Choosing between D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e? Here's the quick rundown:
- D&D 5e: Simpler rules, easier for beginners, focuses on storytelling
- Pathfinder 2e: More complex, deeper character customization, tactical combat
D&D 5e is your go-to if you're new to tabletop RPGs or prefer a streamlined experience. Pathfinder 2e shines for experienced players who love detailed mechanics and character building.
Quick Comparison:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy | Steeper |
| Character Options | 13 core classes | 12 classes with extensive customization |
| Combat System | Simple | More tactical |
| Rules Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Free Online Content | Limited | Extensive |
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How Both Games Work
D&D and Pathfinder offer different flavors of fantasy adventure. Let's break down what makes each game tick.
Basic Rules
D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e share DNA, but they've grown up differently. D&D 5e keeps things simple. Pathfinder 2e dives into the details.
D&D 5e is like a smooth on-ramp for new players. Its "Bounded Accuracy" system means even newbies can take on tough challenges. It's less about number-crunching and more about creative problem-solving.
Pathfinder 2e is the crunchier cousin. It's got more options for building characters and a steeper power curve. As Jason Dookeran puts it:
"Dice rolls are an essential part of tabletop roleplaying games, used to determine the outcomes of actions taken by players."
This is especially true in Pathfinder, where the rules give you more control over what your character can do.
Dice Rolling Systems
Both games love their dice, but they use them a bit differently:
D&D 5e uses a "D20 + modifier vs. DC" system. It's open-ended, so you could potentially roll super high. It also has the Advantage/Disadvantage mechanic, where you roll twice and take the better (or worse) result.
Pathfinder 2e uses a "D20 vs. modified DC" system. It caps skill checks at 20 and has critical success/failure based on how far above or below the target DC you roll.
D&D's approach is more straightforward. Pathfinder's adds an extra layer of strategy.
Rules Difficulty Level
Here's where the games really start to differ:
D&D 5e keeps it simple. Character creation is quick, and there's not much math during gameplay. The proficiency system is straightforward, and magic items don't make or break your character.
Pathfinder 2e is more complex. Character creation has more options, and you'll be doing more calculations during play. The proficiency system has different levels (Trained, Expert, Master, Legendary), and magic items are a big part of how your character grows.
As G2A News points out:
"The rules of Pathfinder turn out much more complex and exaggerated, which can discourage beginners or experienced players."
But for some players, that complexity is the draw. Once you've got the hang of it, Pathfinder offers more ways to make your character unique and more tactical options in play.
Making Your Character
Creating your hero kicks off the adventure in D&D and Pathfinder. Let's look at how these systems handle character building.
Character Classes
D&D 5e keeps it simple with 13 core classes. Each has a clear identity and role. A Fighter swings swords, a Wizard casts spells. Easy to grasp, right?
Pathfinder 2e offers 12 core classes but adds a twist: archetypes. This lets you mix and match abilities. Want a spell-slinging Fighter? Pathfinder's got your back.
D&D 5e:
- Simple class structure
- Subclasses for flavor
- Broad archetypes
Pathfinder 2e:
- Complex class options
- Archetypes for customization
- Unique character builds
How Characters Level Up
This is where the games really split.
D&D 5e:
- Streamlined progression
- Big choices at key levels
- Optional feats
Pathfinder 2e:
- Choices every level
- Feats galore
- Skill and ability boosts
In D&D 5e, you make big decisions at specific levels. Pick a subclass at 3rd level, for example. The game uses "Bounded Accuracy", so even low-level characters can shine.
Pathfinder 2e? You're making choices every single level. Feats shape your character's abilities. It's a tinkerer's paradise.
"Pathfinder 2e characters get feats with every single level. These feats are split into various categories. They cover different classes, different skills, different ancestries, and feats that anyone can take."
This quote shows just how deep Pathfinder's progression goes. If you love building characters, you'll be in heaven.
Quick comparison:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Choice Frequency | Less often | Every level |
| Customization | Moderate | High |
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Skill System | Simple proficiency | Multiple proficiency levels |
D&D 5e is great for quick starts and easy level-ups. No hour-long decision-making each level. Pathfinder 2e rewards those who love diving deep into character builds.
Neither system is "better." It's all about what you enjoy. Love crafting unique characters and don't mind complexity? Try Pathfinder 2e. Want a streamlined experience? D&D 5e might be your game.
The goal? Create a character you'll love playing. So grab those dice, pick a class, and jump into adventure!
Fighting and Strategy
D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e each bring their own flavor to monster battles and combat. Let's break down how these systems handle the clash of sword and spell.
Combat Rules
D&D 5e keeps it simple. On your turn, you get:
- One action
- One movement
- Maybe a bonus action
It's like a quick three-step dance. Easy to learn, hard to master.
Pathfinder 2e? It's more like freestyle dancing. You get three actions per turn, and everything costs an action. Move? Action. Attack? Action. Cast a spell? Might take all three.
This leads to some interesting choices:
In D&D 5e, you're often picking between moving and attacking. Pathfinder 2e lets you attack multiple times, but each extra swing comes with a big penalty. Do you go all-out on offense, or mix it up?
