The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game puts you in the role of a brave adventurer fighting to survive in a world beset by magic and evil. Will you cut your way through monster-filled ruins and cities rife with political intrigue to emerge as a famous hero laden with fabulous treasure, or will you fall victim to treacherous traps and fiendish monsters in a forgotten dungeon? Your fate is yours to decide with this giant Core Rulebook that provides everything a player needs to set out on a life of adventure and excitement!
This imaginative tabletop game builds upon more than 10 years of system development and an open playtest involving more than 50,000 gamers to create a cutting-edge RPG experience that brings the all-time best-selling set of fantasy rules into the new millennium.
The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook includes:
All player and Game Master rules in a single volume
Complete rules for fantastic player races like elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and half-orcs
Exciting new options for character classes like fighters, wizards, rogues, clerics, and more
Streamlined and updated rules for feats and skills that increase options for your hero
A simple combat system with easy rules for grapples, bull rushes, and other special attacks
Spellcaster options for magic domains, familiars, bonded items, specialty schools, and more
Hundreds of revised, new, and updated spells and magical treasures
Quick-generation guidelines for nonplayer characters
Expanded rules for curses, diseases, and poisons
A completely overhauled experience system with options for slow, medium, and fast advancement
... and much, much more!
Available Formats
The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook is also available as:
I should start by saying that I’m glad I was given a 1st printing of the Pathfinder Core Rulebook as a gift. Because now, after seeing it in action for nearly 2 years, I would not have purchased it. I currently both play and run Pathfinder RPG games, because that is what my fellow gamers play these days (which I suppose speaks positively for the system), and it is decent enough. I enjoy game time with the Pathfinder system, I suppose, however nothing stands out as particularly new, exciting, or innovative. All in all it is a relatively minor rehash of an existing system. I really wanted to be a heavy supporter of Pathfinder just like most of my friends, after all it is what the cool cats are playing these days, but I’m still having trouble finding merit in that cause. After playing the beta version and with the hype surrounding it, I assumed that the little annoying problems in D&D v.3.5 would’ve finally been either streamlined and improved or logically evolved into its own game, but instead I received an enormous book to slog through for rules that only rarely improve upon the base material and often changes it for seemingly no good reason.
I’m not going to go into great detail on a lot of the lesser issues I have with the system, many I understand are personal preference more than anything, but there are a few glaring problems I need to mention.
The binding I particularly would like to discuss; it is quite possibly the worst bound book I’ve ever read. Not only can it not stand up to abuse as most hard cover books can, but after a few weeks of light usage the binding began to fail. It is only through extremely careful handling that it is amazingly in 1 piece, mostly at any rate. Its heavy, nearly 600 page count doesn’t help with that issue either. The other hard cover books for Pathfinder I possess, well, they haven’t fared much better. I want to note, however, that despite being of very poor physical quality, I consider the appearance (especially the artwork, which is wonderful compared to most RPG products) to be significantly improved over its predecessor. Again, I have a 1st printing of the book and do not know if the quality has improved in any later copies.
Luckily, the PRD is free online where it belongs (see binding and quality problems above). That, in itself, speaks greatly for the game. I fully support Pathfinder being free and readily accessible to all who want to play it.
The book is extremely difficult to navigate for new and old RPG players alike. While most in my group are used to the rules, when we need to find something specific we often have to cross reference several different pages each holding incomplete tables or summaries, which cuts into game time. Again the PRD has a search function that can help, which is amazingly useful, but only when you are near an internet accessible computer. We’ve attempted to teach a couple of newer players the system as well, but they’ve struggled with the layout, and it is frustrating to teach, while they much more quickly adapt to other games.
There have been quite a few positive changes to D&D v.3.5 along with the negative with the advent of the Pathfinder RPG, although most feel like a series of specific and relatively minor houserules. I unfortunately have to say that I do not recommend purchasing this book. It simply isn’t worth a $50 investment in my honest opinion. It is a solid game, but not only does it not stand out amidst a crowd, but you can get the rules for free online. But if you find a used copy a bit cheaper at a local gaming shop, you won’t be disappointed. Paizo publishes many great products, and I’ll eventually get around to reviewing each one that I have, but I can’t say that the Core Rulebook is one of them. Pathfinder brings with it a wealth of amazingly flavorful supplemental material, a vibrant campaign setting, and excellent modules and adventure paths.
