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Guide

PF2e Staves Worth Buying

The best staves in Pathfinder 2e for every caster type, from budget picks to endgame powerhouses.

Overview

Staves are the best permanent items a spellcaster can buy. They give you extra spell slots every day that recharge when you prepare spells. A good staff effectively doubles your casting output at the levels that matter. This guide covers the best picks for each caster type.

Budget Picks (Level 3-4)

These staves are affordable enough to buy as soon as your caster hits level 3 or 4. Even at this price, they're game-changing.

Staff of Healing

90 gp. The single best item any divine or primal caster can buy. Extra Heal spells every day. Buy this first, always.

Staff of Fire

60 gp. Gives you Produce Flame and Fireball access. Great for any caster who wants reliable damage.

Mentalist's Staff

90 gp. Charm and mental spells. Excellent for occult casters and bards who want more social magic.

Animal Staff

90 gp. Summon and communicate with animals. Perfect for druids and rangers.

Mid-Level Picks (Level 6-8)

At this tier you can afford specialized staves that define your playstyle.

Staff of the Dead

230 gp. Harm, vampiric spells, and undead control. The go-to for necromancers.

Guardian Staff

250 gp. Shield, protection spells, and defensive buffs. Keeps your party alive.

Staff of Providence

230 gp. Healing and fortune effects. A second option for divine casters alongside Staff of Healing.

Verdant Staff

225 gp. Plant and nature spells. Perfect for druids who want to lean into the plant theme.

Staff of Summoning

230 gp. Extra summon spells. Great for any caster who likes having minions on the field.

Staff of Illumination

425 gp. Light and revelation spells. Solid utility for dungeon crawling.

Specialist Picks

These staves fill specific niches that can make a big difference in the right campaign.

Spellstriker Staff

360 gp. Designed for the magus. Stores spells you can channel through your weapon strikes.

Staff of Nature's Cunning

250 gp. Terrain and scouting spells. Great for wilderness campaigns and exploration.

Staff of Protection

230 gp. Defensive abjuration spells. Keep one ready for when you expect heavy incoming damage.

Staff of Elemental Power

230 gp. Multi-element damage spells. Good for kineticists and elemental-themed casters.

Buying Tips

Buy your first staff as early as possible. Even a level 3 staff at 60 gp is worth it. Upgrade to the Greater version when you can afford it since it unlocks higher-rank spells. You can only have one staff prepared per day, so pick the one that covers your biggest weakness. If you're a healer, that's Staff of Healing. If you're a blaster, that's Staff of Fire.

FAQ

How do staves work in PF2e?
Each morning when you prepare spells, you can invest a staff and charge it by putting one of your own spell slots into it. The staff then gains charges you can use to cast the spells stored in it. Higher rank slots give more charges.
What is the best first staff to buy in PF2e?
Staff of Healing if you're a divine or primal caster. Staff of Fire if you want damage. Both are available at level 4 and cost under 100 gp. They pay for themselves almost immediately.
Can you use more than one staff per day in PF2e?
No. You can only prepare one staff during your daily preparations. Choose wisely based on what you expect to face that day.
When should I upgrade my staff to Greater?
As soon as you can afford it and your level supports the higher-rank spells. Greater staves (level 8) unlock rank 3 spells, which is a big jump in power. Prioritize upgrading over buying new weapons or armor.