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Is there a reasonably complete collection of ways for casters to overcome spell resistance?

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2 Answers 2

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The most reliable method of overcoming SR is to use spells that bypass it. You can use d20pfsrd.com's spells DB to filter out all spells that require a caster level check when they encounter SR, or look for "Spell Resistance: no" in the spell descriptions. Conjuration spells are especially good in this area.

As others have mentioned, buffing the party is often a good way to contribute without having to beat SR. (But note that unless they drop their SR as a standard action, allies with SR will still block applicable spells.)

Extraordinary and supernatural abilities are not affected by SR. For example, most hexes do not require caster level checks.

Finally, there was recently a thread on this subject in the Paizo forums for increasing spell penetration for those situations where SR checks are required. Cao Phen in particular provided a wonderfully comprehensive answer. Here I've copied his list, added a handful of additional niche options, and provided links to the SRD.

Races

Items

Feats

Spells

Traits

Classes

Mythic

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Further more, though expensive, there the Eldritch heritage feat (which would require all three), which can unlock the 15th level get spec ability allowing a reroll of CL against SR before GM reveals whether it penetrated. \$\endgroup\$
    – rasmus91
    Commented Dec 26, 2018 at 10:37
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In addition to all of the mechanical methods to gain bonuses against SR, there is an additional very simple tactic...use spells that do not allow SR in the first place. A number of conjuration spells allow direct damage, without allowing SR (things like Acid Splash or Acid Arrow, for instance). There are also some debuff spells that don't allow SR, such as Glitterdust. And of course, buff spells generally aren't subject to SR either.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ This is good, but though better still would be this + ladenedge’s + a bit more detail on which SR: No spells to use at which levels. \$\endgroup\$
    – KRyan
    Commented Dec 2, 2013 at 6:01
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    \$\begingroup\$ I didn't see the point in repeating someone else's answer, but I'll look into grabbing a list of spells that ignore SR. \$\endgroup\$
    – YogoZuno
    Commented Dec 2, 2013 at 21:13

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