D&D's approach is easier for newcomers. Pathfinder 2e is for the chess players among us. Its three-action system opens up tons of options, but you'll need to think ahead.
Critical hits are another big difference:
- D&D 5e: Roll a 20, you've got a crit. Roll a 1, you've failed big time.
- Pathfinder 2e: Beat the target by 10 or more, that's a crit. Miss by 10 or more? Critical fail.
In Pathfinder 2e, your skill matters more than luck. A pro is more likely to land those big hits, while in D&D, anyone can get lucky.
Monster Battles
When it comes to facing off against big baddies, both games have their own style.
D&D 5e uses "Bounded Accuracy." This means even low-level characters can sometimes hit tough monsters. It keeps things spicy - you're never completely out of your league.
Pathfinder 2e? As you level up, your bonuses skyrocket. High-level characters in this game are like superheroes compared to the newbies.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Stats | Don't change much | Grow with party level |
| Encounter Design | Uses Challenge Rating | Uses XP system |
| Difficulty Scaling | Group multiplier | Fixed XP thresholds |
| Critical Hits | Only on natural 20 | Beating AC by 10+ |
Pathfinder 2e's monster XP is pretty cool. A monster's XP value changes based on how it compares to the party's level. For example:
- Same level as party = 40 XP
- One level higher = 60 XP
- One level lower = 30 XP
This system doubles every two levels for monsters level 10 and up. It makes balancing fights more precise.
D&D 5e uses Challenge Rating (CR) instead. It's simpler, but can sometimes lead to surprises, especially at higher levels.
Both games remind DMs that monsters are more than just numbers. They've got moves, skills, and actions - just like the players do. A clever monster can be a big threat, even if its stats aren't impressive.
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Game Materials
D&D and Pathfinder both offer a ton of books and resources. Let's break down what each game brings to the table.
Ready-Made Adventures
D&D 5e has some great official adventure modules:
- Lost Mines of Phandelver: A starter adventure (levels 1-5) in the D&D Starter Set. It's cheap and perfect for newbies.
- Curse of Strahd: Gothic horror campaign that fans love. It's for levels 1-10.
- Candlekeep Mysteries: 17 standalone adventures for levels 1-16. Released in 2021.
Pathfinder is known for its Adventure Paths - six linked adventures that form full campaigns:
- Rise of the Runelords: The OG Adventure Path. Many consider it one of the best.
- Kingmaker: Players build and manage their own kingdom. Pretty cool, right?
- Iron Gods: Mixes fantasy and sci-fi. Not your typical fantasy romp.
These Adventure Paths usually take characters from level 1 to 20+. That's a LOT of gameplay.
Game Worlds
D&D has multiple settings:
- Forgotten Realms: The big one. Home to Waterdeep and the Underdark.
- Ravenloft: For Gothic horror fans.
- Eberron: Magic meets technology.
Pathfinder focuses on one big world:
- Golarion: Each nation has its own flavor. Want pirates? Check. Undead rulers? Yep.
"Pathfinder's Golarion is like a buffet of settings all in one world." - RPG Historian
With Golarion, you can fight Dracula one day and join a revolution the next. All in the same world.
Pricing
Pathfinder often comes out cheaper:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Core Rulebook | $50 (sometimes $30) | $60 (often $50 or less) |
| Digital Sourcebooks | ~$30 | As low as $20 |
| Free Online Content | Some (D&D Beyond) | Lots (Archives of Nethys) |
Pathfinder's Core Rulebook is a 2-in-1 deal. It's both the Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide.
On a budget? Pathfinder's free online stuff (Archives of Nethys) is hard to beat. D&D Beyond has some free content, but not as much.
Both games have tons of extra books. Pathfinder likes detailed regional guides, letting you really dig into the world.
So, what's the bottom line? D&D offers more settings to play in. Pathfinder gives you one big, detailed world to explore. It's all about what you prefer: variety or depth.
Playing Style Match
Picking between D&D and Pathfinder? Let's look at how they fit different players and groups.
Learning Curve
D&D 5E is easier for newbies. It's got simpler rules and focuses on storytelling. Perfect for RPG first-timers.
Pathfinder 2E? It's a bit trickier. As RPG author Davis Collins puts it:
"Pathfinder will be more detail-oriented and slightly more complex than D&D."
This complexity is a double-edged sword. It might overwhelm beginners but gives experienced players more to chew on.
D&D 5E:
- Simple rules
- More DM freedom
- Easy to start without knowing every rule
Pathfinder 2E:
- More rules to cover different situations
- Tons of character options
- Steeper learning curve, but potentially more rewarding
New GMs might find D&D 5E easier at first. But Pathfinder 2E's detailed rules can actually help GMs in the long run.
Group Size and Play
Both games work with different group sizes, but they shine in different scenarios.
D&D 5E works best with 4-5 players. It gives you a good mix of character roles without slowing things down. A poll on party size showed:
- 40.7% like four players
- 35.5% prefer five
Pathfinder 2E can handle slightly bigger groups. Its three-action turn system makes combat more strategic, even with 6-7 players.