Playtest Review
Three of the six players in my group didn’t try RPGs until last year and two started with Pathfinder. They have no experience with D&D 3.5 and with it being out of print that makes some sense. This review, therefore, doesn't refer to 3.5, but instead looks at how the Core Rulebook works on its own merits.
The Pathfinder Core Rulebook was extensively playtested openly with both and Alpha and a Beta version. Multiple successful adventure paths and modules provide examples that the system works and works well.
Even so, how does the Pathfinder Core Rulebook work for a brand new group, half of who are brand new to RPGs? What is it like for the GM and players? Here’s what the Core Rulebook promises:
“The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game is a tabletop fantasy game in which the players take on the roles of heroes who form a group (or party) to set out on dangerous adventures. Helping them tell this story is the Game Master (or GM), who decides what threats the player characters (or PCs) face and what sorts of rewards they earn for succeeding at their quest. Think of it as a cooperative storytelling game, where the players play the protagonists and the Game Master acts as the narrator, controlling the rest of the world.”
Does the Core Rulebook deliver on this promise? Do players, especially those recruited specifically to experience RPGs for the first time, feel like they are in a shared fantasy story enjoying directing the exploits of daring heroes they create and play?
Without a doubt, yes. The class based system gives a new player a hook on which to grab to get started and provides experienced players a familiar starting point. The classes are single names which do a good job of conjuring up what the player will have his character doing—a fighter fights for example and a wizard casts spells. New players grasp these concepts with no problems.
Character creation not only gives a new player a great start with a class, but it gets them thinking outside of combat when skills are chosen. Skills are easy to pick, with each character class getting a set number (set by class plus a bonus number for a high Intelligence). A character who takes one of the listed class skills gets a +3 bonus. Easy to grasp and gives each player an idea of the larger scope of abilities his or her character has and whether he or she trained mainly in class or pursued broader knowledge but at the expense of greater skill.
Race also goes beyond simple combat and game abilities. Each race has a half page of explanation and story ideas and a half page of rules. A player can get a good handle on how an average member of a race plays without getting buried in detail.
For the Game Master, chapters 12-15 provide everything needed to build worlds and adventures except for monsters. Campaign building advice, helpful rules for determining the challenge of an encounter and the right rewards, guidelines for creating NPCs, and detailed descriptions of magic items will be used over and over again by a GM.
This book is a toolbox containing all the key elements a player and a GM need to build characters, go on adventures, and enjoy a long campaign. While additional books like the Advanced Player’s Guide and the GameMastery Guide enhance and build on this material, they aren’t needed to play. A player only needs this book and the GM only needs it and the Bestiary to play in high fantasy campaigns for years.
The Core Rulebook does not provide a sample adventure or setting, it simply provides the guidelines for a GM to create their own works. A GM who wants to do less world and adventure building has many sourcebooks and modules to choose from but won’t find a premade world or adventure in this book.
The editing is tight, the layout is easy to follow, the art is great, and the story vignettes paint a picture of dangerous adventure undertaken by brave heroes.
If you need to start a new group or recruit new players, this book will help you start a new campaign and keep it going. If you want a decade or more of high fantasy gaming in a campaign built by you and your players with the option to add more material as you see fit, this book fits the bill.
As a bonus, you get high production values, extensively playtested rules, and a proven track record of adventures and worlds successfully built using these rules.
After playing pathfinder weekly for the last five months or so i'm seriously disappointed. I really enjoy the class/cross class skill system (you have 3 ranks in all class skills, and after that its 1 point regardless of class or cross class) They took Search and rolled it with spot/listen for perception nerfing one of the only nice utility skills for wizards though. Also lets talk about grappling, as far as the rules go I can grapple THROUGH A WALL or i can TRIP A GHOST. This was something that wasn't even broke in 3.5 and they took it and made it completely retarded. Did this even get playtested by competent players?
Have been using the Pathfinder core rule book for some time now and I think it is an excellent piece of work. Classes across the board have been given more variety, Streamlined skills, Improved core races, the list of improvments go on and on.
Is the product perfect? No but any complaints I have are very minor cracks covering a solid core so I would readily recomend this product to anyone.
