Starfinder Playtest Launches!

Heya folks! We have playtest forums set up for each class, the biohacker, vanguard, and witchwarper, and one for general discussion.

There also also surveys you can take once you've had some time to playtest the classes. I'll be paying attention primarily to the surveys and the forum feedback, but I'll do my best to read and consider all the feedback we get in any venue.

Have fun kicking the tires, and tell us what you think!

Huzzah!

So it begins.

Ah such a short time! And over Christmas! Any change you can extend it at all? (Not that I'm not excited to play them just would like more time!)

This is the day I waited for! At long last we get new Starfinder classes!

Ah such a short time! And over Christmas! Any change you can extend it at all? (Not that I'm not excited to play them just would like more time!)

While we won't stop taking feedback just because the playtest is over, this is the window we have to make sure we can implement any needed changes.

the Download page says
"NOW THRU JANAURY 16, 2019", I assume that's a typo and it's intended to be "NOW THRU JANUARY 16, 2019" But it could be a pun based on the contents. unsure yet

While we won't stop taking feedback just because the playtest is over, this is the window we have to make sure we can implement any needed changes.

That's not to say one second alter it's too late, but each day after the end the risk that we can't properly consider feedback, design an alternative, iterate that design, and implement any changes to the book increases. Things like editing and layout take time too, and sometimes a last-second change does more harm than good.

I hope you manage to squeeze in a holiday game or two!

I'll definitely get a game in!

Totally gaming in!!! <3 <3 <3

Ah looks so fun.

but sadly.. I've never found a game for Starfinder. I want to but sadly I rarely do, and less so my prefernce of Text Based (I got puppies and other folks in the house)granted.. Engiener is always what I wanted to try. I wanna make Roll Caskett someday haha.
Bio Hacker would be great for remaking my Exalted character though

Hum...

I wonder. Would it help the playtest to have someone whose never played Starfinder try? I wonder if that would be valid data.. on one hand it would be good to get a gauge on how complicated it is for new folks.. but also i doubt this is written in a way to reflect the final product and likely testing something specific?

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Oh this is so nice! Just a quick peak at these and I'm very excited to give these a whirl. They all look fun, interesting, and fill a niche that makes them distinct from what's already available. I'm really excited to see how they play.

...And am unashamedly salivating over the other options teased in that book. I hope it's a long one!

Finally my Vesk security officer can have a riot shield.

Ah looks so fun.

but sadly.. I've never found a game for Starfinder. I want to but sadly I rarely do, and less so my prefernce of Text Based (I got puppies and other folks in the house)granted.. Engiener is always what I wanted to try. I wanna make Roll Caskett someday haha.
Bio Hacker would be great for remaking my Exalted character though

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Wander over to the PbP forums - plenty on over there.

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

I wonder. Would it help the playtest to have someone whose never played Starfinder try? I wonder if that would be valid data.. on one hand it would be good to get a gauge on how complicated it is for new folks.. but also i doubt this is written in a way to reflect the final product and likely testing something specific?

New player feedback is absolutely valid!

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

We try to never say never! But for the moment, we are definitely focusing on these new playtest classes.

When I first saw the word Starfinder Playtest, I thought Paizo announced Starfinder Second Edition playtest. I really wish Paizo release Starfinder Second Edition someday so that Starfinder can be compatible with Pathfinder Second Edition, just like it was compatible with Pathfinder First Edition, by the way.

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

I’ve always viewed the Operative class as being pretty close to a Gunslinger, what with their scaling initiative bonus and focus on small arms

When I first saw the word Starfinder Playtest, I thought Paizo announced Starfinder Second Edition playtest. I really wish Paizo release Starfinder Second Edition someday so that Starfinder can be compatible with Pathfinder Second Edition, just like it was compatible with Pathfinder First Edition, by the way.

It would be silly to start thinking about a second edition so early in the life cycle... But also, much of PF2's mechanics are pulled straight from Starfinder (or vice-versa)? It would honestly be SUPER easy it convert Starfinder characters into PF2 characters, (or the other way around).

New player feedback is absolutely valid!

Cool Beans.

Wander over to the PbP forums - plenty on over there.

Ah that is a good idea. I forgot about that section.. I've done with Pathfinder and the excellent Final Fantasy D20 before. But they always tend to die or drop off.. which is a bummer.

Worth a shot though!

I really wish Post by Post was separated by game though..

it is kind of hard to find recent ones for a specific game when they're often only labeled with vague descriptions or citing AP names that I have no clue about.

Gilver wrote:

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

I’ve always viewed the Operative class as being pretty close to a Gunslinger, what with their scaling initiative bonus and focus on small arms

Yeah I agree with this. The Operative is already essentially a gunslinger. Maybe just fit in a specific Specialization that uses Sleight of Hand to draw quickly as part of their trick attack? Something like that.

