Starfinder Playtest Launches!

Monday, December 3, 2018

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

More Paizo Blog.
Tags: Starfinder Starfinder Playtests
1 to 50 of 52 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>
Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

14 people marked this as a favorite.

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!

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Pathfinder Accessories, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Huzzah!

Exo-Guardians

So it begins.

Dataphiles

2 people marked this as a favorite.

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!)

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

1 person marked this as a favorite.

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

Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

1 person marked this as a favorite.
CptJames wrote:
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.

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!


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

Dataphiles

"Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:

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?

.

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

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!

Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Finally my Vesk security officer can have a riot shield.


Zwordsman wrote:

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

.

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

Liberty's Edge

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Rulebook Subscriber

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

Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Zwordsman wrote:
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!

Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

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.


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.


3 people marked this as a favorite.
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


Aenigma wrote:
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).


Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:


New player feedback is absolutely valid!

Cool Beans.

Shifty wrote:


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.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Master Han Del of the Web wrote:
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?

Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

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.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

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

Second Seekers (Jadnura)

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

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!

Scarab Sages

1 person marked this as a favorite.

MAD SCIENCE


1 person marked this as a favorite.

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

Scarab Sages Starfinder Design Lead

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

Not likely during the playtest, unfortunately.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

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

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

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.


Cyrad wrote:


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.


Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:
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!


Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Pathfinder Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

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


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Gilver wrote:
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.


3 people marked this as a favorite.

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.


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:
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.


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.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

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.


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.


Xenocrat wrote:
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.


kaid wrote:
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.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

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.

Acquisitives

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Zwordsman wrote:

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.


bananahell wrote:

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.

Fillibuster Length Analysis:

The entire class seems to have multiple abilities for either buffing the team or hindering enemies, and in some cases the "infinite worlds" ability and its other energy shifting attacks can be sporadically useful in utility against specific enemies; or if used smart.

But it's not suited for aggressive playstyles of "blast it hard", unlike the Sorcerers I hoped it would resemble. As it has only a single damaging paradigm shift and by the time you get (11th level) its 4d8 damage is nothing compared to even under-level weapons, and is only good in the sense its a stunlock; and even one of the paradigm shifts (Shifting Offenseive) has the same effect as what Infinite worlds and one of its spells (Shifting Surge) does, but without the former's need for a caster check or the latter's spell use limit; which is redundant.

Comparitavely Shifting Surge is too nerfed as its damage is nowhere near that of "Supercharge Weapon" (which people will likely prefer using, and just use that instead while using Shifting Offensive for the energy change effect), and its not even usable as frequently as Shifting Offensive is. This is all irrelevant though, as Shifting Offensive isn't even worth getting, as the one thing you'd want to use it for is for shooting a weapon; which the the Witchwarper has absolutely no other bonuses to for either attack or damage, only a once per day re-roll with Alternate Outcome; which as much as it means you're more likely to hit, its also nothing compared to the many more times a day (depending on level) Empowered weapon of the technomancer, which not only grants an attack bonus but a damage bonus as well.

If anything, its an entirely defensive class, where it has a staggering NINE defensive abilities in Paradigm Shifts alone. (Disrupt Attack, Lessen Injury, Prevent Wounds, Twart ability, Resist Elements, Shielding Shift, Magic Sponge, Dart Aside, and Shifting Immunity).

The higher level spells have some amount of leeway in blaster casting, but the great irony is that despite having a lot of abilities for "I change the element of this attack", its third level spells where you get such abilities that correspond to Lightning Bolt and Fireball in Pathfinder, only grants you the latter. Now under better circumstances, this might have been forgivable, but given the WitchWarper has nothing compared to the Technomancer's "basically specialization but for spells" Magic Hack, this is disappointing.

There's an upside on the fact it has resurection spells unlike Technomancer, but at that point we begin to compare it to the Mystic and find it lacking, in that it cannot heal either, and Mystic at least has its mind crush spell (probably not its actual name) going for it; which immediately puts it on par, or near par, with the offensive abilities of the Witchwarper.

If there's one thing the Witchwarper can truely own, its the Infinate Worlds ability, which after stacking several abilities at higher levels can make it incredibly deadly... But its nearly useless at low levels, specifically 1 to 3, where the most it can do is slow down opponents. The 4th level version can be used with some ingenuity like a Jojo protagonist or villain (perhaps by setting a building on fire, and then turning it into an element the enemy is weak to), but unless you're fighting a devil or something with specific imunities, or fighting a monster on its home turf (which you might not be), its only going to see situational use at 4th level.

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.


6 people marked this as a favorite.

"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. ;)

1 to 50 of 52 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Archive / Starfinder / Character Operations Manual Playtest / General Discussion / Paizo Blog: Starfinder Playtest Launches! All Messageboards