High review results for this book (average 4.7 out of 5) and so much praise. Indeed, the book does bridge certain problems like condensing the skills to give characters more choice to spread skills around. The rage powers for the barbarian class was another nice and welcome addition. Good ideas by the creators.
However, then there is the problem with certain base classes which get too much too quickly. One example of this was the rogue. Rogue talents every two levels on top of the rogues broad class skill list and skill points per level. Each is as strong as a feat on top of everything else the class gives; evasion,uncanny dodge, improved uncanny dodge, etc.
The fighter who now gets the knights ability to move normally in medium/heavy armor. Sorcerer bloodlines giving them more oomph. Especially the one about being destined for greatness. Seen a player play one with that bloodline. Very bad choices made in game. Power crazy and got screwed horribly partway through the campaign. The list goes on.
While it is the impression of more power to the players, this makes classes which are relatively unchanged weaker. Hardly a uniformity of power across classes.
Npc classes were also surprising. Commoners were d6, experts and aristocrats d8, warriors d10. Seeing that commoners are literally thse who engage in the least combat, the upgraded hit die felt odd. Warriors are pretty much thugs and militia with training but not the specialized training of the fighter. Sure, they don't get the bonus feats but the fact that their hit die was equal with the fighter made little sense.
Some new feats were equally mind boggling. Cleave which now allowed you to attack an adjacent foe as long as you hit the previous one. Almost strong enough to replace whirlwind attack which actually had a feat tree attached to it.
Acrobatic steps and nimble moves which let you move through 20 feet of difficult terrain as if it were normal. This felt like it was just grabbing the mantle of the swashbuckler and drunken master since its one of the signature abilities of their class.
Arcane strike which lets a spellcaster makes his weapon magical as a swift action. No limit on the number of times they can do it per day. Trying to get around the problem of obtaining a magical weapon regardless of whether its through buying or adventuring. Too convenient.
The most laughable one was master craftsmen which lets you craft magic items in the sense of +1 to +(whatever) magical items. Really? So the blacksmith who has no exposure to or knowledge of the arcane pulls mystical energy from OUT OF NOWHERE and imbues the normal axe with magical power. Huge gap in logic there.
The list goes on. Too many imbalancing feats. All in all, some nice ideas but think i'll stick with 3.5 primarily for classes, rules and feats.
Thank you Paizo! You have made an old (style) gamer very happy today! I was dreading the possibility of me having to get out of fantasy roleplaying altogether once i ran out of the published material I had (have no real interest in learning a whole new system). You have just saved my game and ensured a very loyal customer for years to come. I look forward to the new system and have just placed an order for the new book!
This is just too awesome. I saw the announcement after coming home from gaming last night and was thrilled. Even more excited this morning! I've preordered this and the beta hardcopy as well.
As soon as I was told about the Pathfinder set-up, I had to get on the website and check it out for my self. I’m new to the Piazo family, but love what I have seen so far.
The fact that the huge sums of money that I have put into the 3.5 system will not be going to waste is great!
I’m also exited about the additional tweaks being made to the system. The expanded abilities for the cleric and wizard classes look very interesting.
I’m looking forward to Pathfinder with an excitement, as opposed to the looming dread that 4.0 has created with me and many of my gaming friends.
Thank you all so much for keeping a great system alive and my subscription to the magazine is on the way!
esta bueno el manual pero deberian de cambiar lo de los puntajes de los rangos de los skills, en ves de hacerlo automata como lo hace saga, hacerlo por el medio clasico de reparticion de puntos de skills, lo unico que tendrian que arreglar solo es la tabla de rangos por nivel.
asi no se vuelve muy mecanico y carente del factor creativo del jugador, lo cual es lo malo que ha tenido Starwars saga en ese lado, los skills muy mecanisados y monotonos en ves de arreglarlo de una forma mas fluida
Any chance of this getting out to us before GenCon Indy '09? It'd be great to not only be able to have a booth and sell the product to GenCon goers but also bring my copy and have you guys sign it.
Oh... even better is if I could set up a 3.75 game to run at GenCon..
Thanks Vic! That seems like an excellent idea as well. If it is ready for GenCon '09 do you (Paizo) have any ideas set up for playtesting at the convention? Games, encounter runs.. etc..