Awww yeah this is much appreciated! I plan on playtesting these from the GM point of view. It seems pretty straight forward that the arrays to be used are Biohacker => Expert, Vanguard => Combatant, and Witchwarper => Spellcaster. Is it worth while giving feedback on class graft thoughts? Also, I'm assuming multi-classing is covered in the specific class surveys?

Awww yeah this is much appreciated! I plan on playtesting these from the GM point of view. It seems pretty straight forward that the arrays to be used are Biohacker => Expert, Vanguard => Combatant, and Witchwarper => Spellcaster. Is it worth while giving feedback on class graft thoughts? Also, I'm assuming multi-classing is covered in the specific class surveys?

If you have thoughts on class grafts as a GM, we'd love to hear them.

I've only skimmed over the new classes so far, but they look awesome!

We'll see about working in the new classes into the weekly games I GM - I know the players are pretty excited!

I am super happy that testing can be done in society play as well!

MAD SCIENCE

Any chance of getting the NPC version of these for making bad guys?

Any chance of getting the NPC version of these for making bad guys?

Not likely during the playtest, unfortunately.

Vanguard looks fun at first glance, can't wait to get my hands on some shields, think its time rebuild my Captain America Absalom character

Impressions

Biohacker: Starfinder really needed a doctor or bioengineer class, and this certainly fits the bill. I love how it has so many fun class features that excel in living up to the concept: getting useful perks with injection weapons, gaining different class features depending on whether you choose Wisdom or Intelligence as your key ability score, an ability to buff or debuff creatures, and ways to customize what kind of scientist or doctor you are.

My biggest complaint is that the class receives almost no polymorph options. I long wanted to create a mad scientist that does gene splicing, mutates people into aliens, or creates his own race of genetically engineered creatures. A talent that gives the class the polymorph spell from Alien Archive 2 would have been perfect, especially considering that spell requires you to design the transformation.

Vanguard: This class looks surprisingly interesting and succeeds in being a martial class that does NOT raise the question of "why wouldn't I just play a soldier?" With the way Entropic Strike, I can see a number of different character concepts crop up with this class. You can build a space monk, an armored hulk, or just play space Chuck Norris. The talent pool is full of fun options, like jumping on grenades, that feel cool and useful.

My only nitpick is that vanguard aspects have nebuluous flavor and feel arbitrary. None of them really feel like they're meant to live up to a character concept, but that's fairly minor. Very cool class overall.

Shields: At last we get shields!

Witchwarper: This class suffers from the same enormous problem I have with technomancer. Despite having amazing flavor worthy of inspiring countless character concepts, the game mechanics fail to live up to it because the class has almost no class features aside from spells and a talent pool.

Infinite Worlds strikes me as such a cool ability, but it feels so lackluster for multiple reasons. The effects feel uninteresting until 7th level It has extremely an limited number of uses The duration is so low that it's not worth the action economy at low levels. And only two talents interact with the class feature, and no new spells utilize it. The ability definitely needs love. It makes me wish the ability was at-will but required concentration.

This disappoints me as the class's flavor feels absolutely amazing, and I would totally love a class revolving around creating a pocket of altered reality.

Witchwarper: This class suffers from the same enormous problem I have with technomancer. Despite having amazing flavor worthy of inspiring countless character concepts, the game mechanics fail to live up to it because the class has almost no class features aside from spells and a talent pool.

Infinite Worlds strikes me as such a cool ability, but it feels so lackluster for multiple reasons. The effects feel...

It has in my opinion the best spell list and definitely the best talent pool. The Paradigm Shifts are stronger and more useful than the connection powers and magic hacks and have the flexibility to choose which you want. Damage mitigation and crowd control abilities are particularly strong, and some don't even require standard actions OR resolve points.

McBugman wrote:

Awww yeah this is much appreciated! I plan on playtesting these from the GM point of view. It seems pretty straight forward that the arrays to be used are Biohacker => Expert, Vanguard => Combatant, and Witchwarper => Spellcaster. Is it worth while giving feedback on class graft thoughts? Also, I'm assuming multi-classing is covered in the specific class surveys?

If you have thoughts on class grafts as a GM, we'd love to hear them.

We didn't do multiclass-specific questions on the surveys, but there are generally class satisfaction places where you can enter any weird itneractions you discover.

Perfect, thanks for opening this up to us!

And people were complaining that Starfinder was receiving so little attention because of the Pathfinder Playtest...

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

Honestly if you want a gunslinger style class you just use an operative and specialize in pistols. They get a bunch of tricks for that including being able to shoot without provoking if using pistols.

If anything, I'd want Gunslinger as an archetype to get the grit style things available for any class. This is the future, EVERYONE's a gunslinger!

Loving this, happy to see new content on the horizon and even happier to see them taking the time to test it with the community and open it up for feedback. Really loving the flavor of the new classes. Biohacker and Vanguard are by far my favs so far.

