Construct Rider seems overvalued

[swoosh]

Now for sure, an animal companion is a great addition to anyone and constructs are particularly awesome, but the Construct Rider Alchemist draws from a limited list and doesn't have easy access to upgrading that list.

In exchange for that mount you lose mutagen, brew potion, your 4th level discovery, 1 extract per day from each level and a prohibition against ever gaining a mutagen.

Contrast with the Winged Marauder goblin alchemist archetype, which only loses mutagen and persistent mutagen and gains a flying mount instead.

Now, constructs are arguably better than animal companions, but the construct rider's companion doesn't gain full construct benefits in the first place and that's at absolute best a wash with the ability to fly.

Also notably the Construct Rider never loses persistent mutagen despite not having the ability to ever acquire a mutagen in the first place. Which is also pretty silly.

[Dave Justus]

Some archetypes are better than others. I suggest if you don't like one, don't take it. That should solve your problem.

[Gisher]

swoosh wrote:

Also notably the Construct Rider never loses persistent mutagen despite not having the ability to ever acquire a mutagen in the first place. Which is also pretty silly.

It does seem silly, but vestigial abilities do sometimes let you stack archetypes that otherwise wouldn't be allowed. In this case it lets you be a Preservationist/Construct Rider. Between your Construct and your Bottled Allies, you could be traveling with a small army. That's an unusual role for an Alchemist.

[Sundakan]

Dave Justus wrote:

Some archetypes are better than others. I suggest if you don't like one, don't take it. That should solve your problem.

It doesn't solve the problem of the archetype being of questionable value though, which I think was the complaint...?

[Philo Pharynx]

Both construct rider and winged marauder get you a companion. The construct rider's companion is immune to a great many things due to it being a construct. It also allows you to create other constructs. I see that as being more valuable than flying.

[Nohwear]

By default setting expectations, Construct Rider does not force you to be a Goblin. This can make it more widely available. Also, the construct companion is a hardier pet. I would also argue that a Construct Rider's mount is less likely to lose its advantage due to environment.