Here's how they compare with different group sizes:
| Group Size | D&D 5E | Pathfinder 2E |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 players | Works, but might need tweaks | Tough, but doable with versatile characters |
| 4-5 players | Perfect balance | Great for diverse roles |
| 6+ players | Can drag, especially in fights | Handles big groups well |
One D&D player, CWard83, says:
"For standard everyday play I would say 4-6 is ideal. More than 6 and RP is usually lost and the game grinds under multiple conversations."
This goes for both games. But Pathfinder's structured approach can help manage bigger groups better.
Both games are flexible. D&D 5E's simplicity lets you focus on story and character. Pathfinder 2E's complexity is great for tactical combat and detailed character growth.
Picking Your Game
D&D or Pathfinder? It's not about which is "better." It's about what fits you and your group. Let's break it down.
Based on Player Experience
New to RPGs? Go for D&D 5e. It's easier to learn, with simpler rules and character creation. You'll spend more time playing and less time reading rulebooks.
Experienced player? Try Pathfinder 2e. It's got deeper mechanics and more ways to customize your character. If you love number-crunching and fine-tuning, you'll dig it.
Quick comparison:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy | Harder |
| Character Options | 13 core classes | 12 core classes, tons of customization |
| Rule Complexity | Simple, flexible | Detailed, comprehensive |
But hey, these aren't hard rules. Some newbies love Pathfinder, and some old-timers prefer D&D's simplicity.
Based on Game Style
Your playstyle matters when choosing between D&D and Pathfinder. Here's the breakdown:
Love stories? D&D 5e's your game. Its simple rules let you focus on the narrative. It's easier to bend the rules for cool moments.
Want tactical combat? Pathfinder 2e wins here. Its three-action system and detailed rules make battles more strategic. Even weak monsters have unique abilities to keep things interesting.
Like customizing characters? Both games offer options, but Pathfinder 2e goes deeper. You'll make choices at almost every level. D&D 5e has fewer but bigger choices.
Want variety in settings? Pathfinder's world, Golarion, has it all in one package. From medieval kingdoms to sci-fi-ish areas, there's something for everyone. D&D sticks mostly to classic fantasy but has different campaign settings available.
Here's what to pick based on what you want:
| If you want... | Pick... | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Easy start for new players | D&D 5e | Simpler rules, faster character creation |
| Lots of character options | Pathfinder 2e | More choices as you level up |
| Focus on story | D&D 5e | Rules are easier to ignore |
| Strategic fights | Pathfinder 2e | Detailed combat with more options |
| Different settings in one world | Pathfinder 2e | Golarion has diverse regions and themes |
Final Thoughts
D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e both pack a punch for tabletop RPG fans. But which one's right for you? Let's break it down.
D&D 5e is your go-to if you're new to the scene. It's like the friendly neighbor who invites you over for a game night - easy to get along with and fun from the get-go. You'll spend less time buried in rulebooks and more time spinning yarns about dragon-slaying and dungeon-crawling.
RPG author Davis Collins puts it this way:
"Dungeons & Dragons has simpler, more streamlined rules, while Pathfinder is slightly more complex but allows for greater flexibility."
But don't think D&D's simplicity means it's shallow. It's just designed to get you playing faster.
Now, Pathfinder 2e? It's for the folks who love to tinker under the hood. If you're the type who enjoys piecing together intricate character builds and diving into tactical combat, Pathfinder's your jam. It's got more moving parts, but that complexity can be a playground for experienced players.
Let's talk money. Pathfinder often gives you more bang for your buck:
| Aspect | D&D 5e | Pathfinder 2e |
|---|---|---|
| Core Rulebook | $50 (often $30) | $60 (frequently $50 or less) |
| Digital Sourcebooks | ~$30 | As low as $20 |
| Free Online Content | Limited (D&D Beyond) | Extensive (Archives of Nethys) |
Pathfinder's Core Rulebook might cost a bit more upfront, but it's a 2-for-1 deal with player and GM info bundled together.
So, which game is "better"? That's like asking whether pizza or tacos are better - it depends on what you're in the mood for. New to RPGs or prefer storytelling over number-crunching? D&D 5e's your ticket. Love diving into complex systems and tailoring every aspect of your character? Give Pathfinder 2e a shot.
FAQs
Is Pathfinder or DnD better for beginners?
D&D 5e is the go-to for tabletop RPG newbies. Why? It's simpler to pick up and start playing.
RPG author Davis Collins puts it this way:
"Players just starting out with Tabletop RPGs will have an easier time with D&D and its simpler ruleset. More experienced players will enjoy the amount of detail that goes into Pathfinder and just how much you can delve into the minutiae of everything."
Don't get it twisted, though. D&D isn't shallow. It just lets you focus on the fun stuff - storytelling and building cool characters - without drowning in rules. You'll be rolling dice and fighting monsters in no time.
Pathfinder 2e? It's awesome, but it's like jumping into the deep end. It's packed with detailed mechanics and character options that can make a beginner's head spin. But for RPG veterans? That complexity is exactly what they're after.