I have opened up the classes to my players for our home campaign and allowing them to swap them in at their current levels so looking forward to providing some feed back. The Biohaker is the exactly concept one of my players was trying to build to begin with so they are very happy.

All in all great news and excited to see what the rest of the book has in store for us.

Gilver wrote:

These look sweet! Any chance of getting a Gunslinger style class in the future? Maybe something more space cowboy esque?

We try to never say never! But for the moment, we are definitely focusing on these new playtest classes.

see you space cowboy ...

Aww yeah new classes! I'll have to read them over, but I do have one initial bit of feedback. Isn't Witchwarper kind of an awkward name? I think the class concept is cool but I'm just not sure I like the name.

These classes seem WAY, WAY more interesting than those in the Core.

I really liked the Biohacker and its playstyle, but I can't help but think on the envoy and how this class seems to have a lot more going for it despite filling the same combat role of buff/debuffer. Is there any changes or improvements coming for the the envoys in the future? I feel like even though the class seems interesting, the playstyle it offers is very lackluster, even with valuable abilities like Get'em and Clever Feint being just forcing the class through a repetitive cycle in order to provide their worth to the party.

I'm seriously looking forward for ANYTHING new to the class, hopelessly (so far) grasping at something that can make it become something up to par with other classes. I really like the diplomacy/intimidation aspect to the class but since a huge chunk of the game revolves around combat, I don't think the class is bringing everything it should to the table.

These classes seem WAY, WAY more interesting than those in the Core.

I really liked the Biohacker and its playstyle, but I can't help but think on the envoy and how this class seems to have a lot more going for it despite filling the same combat role of buff/debuffer. Is there any changes or improvements coming for the the envoys in the future? I feel like even though the class seems interesting, the playstyle it offers is very lackluster, even with valuable abilities like Get'em and Clever Feint being just forcing the class through a repetitive cycle in order to provide their worth to the party.

I'm seriously looking forward for ANYTHING new to the class, hopelessly (so far) grasping at something that can make it become something up to par with other classes. I really like the diplomacy/intimidation aspect to the class but since a huge chunk of the game revolves around combat, I don't think the class is bringing everything it should to the table.

I have to see these in play but in my read throughs I kind of suspect that biohackers have some bigger effects but more limited on applications. Envoy slightly less strong effects but easier to apply and able to continually apply them.

Both definitely are party support folks and having both in the group could be very interesting. Could really debilitate the hell out of enemies or buff up your group to take on some nasty critters.

I was hoping for a musician type class. I wanna play el Mariachi or Johnny from Space Dandy. Maybe a DJ who can mindcontrol his victims into serving as minions.

I love the Biohacker and Witchwarper, and like the Vanguard's concept. I just kinda wish the Vanguard wasn't tied to mystical powers of entropy to fuel itself. It leans too heavy into "this class is powered by Chaos" for me. To be a Lawful Vanguard kinda goes against its theme.

I have to see these in play but in my read throughs I kind of suspect that biohackers have some bigger effects but more limited on applications. Envoy slightly less strong effects but easier to apply and able to continually apply them.

Yeah, when I start to salivate about the Spark of Ingenuity counteragent debuff combos a Studious biohacker can pull off I have to remind myself it's (1) only 1/day until 9th level, and (2) you can miss and completely waste it.

kaid wrote:

I have to see these in play but in my read throughs I kind of suspect that biohackers have some bigger effects but more limited on applications. Envoy slightly less strong effects but easier to apply and able to continually apply them.

Yeah, when I start to salivate about the Spark of Ingenuity counteragent debuff combos a Studious biohacker can pull off I have to remind myself it's (1) only 1/day until 9th level, and (2) you can miss and completely waste it.

Yup the whole can miss when used at range is one reason the stuff biohackers can do is really strong. Envoy will never miss their own teammate when trying to buff them and overall depending on what they are using offensively can retry a failure. Biohackers are the big score attempters. They are either going to really mess somebody's day up badly but they could also flub it.

I am really curious to playtest them and see how they perform in real situations. But boy if you have an envoy and a biohacker and you can get all the stars to align stuffs going to get serious for their target.

Lightning Raven wrote:

These classes seem WAY, WAY more interesting than those in the Core.

I really liked the Biohacker and its playstyle, but I can't help but think on the envoy and how this class seems to have a lot more going for it despite filling the same combat role of buff/debuffer. Is there any changes or improvements coming for the the envoys in the future? I feel like even though the class seems interesting, the playstyle it offers is very lackluster, even with valuable abilities like Get'em and Clever Feint being just forcing the class through a repetitive cycle in order to provide their worth to the party.

