The Starfinder Character Operations Manual Playtest begins now!
This playtest focuses on three new classes for the upcoming Starfinder Character Operations Manual, a sourcebook full of new character options that is scheduled to release in late 2019. First up is the biohacker, a brilliant super-scientist who analyzes their enemies and creates injections that can help allies or hinder foes. Biohackers specialize in scientific fields of study and utilize a scientific method that is either studious and methodical, or instinctive and improvisational—the hallmarks of any good mad scientist! Next is the vanguard, a martial character who excels in melee fighting and channels the entropic forces of the universe to manipulate their surroundings, bolster themselves and their allies, and power their devastating unarmed strikes. Finally, we present the witchwarper. This Charisma-based spellcaster pulls from alternate realities to power their magic and alter the environment and even nearby creatures to the witchwarper's advantage. This playtest is your chance to get a look at early versions of these classes and have a hand in their development before they hit shelves next year!
Playtesting the Classes
The Character Operations Manual Playtest launches today, December 3, 2018, and runs through January 16, 2019. So how can you help playtest these new classes? First, download the free PDF of the Character Operations Manual Playtest from starfinderplaytest.com. Then make up some characters using the new rules. We're most interested in feedback from actual play, so it's best if you can get some friends together and play a few sessions using the new classes. If possible, make up characters at different levels to get a sense of how they work at different points in their careers. There's no playtest adventure to go along with these classes—you can use them in existing adventures like Starfinder Society scenarios or Starfinder Adventure Paths, or in adventures or mock combats that you create yourself. It might be helpful to take some notes during play, so you can remember your thoughts on the experience after the game session. To gather the most useful data for this playtest, we ask that you avoid using house rules and play these characters using only published rules from the Starfinder RPG.
Playtesting in the Starfinder Society
Players participating in the Starfinder Society Roleplaying Guild can also join in the worldwide playtest. From now until the playtest's completion, players can create unique custom characters of levels 1, 4 and 8 to test the new classes with. These custom characters use many of the same rules as pregenerated characters, though the Organized Play team has slightly relaxed the rules in order to encourage playtesting these new classes. Look for more information on the specifics in a follow-up Organized Play blog post later today.
Surveys
Our primary means of collecting feedback for the playtest is through surveys that we would like everyone participating in the playtest to complete. There is one survey for each class, so please fill out the survey for each class you play. If you get the chance to try out all three classes, that's great! But it's okay if you can only play one or two of the classes—just fill out the survey or surveys for those classes. Links to the surveys can be found on the playtest page. Please make sure you've filled out your surveys by January 16, 2019.
In addition to responding via the surveys, you can engage with other players and designers on the Playtest forums, discussing the new classes and possibilities for the future. While we want to focus on actual play feedback, we're interested in hearing all of your ideas about the classes. You can also join us on Paizo's Twitch channel. We host a live Starfinder stream every Wednesday, where we talk about all things Starfinder—including the Character Operations Manual Playtest.
What are your thoughts about the playtest? Do you have any questions about the playtest process? Let us know in the comments below!
—The Starfinder Team
