Pathfinders are the main scouting infantry forces for the Fire Caste of the T'au Empire. As light reconnaissance units, Pathfinder Teams are the eyes and ears of their T'au Commander in a way no T'au Drone can yet emulate.

A Pathfinder's role is not to engage the enemy, but instead to maximise the efficiency of the rest of their Hunter Cadre with their Marker Lights which designate priority enemy targets and guide the fire of their comrades.