Wayne Reynolds is a British artist renowned for his dynamic and detailed illustrations. He has contributed extensively to Pathfinder 2nd Edition, providing cover art and interior illustrations that capture the game's vibrant fantasy elements.

Wayne Reynolds

Cze and Peku are well-known in the TTRPG community for their vibrant and highly detailed battle maps. They specialize in fantasy, sci-fi, and modern settings, offering maps for everything from dungeons to sprawling cities. Their Patreon provides a variety of map styles, along with grid and gridless options, making them perfect for both virtual tabletops and print. With frequent updates, they’re a go-to for immersive game experiences.

Cze and Peku

Tom Cartos is a renowned creator of highly detailed, multi-level battlemaps for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons. His work enhances gameplay by providing immersive environments that captivate players. Tom offers a diverse range of maps, including fantasy and modern settings, available through his website and Patreon. Patreon supporters gain access to weekly map sets, asset packs, and monthly adventures, with higher tiers offering additional benefits such as DungeonDraft integration and limited commercial licensing.

Tom Cartos

Venatus Maps specializes in creating clean, modular battle maps for virtual tabletops. Their work covers a wide range of environments, from haunted forests to ancient ruins, with meticulous attention to detail. Venatus Maps also offers map packs designed for specific adventures, making it easier to plug them into existing campaigns.

Venatus Maps

Heroic Maps delivers high-quality, printable battlemaps that cater to both fantasy and sci-fi settings. Known for their versatility, Heroic Maps provide a mix of atmospheric dungeons, vivid landscapes, and detailed interiors. Their offerings include modular designs that can be pieced together for expansive settings, perfect for GMs looking for flexibility in map design.

Heroic Maps

Eric Deschamps is an American freelance and concept artist whose work has appeared in role-playing games, science fiction, and fantasy books. He has contributed to Pathfinder 2nd Edition with illustrations that enhance the game's immersive world.

Eric Deschamps

Steve Prescott is an American artist whose work has appeared in role-playing games. He has produced interior illustrations for many Pathfinder 2nd Edition books, adding depth and detail to the game's visual storytelling.

Steve Prescott

Crystal Frasier is an American artist, author, and game designer known for her work on the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. She has contributed to Pathfinder 2nd Edition with illustrations that reflect her unique artistic style.

Crystal Frasier

Archetypes are one of many ways that Pathfinder 2e maximizes character customization. While classes in Pathfinder present neat packages of abilities, and feats, archetypes allow players to expand outside the scope of their class. Whether that means taking a few features of a different class, specializing in a unique dedication like a beastmaster or pirate, or even becoming an immortal undead lich, archetypes add even more texture and flavor to characters beyond just the standard class abilities.

Class DC is one of the finer points of Pathfinder 2e; it’s a target number a player character’s opponents have to roll higher than to overcome their abilities. Normally it’s the Game Master who calls for rolls and sets their DCs, or Difficulty Class, but Class DC flips the script! If you’re playing a character with a Class DC, and one of your abilities makes its target or targets make a saving throw, the Game Master has to contend with your Class DC instead. Class DCs also increase as your character improves, making your abilities more difficult to avoid!

Obviously this will vary from table to table, but here are some good places to start! If your game is played in person, most likely you will want to get a set of dice, something to write with, and paper to take notes. If your game is hosted online instead, you will probably need to make accounts on a few sites for things like character sheets, access to the Virtual Tabletop for maps and tokens, and sites like Discord or Zoom for video/voice calls during the session. You won't always need to have the rulebooks to start, but if you want to read through them to make sure you know all the rules, this might also be a good option.

What supplies do I need to play Pathfinder 2e?

While Pathfinder 2e will involve some level of basic math, particularly if you are totaling up dice rolls or skill modifiers on your character sheet, you don’t need to be a mathematician to enjoy the game. The books provide tables and simple tools to make the math as simple as possible, and if you are playing online, many Virtual Table Tops will take care of all the math for you, right on your character sheet, so you can focus on playing!

Do I need to be good at math to play Pathfinder 2e?

Knowing every rule of the game may be helpful to some, but many players will learn the game as they play! If you want to read the rules ahead of time you absolutely can, but if you are a hands-on learner you can also just start playing, and if there is something you don’t understand never be afraid to ask questions, because everyone starts somewhere!

Do I need to know all the rules before I can play Pathfinder 2e?