Thanks Vic! That seems like an excellent idea as well. If it is ready for GenCon '09 do you (Paizo) have any ideas set up for playtesting at the convention? Games, encounter runs.. etc..
Right now, we're focused on Gen Con '08, where we'll launch the Pathfidner Society organized play program, but you can expect us to make it a very big deal for '09.
I have resisted the forked tongued devils trying to push me to 4th edition. I have steeled my resolve and resisted, and for my rewards a light has shone down upon me and revealed in all it's glory this product.
Like finding your first magic item, I will savor opening the 420 pages and smelling the fresh print and know I made the right choice, new is not always better, but this is one of the exceptions.
To the abyss with you 4th edition, you will not capture my soul with your honey flavored lies!
I cannot wait to attain this book, for inside is all that glitters.
HH.
p.s. Our D&D group switched to the Pathfinder adventures after our DM of 15+ years disappeared on us, and so far we love it.
august 2009? i still need to finish my current homebrew campaign...then play Age of Worms... then play Savage Tide... then play Rise of the Runelords... then Curse of the Crimson Throne... and really wanted to give a shot at Star Wars Saga... aw my gawd... so much to play... so little time...
maybe i could be done by the time DnD 25th edition comes out... aw well...
Mid Last year a friend introduced me to Dungeon Magazine (and I must admit to being very ashamed of that fact - been playing D&D and others since 1980)
shortly after - found out that Paizo was bumped by WotC
yesterday talked to a Game Shop owner who mentioned Pathfinder (he told me that it was a "new version of Dungeon" and that Paizo was going to be putting out a "3.75 version"
I then went home and looked up Paizo on the internet and have been reading the Alpha and the two released arcs constantly since. (GF will not be happy when I tell her that I will be getting back into DMing ;) )
Does anyone know if they plan on releasing a PDF version?
One of my projects after the PRPG's release is combine all the spells I'll allow into my game in one huge binder for easy acces/reference. Being able to copy and paste the spells from my rulebook of choice would greatly speed up the process.
Still have the print version on pre-order by the way.
A question about the Pathfinder RPG cover: Is that the final version or just a mock-up? I really like the cover art, btw. But is it really going to be orange/reddish? The gray of the Alpha and the beige of the Beta look a lot more stylish IMO. Goes better with the winter-themed artwork, too.
A question about the Pathfinder RPG cover: Is that the final version or just a mock-up? I really like the cover art, btw. But is it really going to be orange/reddish? The gray of the Alpha and the beige of the Beta look a lot more stylish IMO. Goes better with the winter-themed artwork, too.
It's just a mockup. The Alpha and the Beta use artwork that was scavenged from our other products—that particular piece was taken from the cover of Pathfinder #5. We'll be commissioning new art for the final cover.
The Beta has been wonderful and we're looking forward to purchasing the hardcover. This is the game we've been wanting to play. Thanks so much for all the terrific Pathfinder material.
I hope so, I like having the hardcopies, but lately most of my rpg gaming is done sitting in front of my computer & such, so it would be nice to be able reference those rules off the computer & such.
& I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I hate having to pay twice for the same product & such.
Hrmm. The hardcover would indicate that Dwarves are a mere foot shorter than humans (on average), while the height tables in the RotRL and CotCT Player's guides indicate an average difference of a foot and a half.
Does the CS override the older player's guides, or should this be chalked up to rounding?
Hrmm. The hardcover would indicate that Dwarves are a mere foot shorter than humans (on average), while the height tables in the RotRL and CotCT Player's guides indicate an average difference of a foot and a half.
Does the CS override the older player's guides, or should this be chalked up to rounding?
Wow. How did you get it a year early? I didn't even think it had been written yet.
(I think you meant to post this in the campaign setting hardcover thread)
Incredible marketing move folks. I think you have secured quite a large customer base. Those of us who prefer not to adjust our D&D experiences to drastically, both from a player and DM perspective. I was extremely dismayed when i heard about the 4.0 revision and the changes that were made. I have play tested the Pathfinder Alpha & Beta releases and it has surely secured my loyalty and that of my gamers for quite a long while yet. My sincere thanks for supporting your roleplay comrades the world over by tweaking the 3.5 rules. Long live Pathfinder and Paizo!!
Chief Technical Officer
