of any other modifiers that may apply. This means that if the attacker had any modifiers or bonuses to their attack roll or damage roll they will be applied before doubling the damage.

Who Can Give Coup De Graces?

Coup De Graces can be performed by both PCs and NPCs on helpless enemies in Pathfinder 2nd Edition. However, this action is not available to monsters or non-player characters unless they have specific abilities or spells that allow them to do so.

Other Benefits After Delivering a Coup De Grace

After delivering a successful Coup De Grace in Pathfinder 2nd Edition, there are two additional benefits to consider. Firstly, any death saving throw made by the target gains advantage for the duration of their incapacitated state due to being knocked unconscious from the extra damage taken from this action. Secondly, experience points gained from defeating an enemy increase if this action was used as opposed to simply reducing their hit points until zero without using it – this does not apply if they are already dead when it is attempted however and there are no modifiers in place for defeating enemies with disadvantage on death saving throws due to failed attempts at performing one.

Effects of Coup De Graces on Enemies

The effects of successfully delivering a Coup De Grace in Pathfinder 2nd Edition depend on whether it was used on an unconscious target or one who had already been killed by other means prior to its use. If used on an unconscious target then it will render them disabled for a short period of time as they take double damage from the blow – this can then result in death if enough additional damage was dealt beyond what would have been required for killing them outright had they not been rendered helpless first. If used on an enemy already dead then there will be no additional effect beyond what has already occurred and instead they will remain dead regardless of how much extra damage was dealt from it since they were already at 0 hit points prior to its use.

Types of Weapons Used for A Coup De Grace

In Pathfinder 2E, a coup de grace is an attack delivered to a helpless enemy that deals an automatic critical hit. This kind of attack is often seen as the final strike used to end a battle. The type of weapon used to deliver the coup de grace can vary depending on the situation. Bludgeoning weapons like maces, hammers, and clubs are often employed for their blunt force power and ability to incapacitate an opponent quickly. Piercing weapons like daggers and spears are also used in similar scenarios, since they can penetrate armor more easily than other types of weapons. Finally, slashing weapons like swords and axes provide a greater range of motion and can be used to deliver powerful strikes from any angle.

Preparing For a Coup de Grace

The key to delivering a successful coup de grace is preparation. It’s important that the enemy’s health points (HP) be reduced as much as possible before attempting the attack. Using spells or other weakening strategies can help reduce an enemy’s HP before delivering the final blow. However, it’s important to remember that these strategies may not always work depending on the enemy’s magical properties or defenses. Additionally, some enemies may be immune to certain types of damage or effects which could make weakening them difficult or even impossible in some cases.

Reactions to a Coup de Grace Attempt

When attempting a coup de grace, it’s important to consider how your opponent might react. Depending on their strength and abilities, they may try to counterattack with defensive spells or attempt to withdraw from the fight altogether if they feel threatened enough by your presence. In these cases, it’s important for you to be prepared with secondary strategies such as ranged attacks or crowd control spells in order to keep your opponent from escaping or mounting a counterattack before you can deliver the killing blow.

Metagaming Consideration for Coup de Graces

Finally, when using a coup de grace it’s important for players and Dungeon Masters alike to consider metagaming tactics that will give them an advantage over their opponents during combat encounters. This includes being aware of each enemys HP total at all times so that you know when they’re low enough for you to attempt a coup de grace without risk of failure due to them having too much HP remaining after taking nonlethal damage intentionally in order to reduce their HP total further before attempting the attack again if necessary. Being aware of these considerations can help you ensure success when attempting this powerful but risky maneuver during combat encounters in Pathfinder 2E campaigns!

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Coup de Grace?
A: A Coup de Grace is an action in the Pathfinder 2E RPG that allows a character to deliver a lethal attack to an enemy that has been reduced to 0 HP or lower. This attack bypasses any damage reduction or immunities that the enemy might have and can instantly kill them.

Q: What are the rules for Coup de Grace?
A: To make a Coup de Grace, the attacker must succeed on an attack roll against the target. If successful, the attacker will then roll for damage which is usually doubled if it hits. Additionally, any creatures immune to critical hits are not immune to Coup de Graces.

Q: Who can give Coup de Graces?
A: Both PCs and NPCs in Pathfinder 2E can use Coup de Graces against enemies.

Q: What are some other benefits of using a Coup de Grace?
A: After delivering a successful Coup de Grace, the attacker gains advantage on Death Saving Throws and also receives increased experience point gains for defeating their foe.

Q: What are the effects of a successful Coup de Grace?
A: When hit with a successful Coup de Grace, enemies will be instantly killed or incapacitated by being placed into the Disabled condition, depending on their Hit Points.

The rules for Coup De Grace in Pathfinder 2E are straightforward and offer a simple, yet effective way to end a battle quickly. When used by a skilled character, it can be very effective in taking down powerful enemies or finishing off weakened foes. It is important to remember that this maneuver can only be used on helpless targets and should not be abused. With the right build, Coup De Grace can be an invaluable tool in any Pathfinder 2E campaign.

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