Pathfinder 2e can cover an impressive range of topics and styles, including violence, horror, romance, and many many more! However, if there are specific themes or content that you’re uncomfortable with, let your group and GM know before the game, and have an open conversation about these topics. 
Any group worth playing with should be respectful and understanding of your concerns and the game can be adjusted so everyone is having fun. Many tables also use “Safety Tools” which help ensure that these conversations are handled easily, and everyone has a voice at the table.

What if I'm not comfortable with certain themes or content in a game of Pathfinder 2e?

Pathfinder’s core mechanic is rolling a 20-sided die, adding any bonuses or modifiers from a character’s skills, and comparing the result to a target number to determine if a given action succeeds or fails. A character’s abilities come from a combination of their ancestry, class, attributes, and training, all of which players can fully customize from a sprawling selection of options. Pathfinder also contains robust rules for fighting monsters and other adversaries, delving into dungeons, and exploring trackless wilderness. 

How to play Pathfinder 2e

Pathfinder is easily the most complete fantasy game TTRPG. Easy to learn and teach, it is a joy to GM. Meticulously play-tested, and with tons of free resources to be found on the internet for it, it is what all fantasy RPGs should aspire to. I compare it to new players from other systems like this: if RPGs were school, then Pathfinder is at the college level, while most other systems are still in the grade-school years. Pathfinder 2e is challenging and rewarding, its published content is well written and imaginative, Paizo is pro-gamer and pro-GM, and I am actually happy for the well-publicized scandals that pushed me to give it a try.

J.P.

Pathfinder 2e is my favorite ttrpg to play in as well as GM. The three action economy lets players do more interesting things with their actions. The Golarion world setting is one of the most interesting and varied out there. There are many official Adventure Paths from Paizo for PF2e, many stretching 20 levels with different themes, yet still in the same world. The amount of class customization as well as classes in general, leave the player with lots of different options to build the character they wish. Can't say enough great things about Pathfinder 2e!

Johnny

My favorite TTRPG system! Deep and involved character customization, a fascinating setting to explore and the best adventure modules out there. Combat is easy to learn and hard to master, choices feel impactful and it's well enough balanced that GMs can easily challenge their players from level 1 to 20!

Rainbowsaur

Pathfinder 2 is one of the most mechanically sound RPGs I have ever played. Second Edition's action economy is the gold standard.
Paizo has years of lore for an immersive campaign world and beautifully written Adventure Paths that make running published campaigns a blast.
Rules are also published for free as part of their OGL.

DM Greg

Pathfinder 2E’s core mechanic—rolling a d20, adding bonuses, and comparing it to a target number (DC)—is simple enough to get started but packed with depth for those who want more. The real magic is in the customization: ancestry, class, feats, skills, and more let you build almost any character you can imagine. Throw in the three-action economy, which gives you tons of flexibility in combat and exploration, and you’ve got a system that feels both dynamic and empowering. It’s like a toolbox for epic adventures, whether you’re battling monsters, navigating dungeons, or just roleplaying your heart out.

That said, it can be a bit much at first. The sheer amount of options and rules might make new players feel like they’re drinking from a firehose, and prep time—whether you’re making a character or running a game—can be hefty. But if you’re down for the crunch and love diving deep into strategy and customization, Pathfinder 2E delivers a thrilling, rewarding experience that keeps every session fresh and exciting.

Saevar "Liquid-Sonic" Leadon

Pathfinder 2e is one of, if not the best d20 system. The rules are very easy to pick up and can easily be taught in session if players do not own rulebooks, without it causing the session to slow. The sheer diversity of player options is overwhelming to new players, so I recommend if its your first time to find a game that starts at level 1. That same mass of player options also allows players to dream up an insane amount of options and ideas to make their character feel unique and personal to them. The Adventure Paths (APs for short) that are released by Paizo are top notch. They are all wonderfully written, and create amazing stories for players to engage with, and for GM's to customize to their ability and desire. If you are looking for an outstanding D20 system that is at the top of its game, look no further

Dylan

Very well balanced system made by a company who values its player base!

Joseph Shields 

Of all the d20 fantasy adventure RPGs, this is my favorite. It's intelligently designed and gives players something interesting to choose every single session. Level 1 characters are perfectly playable and complex; Level 20 characters are perfectly playable and won't induce a headache. Paizo has done some pretty rad things with their game and the community, and I'm happy to support them.

