Hidden gems in TTRPG you may not of heard of Part 3
Today in my hidden gems blog series I have decided to take a look at the game system that I keep mentioning in my TTRPG posts, that is Pathfinder 1st edition. It may not be the biggest surprise to a lot of people that I list it here as a hidden gem, a lot of TTRPG-minded folks will probably have a vague or extensive knowledge of it but for me, I want to shed a little light on Pathfinder 1st edition for those people who might be newer to the scene and only have D&D 5e as their one and only flirtation with the hobby.
Pathfinder 1st Edition: A Hidden Gem
Pathfinder 1st Edition is a tabletop role-playing game published by Paizo Publishing, serving as an evolution of the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition ruleset. Released in 2009, it gained popularity among players seeking a robust and customizable fantasy gaming experience.
Rich and Immersive Setting
Pathfinder 1st Edition offers a rich and immersive high-fantasy setting where players create characters, embark on epic adventures, and interact with a vast world filled with diverse cultures, monsters, and magic. It provides an extensive core rulebook that encompasses rules for character creation, combat, magic, exploration, and more.
Character Customisation
One of the key features of Pathfinder 1st Edition is its commitment to character customization and player choice. The game provides an array of races, classes, archetypes, and feats, allowing players to tailor their characters to fit unique playstyles and concepts. The robust rules system supports in-depth character progression and development, offering a multitude of options for abilities, skills, and equipment.
Free Online Reference Document
Now we come to the main reason why I love Pathfinder 1st edition, the game can be played entirely for free, without having to splash out for the books, which you will probably want to do they are great, both in quality and content. Everything needed to play is contained in a robust online reference document (ORD) that can be incredibly helpful for new players. While physical books are certainly useful, they can be expensive and cumbersome to carry around. The ORD, on the other hand, is free and easily accessible online.
The ORD contains all the rules and guidelines for playing Pathfinder 1st Edition, just like the physical Core Rulebook. However, it has several advantages over the physical book. Firstly, it's searchable, so you can quickly find the information you need without flipping through pages. This is especially useful during gameplay when you need to look up a rule or ability on the fly.
Secondly, the ORD is constantly updated by Paizo, the company that publishes Pathfinder 1st Edition. This means that any errata or updates to the rules are reflected in the ORD immediately. With physical books, you would have to purchase a new edition or supplement to get updated information.
Finally, the ORD is free, whereas physical books can be quite expensive. This makes it more accessible to new players who may not want to invest a lot of money upfront.
Concluding thoughts
Of course, there are some downsides to using the ORD. It requires an internet connection, which may not always be available. It also doesn't have the tactile feel of a physical book, which some players may prefer. Additionally, some players simply prefer the experience of using physical books, which is a matter of personal preference.
Overall, the online reference document for Pathfinder 1st Edition is an incredibly useful resource for new players. It's free, searchable, constantly updated, and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. While physical books certainly have their advantages, the ORD is a great option for anyone looking to learn how to play Pathfinder 1st Edition.
I love how Pathfinder 1st edition has so much varied and useful customisation options and as a TTRPG “veteran” I would suggest everyone give it a try. Grab some friends or find an online group and get rolling those dice.
Hope that this post has piqued your interest and that you give Pathfinder 1st edition a go, since it is free what have you got to lose?
Here is the link to the ORD and have fun 😉
Scott
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