So, slight noob here, so if anything seems obvious, it may not be to me. Sorry. Anyway, I just rolled up a Bladebound Magus and while I've always been dying to give the class a try, the two core mechanics of the class have given me pause, those being Spell Combat and Spellstrike. While I understand how they both work, I don't quite get how the two are different. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Specifically, what's the difference between casting and spell and then attacking and casting a spell through my weapon, and in which situation would I use one or the other?
Also, I read somewhere that with spell combat you can do this thing where you can make a melee attack, take a five foot step back, and then cast your spell, all without taking an AoO. I'm assuming this is true, but any clear confirmation would be nice.
1. Spell combat is a full round action that allows you to cast a spell and get your full attack...downside being that you need go cast defensively (see number 3)
2. Spell strike allows you to DELIVER a touch spell you cast through your weapon via a normal attack getting your normal damage plus the spell effect and also the spell uses the weapons critic range instead of just a normal 20...this can be used alongside spell combat if the spell cast is a touch spell...downside being you are having to hit their full AC, not touch AC
3. You are allowed to take a 5ft step between any of your attacks or casting the spell...this is normally used by being 5 feet from your target, use spell combat to cast something like Shocking Grasp (avoiding the AoO because you are out of reach) then making a 5ft step and and use your spellstrike to deliver the spell and then get your full attack
Okay I think I get it now. Thanks for the help!
Now that's the way ally of magus play...however you can also as you have been told...
Use spell combat while right next to your target, take your full attack, 5ft step back, and then cast whatever you wanted...anything other than touch of course
Using this method is more for those that like buffing spells or maybe even casting a ray or something at the target
Min/Max optimized magus typically go for dervish dance, dex based magus, using shocking grasp until level 6..then get intensified spell and use a trait for magical lineage to up the damage without using high spell slots