Brayden

My focus isn't usually on tactical combat focused games, but when it is, Pathfinder 2e is my go to. The entire game's mechanics are available for free online (with the permission of the publisher), the free support materials make DnDBeyond look like an xl spreadsheet, and the game is just built better. I prefer more narrative systems, so this would be 4 stars, but bumped to 5 because it requires 0 investment to start, and it's better balanced and designed into the late game than the World's Most Popular Roleplaying game.

Ross

I have been running Pathfinder 2e for a long time now, and it is undoubtedly my go-to TTRPG system for an enjoyable TTRPG experience. There are many reasons why, some of which you may see in other reviews here. But I would like to highlight some things not often mentioned:

1. Narrative and Roleplay: Pathfinder 2e is often thought to be less narrative-focused, but I'd like to challenge that notion. As an experienced GM here on SPG, as well as a writer of multiple original campaigns for the system, PF2E is one of the easiest systems to write for. That includes creating roleplay challenges and events that allow for both player/GM creativity. What separates PF2e from other systems is that it provides you with a framework from which to start, so very rarely do you find yourself unsure how to structure any potential scene. An experienced GM knows how to leverage PF2e's various subsystems like influence, infiltration, leadership, chase, and others to create vivid roleplay scenes that carry the tension from one second to another. 

All of this coalesces into moments your table is sure to remember. I've run scenes of intense political intrigue, fancy dinner parties, escapes from monstrous beasts in the wild, a battle of the bands with satyrs, and a competition of tall tales with a leprechaun! Despite what others may say, Pathfinder isn't only about combat. I believe you can tell great narrative stories with this system with the tools at your disposal!

2. Clarity: Pathfinder's emphasis on providing clear language in as many places as possible results in less at-the-table adjudication, which means you spend more time actually playing the game. GMs can expect a game where the rules help support you, while players spend less time being confused about what is and isn't possible. A phrase I am fond of for this system is "limitation breeds creativity." This shared baseline ensures everyone at the table starts at the same place, and from there GMs and players can flex their creative muscles in ways they may never have thought possible.

3. Original Campaign Potential: Due to how much support the system provides to its GMs, crafting whole campaigns is much easier. From creating narrative arcs to designing unique creatures and appropriate on-level challenges, nearly everywhere you turn the system helps guide you in the creative process. With an experienced GM, players can expect original campaigns that function just as well as any officially released Paizo material (Which are also great on their own!) 

With the tools available I've been able to create campaigns about knights who champion the only democracy in Golarion, a survival horror campaign where players were part of strange experiments, to an all-orc sandbox campaign focused on growing their clan. Those same tools can also be used to craft wonderful personalized stories for players within campaigns as well! The tools let you take care of all the mechanical minutiae, so you can focus on the narrative and stories you and the players want to tell.

4. The Lore: Pathfinder 2e’s rich lore is a treasure trove for players and GMs who value the world's connective tissue. Paizo offers a wealth of inspiration to draw from, regardless of your campaign theme. Special mention to the Mythkeeper YouTube channel, which provides comprehensive lore overviews. These videos can inspire you to dive deeper into the books to uncover more details.

Conclusion

Much has been said in other reviews about the mechanical grace of Pathfinder 2e, and many of these things are true! But I hope this review helps others understand that Pathfinder 2e is so much more than that. It provides you with a rich world to draw from, supports you in your endeavors to create and manipulate that world, and encourages you to work alongside others at your table with its team-based mechanics and collaborative storytelling potential.

Gerik

OPINION: 3.5/5 (but I can't go halfway.)

CONTEXT: I've been running PF2e since it was in beta / playtests over a decade ago. I was raised on PF1e and come from a background of crunchy tabletop gaming. 

There's a TL;DR; at the bottom for those skimming reviews!


For those who seek a more tactically dense, crunchy take on your classic Sword and Sorcery fantasy TTRPG, look no further than PF2e. While not as robust as 1st edition (I'd argue this is a good thing,) it provides a wider bevy of turn-by-turn decisions to be made. 

There are plenty of resources readily available for Gamemasters. Mechanically compact and consistent encounter balance rules, plenty of strong Adventure Paths to choose from, and clear guidelines for progression of XP, loot, and more.

The 3 action economy is an absolute highlight of the game's approach to conflict, and the system as a whole carries with it some underutilized rules for social challenges and exploration. When these rules are brought to the forefront, I feel PF2e brings to the table a much wider (and more comprehensive) spectrum of rules than it's direct competitor, D&D 5e. To top it all off, all of the game's content is open source! You can play Pathfinder without spending a dime.