I'm seriously looking forward for ANYTHING new to the class, hopelessly (so far) grasping at something that can make it become something up to par with other classes. I really like the diplomacy/intimidation aspect to the class but since a huge chunk of the game revolves around combat, I don't think the class is bringing everything it should to the table.

I have to see these in play but in my read throughs I kind of suspect that biohackers have some bigger effects but more limited on applications. Envoy slightly less strong effects but easier to apply and able to continually apply them.

Both definitely are party support folks and having both in the group could be very interesting. Could really debilitate the hell out of enemies or buff up your group to take on some nasty critters.

Well, I'm not evaluating so much as in terms of power, even though the envoys SEVERELY lack in this department, but in terms of how interesting the play-style of the class can get. Having to deal with buffs, debuffs, reactions and several other interesting and dynamic options is much better than pick a lane as an envoy and still be very boring while doing it. All routes available for envoys (intimidate, feint, get'em) are heavily taxing for your action economy, only opening up a little bit when you start to use the abilities as part of your action to attack. But the biggest deal breaker is how VERY little the class get beyond their options, which ALL other classes have, better ones at that, and a lot of cool abilities inherent to it.

Envoys need better support, specially in an environment with Operatives and now with Biohackers and Witchwarpers as well. The same goes for Solarian and Vanguards, with the first having almost no support for going to melee while the later has better options and survivability.

One thing to note for envoy love is this book these new classes for is basically a class option book so there should be more stuff for all the existing classes to drool over in addition to the three new classes.

Ah looks so fun.

but sadly.. I've never found a game for Starfinder. I want to but sadly I rarely do, and less so my prefernce of Text Based (I got puppies and other folks in the house)granted.. Engiener is always what I wanted to try. I wanna make Roll Caskett someday haha.
Bio Hacker would be great for remaking my Exalted character though

Hum...

I wonder. Would it help the playtest to have someone whose never played Starfinder try? I wonder if that would be valid data.. on one hand it would be good to get a gauge on how complicated it is for new folks.. but also i doubt this is written in a way to reflect the final product and likely testing something specific?

.

go on warhorn.net

you'll find a game right quick.

I was hoping for a musician type class. I wanna play el Mariachi or Johnny from Space Dandy. Maybe a DJ who can mindcontrol his victims into serving as minions.

I love the Biohacker and Witchwarper, and like the Vanguard's concept. I just kinda wish the Vanguard wasn't tied to mystical powers of entropy to fuel itself. It leans too heavy into "this class is powered by Chaos" for me. To be a Lawful Vanguard kinda goes against its theme.

Entropy is the law. Everything succumbs to it. Honestly, I can easily see a cabal of velstrac vanguards.

,Looking over Witchwarper, my main point of (somewhat) annoyance is that its nowhere near as suitable as a Gun-Mage as the Technomancer is; or even as an offensive caster in general. If you'll excuse my theory crafting fillibuster.

If you want the SLIGHTLY shorter version of how it stands in its current state:
1: It has nowhere near the flexibility of builds the Core classes have, and it lacks the ability to specialize that the Core Classes have, and for most of the game you're pidgin holed into what's essentially a support role; buffing and debuffing.

2: Its not viable offensively until higher levels, and only by using Infinite Worlds, which is extremely limited in how many times it can be used compared to other Classes' offensive abilities.

3: Its core "gimmick" of element damage shifting is also virtually useless in urban campaigns of 99% humanoids or other player races.

I've been looking forward for a class that could play like my old Draconic Sorcerers (blaster casters in battle, diplomat in roleplay), but it looks like I'm going to have to wait longer... Or ruin a Technomancer build by dumping Intelligence in exchange for Charisma.

"Greetings, Sentients!" The Pact World's most charismatic show host strides in, wearing a tailored Echelon Bespoke Suit. "Do you have questions about the new Playtest classes that you would like to ask directly of the Designers? Sure you do!"

Watch Starfinder Wednesdays!
"Get all the lore and the inside insights!" Zo! pauses, thoughtfully. "It's a little low on blood and gore, but I did learn recently that Paizo staff hosted a death match for all prospective classes with spoons, and only the Vanguard, Biohacker and Witchwarper survived." Then Zo! smooths out his tie. "If only they had filmed it. That would have been great for the ratings!"

Upcoming Shows, as announced by my man, Dan Tharp!
12/12 - Biohacker: Jason Keeley and Owen K.C. Stephens
12/19 - Witchwarper: Amanda Hamon Kunz and Owen K.C. Stephens
12/26 - Pre-recorded show about the beginnings of Starfinder (no Q&A)
1/2 - Vanguard: Joe Pasini and Owen K.C. Stephens

"Want to ask your questions in advance? Sure you do!" Zo points a bony finger to a link. "Post your questions on the Twitch Starfinder Wednesdays Paizo Fan Club thread! Dan looks there for questions to ask his amazing guests!"

Good to have some free SF playtesting stuff out there before the year's end. ;)