Need Dev Clarification: Hexcrafter Magus and Hexes- Level 3 or 4?

[42nfl19]

Can I get a paizo dev or someone link me to a place where a dev has already answered this question?

The basic premise is, at what level does a hexcrafter magus gain access to hexes? It is of my opinion that you get hexes at level 3 because Hex Arcana says you "may select any witch hex in place of a magus arcana". Hex Magus just allows you to get another "free" hex for the cost of Spell Recall. Hex Magus replaces spell recall. While Hex Arcana modifies/elevates the Magus' Arcanas (Hex Arcana does not even mention modifying, altering, or replacing of features like most archetypes do). They are two "separate" features. Others have stated that you only get the hexes starting at level 4 only. Hex Magus is mentioned first so it's ruling is that it has precedence over Hex Arcana? IDK

Any dev clarification would be very appreciated. I have read guides and user posts that have mentioned both views.

[dragonhunterq]

hexcrafter magus wrote:

Hex Magus (Su): At 4th level, the hexcrafter magus gains access to a small number of witch’s hexes.

um! what is the argument that you get access to hexes at 3rd level again - because that seems particularly unambiguous. You may get an arcana at third level, but you don't have access to hexes to take one.

It takes an extremely...optimistic....reading of the rules to think you can take one at third level.

[42nfl19]

Hex Arcana: A hexcrafter gains access to the following magus arcana, or may select any witch hex in place of a magus arcana.

Your magus unlocks access to arcanas at level 3. Therefore at level 3 you can pick a hex instead of an arcana. Hex Magus just gives you a Hex instead of spell recall. By your logic, you can only get a hex at levels 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 with level 3 being a normal magus arcana instead of being able to get a hex at levels 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18. This does not even include the Extra Arcana feat to get even more hexes.

[MrCharisma]

First up, you're not gonna get a dev response. The forum guidelines specifically say (somewhere) that it's not what these forums are for.

Second, I've seen this topic argued a lot.

Personally I agree with dragonhunterq, you have to wait till 4th level. The reason for this is that you don't get the Hex Arrcana class feature until level 4. Imagine if you took 3 levels of Magus, then multiclassed to Fighter and never looked back. You wouldn't actually have the class feature that gives you access to hexes.

[Cavall]

Level 4. There is no grey area in the statement 'at level 4...'

Because the next word is gains it is clear you would do it at that time never before. That is when you gain it.