That being said, I don't believe it's a perfect system by any means. The recent shift away from the OGL (Open Gaming License owned by Wizards of the Coast) has led to an explosive boom in content. The balance and proofreading of that content has been considerably less consistent than the standard they provided pre-transition to the ORC, and it shows. Players are faced with a sometimes overwhelming amount of options, and this is only compounded for GMs. 

Finally, I'd say (to the game's detriment,) if you aren't playing it on a VTT with integrated automation (such as FoundryVTT,) you're going to have to do a LOT of math, and are likely to make mistakes. These mistakes might seem minor, but there's a common expression in the PF2e community. "Every +1 matters."

TL;DR;

Pros 
- Tactical depth baked into the system (Every +1 matters)
- 3 action economy in combat allows for nuanced decision-making beyond "I hit it three times."
- Incredible rules for encounter design
- All material is publically available
- Expansive / extensive rulesets available for a wide variety of 
- Consistently strong Adventure Paths 

Cons
- When you don't engage with the tactical depth of the game, it doesn't feel as good. (Every +1 matters...)
- The amount of content that exists can be overwhelming for players and GMs alike
- Without some form of automation, it can be easy to forget certain buffs, or misplay certain abilities entirely. Especially true beyond level 10.
- Despite having consistently strong APs, they typically have untested, underplayed, or underdeveloped subsystem rules. (Looking at you Kingmaker.)
  - (Older APs have the obvious growing pains of a new system and are generally weaker as a whole.)

Very flavorful, balanced system. With 3 actions per player it keeps things flowing and encourages variety in combat. Outside of combat there's still plenty of choices for players to make while exploring and interacting with the creatures of your world. You can get super crunchy with the rules or hand-wave away what's too crunchy and still maintain a game that is both fair and fun. With each class' subtype options and the Free Archetype variant rule, the number of entertaining and engaging character builds for your players is sky high.

Mike

Pathfinder 2e is the perfect game system for playing a team-based tactical fantasy adventure. The game has very few rules issues, and the ones that do exist are so minor that they don't diminish the gameplay. You have almost too many character options and most of them are fun to play or think about as concepts. The three-action system and other additions like hero points give the players plenty of flexibility without making them feel invulnerable.

Brandon Paul

Do you want a RPG that can handle almost anything you can think of to throw at it, with rules for easily figuring out what falls through the cracks? This is that game.

Every part of this system is designed well to work with every _other_ part of this system in one harmonious machine. Unlike its predecessor, they kept it to a handful of modifiers that never overwhelms while still providing more customization than one could ever even dream of.

As a Game Master, I love it. It's easy to run and adjucate, and I have no complaints.

David Silver

While there are many enthusiastic fans of Pathfinder 2e, I can't count myself among them. I found the system to be a stacking set of minor modifiers and other mathematical minutiae, that's overbalanced to the point of there being no fun left.

Add to that the unfortunate situation where you actually get worse at any check you're not trained in as you level up, due to difficulty being set by your level, and not the environment, and it makes for a game where you quickly pigeonhole each character into a subset of 5-10 interactions.

It has great ideas, but they rarely make it to print without becoming mechanically unfun.

Nick (HisCursedness)

Pathfinder Second Edition is a major overhaul of the first edition, but in all the right ways! Gone are most of the trap options that suckered in new players, replaced by a fair and balanced system that rewards working together at the table. Character creation is robust and varied, with much more customization than almost any modern fantasy game that I'm aware of. If you're tired of D&D, give Pathfinder a try! 

Paired with the great system are great adventures. Paizo publishing is the maker of the long running Adventure Path series which takes your characters on a journey of at least ten levels in each Adventure Path, sometimes all the way from 1-20. Together with a collection of standalone adventures it is sure to have something to please most everyone. Major themes are explored in most styles all the way from the classic 'Found a Kingdom' to an East Asian inspired AP that deals with unraveling the mysteries of restless ghosts. 

All the rules are available for free online through an officially licensed website called the Archives of Nethys, and automation through Foundry VTT is top notch. I have personally walked at least a dozen people through the character creation process and every one of them has said the system is incredibly quick to learn, while retaining more customization than other systems. You can't go wrong with Pathfinder!

Michael 

I have had a wonderful experience with Pathfinder2e, as a Gamemaster and Player. It is my go-to Fantasy Tactical-Teamwork RPG. If I ever want to run anything where engaging team-based combats and encounters are the focus, Pathfinder2e is right up the top.

