Pathfinder Beginner's Guide To Character Archetypes, Ancestries, & Classes (2024)

Pathfinder 2e is a popular tabletop role-playing game that's seeing an influx of new players due to D&D's Open Gaming License (OGL) changes. Players getting into the world of Pathfinder for the first time might be uncertain about where to begin. However, Pathfinder 2e isn't unfriendly to beginners, whether they have TTRPG experience from other franchises or not.

Pathfinder is often compared to DnD because the two share many similarities, and Pathfinder was derived from - and compatible with - DnD3.5e. The primary difference is that Pathfinder isn't as streamlined, but it offers more flexibility for players and Dungeon Masters alike. Players can get started with Pathfinder 2e's rules in order to familiarize themselves with the basics of the game, but there's one important part of starting a campaign to do beforehand: create a character.

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Creating A Character In Pathfinder 2e

Characters are a crucial part of any TTRPG, and Pathfinder 2e allows for plenty of customization so that players can design a character that suits their tastes for both combat and role-playing. There are three creation options that are used to build the foundation of a player character in Pathfinder: Archetype, Ancestry, and Class could be considered the core of Pathfinder character creation.

How Character Archetypes Work In Pathfinder 2e

Compared to keeps more of the complexity that prevailed in the early days of TTRPGs. One element in which that complexity can be seen is character customization, which can be done throughout the game as players level up. Archetypes are one form that this continuous character customization takes, and they act in a way that's similar to multiclasses in DnD.

Archetypes are used when the traits and skills from a single class don't fit all of a player's needs. Players can apply an Archetype and select Archetype feats in place of Class feats, and in some cases in place of skill feats. are similar in how they are used, but players choosing an Archetype in Pathfinder must meet the requirements of the feat they wish to take. As an example, players who want to take the Bard Dedication Archetype in Pathfinder need to meet the prerequisite of having Charisma 14. In return, the player will cast spells like a Bard, gain a muse, and learn Occultism and Performance.

How To Choose An Ancestry In Pathfinder 2e

Instead of selecting a race, Pathfinder players will choose an Ancestry for their character. Ancestry can have a large impact on both gameplay and role-playing since it helps to shape the character's background along with granting ability boosts and flaws that could benefit some classes more than others. Some Ancestries in Pathfinder are similar to playable races in DnD 5e, but there are also different, unique options such as Conrasu, Fleshwarps, and Goloma.

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When it comes to mechanics, some Ancestries are better choices for specific classes than others. For example, a Poppet's Charisma ability boost can make Bard a good choice, while their Dexterity ability flaw could hinder one that chooses to be a Fighter. Meanwhile, Elves have a Dexterity ability boost, making them better choices for players who want to play as Rangers or Rogues. Even though there are Ancestry and class combinations that are better than others, GMs might be willing to work with players to homebrew a solution that mitigates the negatives of choosing a class that isn't an ideal match for their selected Ancestry.

Classes & Prestige Classes In Pathfinder 2e

The best class options in Pathfinder can vary with the level of character customization that occurs throughout a campaign, but it might be more important for players to choose one that they find fun. Pathfinder 2e features two types of classes - general classes and prestige classes. Players of other TTRPGs might find the list of general classes to be familiar as it includes classic fantasy choices like Bard, Wizard, Sorcerer, Rogue, and Ranger. Then, source books added after the Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook have introduced more options to the game such as Gunslinger, Magus, and Psychic. The class a player chooses will decide the role they take in combat and the abilities they'll want to prioritize.

Playing Pathfinder as a digital tabletop RPG could help players become familiar with their chosen classes and how to use abilities since many online platforms condense the information needed, so it's easily accessible during the game. It could be useful for players who choose prestige classes, which are for characters who have specialized in specific fields and become masters of them. Prestige classes are similar to multiclassing in DnD where they are a mix of two options, such as Arcane Trickster being a combination of Rogue and Arcanist.

In combination with Archetypes, classes likely offer the most in terms of character customization in Pathfinder that can be adjusted throughout a campaign. Pathfinder, like that can be used to further develop and improve characters, and they can even allow players access to limited uses of spells they normally wouldn't be able to cast. However, choosing a character with a less-than-ideal class setup could lead to that character dying. While it can be fun to focus on the RP element of creating a character, combat is a big part of the game as well, and Pathfinder's action economy is different from DnD's.

Keeping many of the complexities from early TTRPGs, Pathfinder can be an intimidating game to get into for players who are new. However, Pathfinder 2e is easier to start playing than it seems at first glance, and it has the added bonus of character customization options that continue throughout a campaign. How DnD's OGL will affect Pathfinder isn't yet fully clear, but the new OGL is driving players to try Pathfinder anyway, even with its daunting reputation. Therefore, it can be important for players to know about character Archetypes, Ancestries, and Classes - and how each one is used - before they try their first Pathfinder campaign.

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