As a gamemaster, I have *everything* I need to run the game for free, easily referenceable both online and in FoundryVTT. Even though it may be more rule-dense than other games it's complexity never hampers gameplay. It welcomes groups to decide what rules subsystems they want to skip over. I can prepare combats and feel extremely confident in the expected difficulty.
A player wants to do something weird and don't know how I should rule it? I can find a Feat that has a similar outcome and follow that guideline - eventually recommending them to get said feat if they want to repeat the action more easily and consistent.
Certain things are tagged Uncommon and Rare to let me decide if I want to allow these things in the game, such as Resurrection-type effects or things that might be regionally hard to access if I want to stick to the setting's lore.
I'm learning new things about the game all the time, but that it never stops me from running it and being confident. I get inspired when I read Pathfinder2e.

As a player, character creation and just knowing that 'you can do stuff' is my standout. If I follow the assumed default creation steps, I can make characters and not need to ask the GM every step of the way - anything like that is clearly labelled. I never feel lost or feel like I'm doing something wrong - I'm encouraged to experiment.
During play, I'm excited for combat, exploration, or social encounters. The rules allow me to know what I could do to influence the world, which inform the types of characters I want to play. "I can eventually jump from wall to wall if I'm athletic enough? Hell yeah. I can teach an animal new tricks over time with only a Level 1 feat? Sounds like a great trainer character concept."

Pathfinder2e. Hell yeah.

🍵 Somnus

Great tactical TTRPG, many character options, good balance.

Nathan Fish

I've been playing tabletop games for nearly all my life now, across multiple generations of tabletop systems. After running and playing Pathfinder 2e (PF2e) for a few years, I can happily say it’s my go-to system for any kind of fantasy gaming. It’s flexible enough to accommodate games ranging from dark fantasy to high fantasy while offering players a lot of choice in how they build their characters and approach roleplay, combat, and exploration. I could run a party of all fighters or witches and I don't think you would be able to tell on first glance. This flexibility also extends to the GM, with tools for easy encounter building, intuitive rules that build on one another, and meaningful ways to reward players.

The Pathfinder community has also been incredibly welcoming, actively shutting down gatekeeping and those who would make the community or system a hostile place. Paizo themselves amplify this positive environment by including multiple LGBTQ+ gods and characters in the lore, items that make playing LGBTQ+ and disabled characters easy, and their thoughtful handling of cultural topics—for example, consulting experts and people from those cultures when writing the Tian Xia books.

Pathfinder 2e has quickly become my number one system after only a few years of play. I would happily run it for anyone or jump into any game if asked!

Katie The Fae

Pathfinder 2e is a fantastic tabletop game. It's very rules dense but all of the rules work around a fairly simple system. It takes the tabletop experience to new levels of complexity and tactics. It provides so many options for character customization that I have yet to see characters that felt "generic" or even see multiple players playing similar characters. As a GM it's so much easier to make sessions dynamic and exciting for players.

Mike d20

Pathfinder 2E; if you love pouring over character builds, expressing yourself through game mechanics in unique or interesting ways, adventuring in a gonzo-fantasy world, and engaging in deep tactical combat, Pathfinder 2E is the game for you. I've ran two adventure paths in Pathfinder so far, spanning 80+ sessions over the course of three years, and I've never ran out of new and unique things to do in this system. My players are constantly surprising me with the crazy new abilities they pull out of their pocket, and I'm surprising them by always upping the stakes of the enemies their facing. You might start at level 1 contending with local bandits, but by level 10 you're defeating ancient undead sorcerers, and at level 20 you're facing down divine threats to entire kingdoms. And crucially, the game is balanced all the way through. My players never feel pigeonholed, or that they aren't contributing. In Pathfinder, everyone shines. 5/5, highly recommend for players seeking high fantasy adventure and fun tactical combat.

Clarissa

Pathfinder 2e is a robust and ambitious tabletop RPG system that builds on the legacy of its predecessor, offering a rich and crunchy experience for players and Game Masters (GMs) who love detailed mechanics, strategic depth, and character customization. It’s a worthy competitor to D&D 5e and truly shines for those who want a system where mechanics drive the narrative in exciting ways.

What Pathfinder 2e Does Well
Three-Action Economy:
Pathfinder 2e’s most innovative mechanic is the three-action economy. Every creature has three actions on their turn—whether it’s attacking, moving, drawing a weapon, or casting spells. It simplifies combat while encouraging strategic decision-making. For example, a spell might cost 1, 2, or 3 actions depending on its power. This flexibility makes every turn feel impactful.

Character Options & Customization:
PF2e offers incredible depth when it comes to character creation and advancement. Ancestries (species), classes, feats, and archetypes let players build exactly the character they envision. Whether you want a nimble rogue, a fire-wielding sorcerer, or a cleric who can smash skulls with a warhammer, PF2e has you covered. Every level-up feels meaningful, with new choices keeping progression exciting.

Balanced Math & Scalability:
The game’s math is finely tuned. Pathfinder 2e uses a proficiency system (untrained, trained, expert, master, legendary) that keeps power levels balanced across tiers of play. Bonuses and DCs scale predictably, reducing the wild variances you might see in other systems. While the system is number-heavy, it rewards careful planning and teamwork.

Combat and Tactics:
Pathfinder 2e emphasizes tactical combat. Encounter balance is clear, thanks to the Challenge Point system, and enemies often require players to adapt their strategies mid-battle. Players who enjoy grid-based, tactical play will appreciate the precision of positioning, reach, and action economy.

Tools for Game Masters:
GMs are given strong support in PF2e. The Game Mastery Guide and Bestiary books are packed with tools, guidance, and creatures to help you create memorable encounters and stories. The focus on clear rules reduces ambiguity and arguments during play.

Challenges of Pathfinder 2e
Complexity & Learning Curve:
While PF2e’s mechanics are well-designed, the game has a steep learning curve. Players new to TTRPGs or those coming from simpler systems may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices and rules. The emphasis on tactical play means that combat can also take longer to resolve.

Rule Density:
PF2e prides itself on precision, but this comes at the cost of streamlined simplicity. Rules for conditions, spells, and exploration are thorough but can feel dense at first. GMs and players alike need to invest time in learning the system.

Character Creation Overload:
The abundance of options can be both a blessing and a curse. New players may feel lost when presented with the massive list of feats, ancestries, and archetypes. While this gets easier with experience, it’s something to keep in mind when onboarding new players.

Not as Narrative-Focused:
Pathfinder 2e leans heavily into mechanical depth rather than freeform storytelling. If you prefer a looser, narrative-focused system that prioritizes roleplaying over combat and rules, PF2e may not be your first choice.

Final Thoughts
Pathfinder 2e is an exceptional system for TTRPG enthusiasts who crave mechanical depth, character customization, and tactical combat. The three-action economy simplifies decision-making while increasing versatility, and the robust math ensures a balanced experience across all levels of play. However, it’s not without its challenges—its complexity can be daunting for new players, and its focus on mechanics may not appeal to those seeking rules-light, narrative-driven games.

If you and your group enjoy a crunchy system where strategy and optimization are rewarded, Pathfinder 2e delivers an experience that’s both rewarding and engaging. It’s not for everyone, but for the right group, it can be the perfect game.

Darren

Pathfinder 2e (PF2e) leans on the familiarity of Dungeons & Dragons 5e to create a tactically-rewarding and balanced gameplay experience. It excels at creating consistent and fair encounters, interesting and exciting magic items, and a seemingly endless array of engaging and creative feats to customize each character.

If you enjoy exploring complex and tactical situations, PF2e is a great step away from the traditional foundation of D&D 5e.

Bryan/OddSquirrel

Pathfinder 2nd Edition is a tabletop roleplaying game, or TTRPG, in which players create heroic characters to embark on fantasy adventures. You might play as a noble elven wizard, a roguish halfling scoundrel, or a stout dwarven warrior, just to name a few. Pathfinder is famous for the incredible variety of options players can choose from; there are over three dozen character classes alone, so intrepid players might just as well choose the sword-and-sorcery wielding Magus, the spooky Witch, or the gritty Gunslinger! One player, the Game Master (GM), acts as the rest of the world those heroes explore. 

The GM presents encounters with memorable characters, mystical places, terrible monsters, and myriad other challenges to overcome. The players decide on a course of action using their characters’ skills, magic spells, or equipment—the only limit on what they can attempt is their imagination! Often, they’ll need to roll dice to find out whether they succeed or fail. But no matter what, the players’ choices result in a unique story of which they are both author and audience. For this reason, TTRPGs are often considered games of collaborative storytelling.

Pathfinder Second Edition revamps the rules from the game’s first edition, making character creation, adventuring, and combat more intuitive and easy to learn. It and its predecessor remain as two of the most popular roleplaying games in the world!
