Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Ultimate Combat (OGL)

3.50/5 (based on 41 ratings)
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Ultimate Combat (OGL)
Show Description For:
Non-Mint

Add Hardcover $44.99

Add PDF $19.99

Non-Mint Unavailable

Facebook Twitter Email

Seize the initiative and chop your foes to pieces with this exhaustive guide to the art of martial combat in this exciting new rulebook for the smash-hit Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, suitable for players and Game Masters alike!

This comprehensive 256-page hardcover reference reveals the martial secrets of the Pathfinder RPG rules like never before! Tons of new tricks and techniques for combat-oriented character classes put a sharp edge on your weapons and a sure step in your tactics, ranging from new barbarian rage powers, new cavalier orders, tons of new rogue talents, and more than 60 new archetypes for nearly every Pathfinder RPG character class, including spellcasters like wizards and clerics.

Ultimate Combat also introduces three new Pathfinder RPG classes: the ninja, samurai, and gunslinger! The ninja blends the subterfuge of the rogue with high-flying martial arts and assassination techniques. The samurai is an unstoppable armored warrior who lives by a strong code of honor—with or without a master. The gunslinger combines the fighter's martial prowess with a new grit mechanic that allows her to pull off fantastic acts with a pistol or rifle. All this plus tons of new armor and weapons, a complete treatment of firearms in the Pathfinder RPG, a vast array of martial arts, finishing moves, vehicle combat, duels, and new combat-oriented spells for every spellcasting class in the game!

Ultimate Combat includes:

  • New player character options for 14 Pathfinder RPG base classes, including alchemist discoveries, barbarian rage powers, cavalier orders, combat-cleric archetypes, animal shaman druids, new fighter archetypes like gladiator and armor master, inquisitor archetypes like witch-hunter or spellbreaker, combat-themed magus arcana, monk archetypes based on mastery of martial arts, new paladin archetypes like angelic warrior, ranger archetypes like big game hunter and trapper, new rogue tricks, and wizard archetypes like the gunmage
  • The ninja, samurai, and gunslinger, brand-new 20-level alternate classes specially designed to get the most out of combat
  • Hundreds of new combat-oriented feats including martial arts feat trees, finishing moves, and combination feats
  • In-depth overviews on a variety of combat-related topics, such as armor, Asian weapons, duels, fighting schools, guns, siege weapons, and more
  • A complete system covering vehicle combat, including wagons, boats, airships, and more
  • Tons of optional combat rules like called shots, armor as damage reduction, and new ways to track character health
  • ... and much, much more!

ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-359-0

Errata
Last Updated - 8/20/2015

Other Resources: This product is also available on the following platforms:

Hero Lab Online
Fantasy Grounds Virtual Tabletop
Archives of Nethys

Note: This product is part of the Pathfinder Rulebook Subscription.

Product Availability

Hardcover:

Available now

Ships from our warehouse in 11 to 20 business days.

PDF:

Fulfilled immediately.

Non-Mint:

Unavailable

This product is non-mint. Refunds are not available for non-mint products. The standard version of this product can be found here.

Are there errors or omissions in this product information? Got corrections? Let us know at store@paizo.com.

PZO1118


See Also:

1 to 5 of 42 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | next > last >>

Average product rating:

3.50/5 (based on 41 ratings)

Sign in to create or edit a product review.

Ultimate eastern and guns

2/5

I had wrote a quite lengthy review but the system ate it so here are the highlights:
1) The book is all about asian stuff and guns.
2) Don't buy it if you don't like either stuff.
3) The book has a lot good spells.
4) Most of the asian stuff mechanics work.
5) Gun rules don't work most of the times in APs and modules (they can't handle guns at mid+ levels).
6) The book had quite a few editing issues when it first came out, second printing corrected most of them but not all.
7) The art is superb.
8) Even if you don't like guns and eastern stuff you should buy the pdf since the price of the pdf is very good and you should get some use out it.


More Options ! more fighting, ... MORE !

5/5

flavorful options, powerful options
classes, archetypes, feats...

while 100% of the boook might not please you, you want this book.

having the choice to build flavorful PC with the right options is priceless (and for this book, you have...)


great reference book

4/5

Great reference book that helps further explain combat rules but it is not without its flaws.


Helping to close the caster/everyone else gap

4/5

Raise your hand if you play or run melee classes. Barbarians, Fighters, Monks, Rogues, Paladins, pretty much anything without 9 levels of spells. Is your hand raised?

Now look around. Does the person next to you NOT have their hand raised? No they don't? Quickly! Use your raised hand to smack them in the face! Ha! Now you've shown the pansy finger wigglers the power of combat characters. Now make them go away so you can read your reviews in peace.

Ultimate Combat serves some great functions in the scope of the PF:RPG.

It helps bring non-casters a little more in line with the potential power of casters in the metagame by adding a slew of new feats and archtypes directly relevant to them. How much milage you get from these may vary, but lest you think they're all just blow off concepts, I know for certainty at least 1 Magus, 1 Monk, and 1 Inquistor archtype from this book that are definitely considered competative for 'best build to get the most out of this class' in the guides and discussions I've read on the Paizo forums, and they added some Bard ones that are just interestingly different (Try the archeologist bard if you want to play a bard/rogue cross. Try to resist the temptation to use a whip... or don't. ;) )

The spells section brings about some new toys for all casters but it did try and keep a combat focus, that was nice for the 4 and 6 spell level casters. If you're a Paladin or Inquisitor look into the new Litany line you'll probably find something you like, as will most other classes.

The Gunslinger is an interesting addition to the core classes and I think a positive one because it adds a new dynamic to how combat can work, and does a good job putting firearms in a magical setting that could allow them. If they're not your cup of tea it's easy to just dissallow them in your campaign or keep their rarity higher, but if you're playing in PFS/Golarion it's good to have in case you want to travel to regions they're thematic for.

The Asian inspired new classes, the Samurai and Ninja, are also positive additions. Some debate arises with the Ninja, it truly does do what the Rogue does only some solid arguements can be made it does it better, I know several players who now build "Rogues" using the Ninja class. However looking at the current metagame of Pathfinder Rogues were often much malagined as one of the least powerful classes, I'm not going to fault Paizo for offering a potential alterantive that rocks!

Rounding out the book it offers some rules and stats on siege weapons and warfare, and expanded vehicle rules and vehicle combat rules, along with dozens of new weapons and armor. The first two can really assist a GM, and the last gives you options from different places (asian themed) and times (stone age, bronze age, for example).

I can't give this book 5 stars, Ultimate Magic was a bit better, and it's not on par with what the APG did, but in the end what is it? It's a solid 4. Unless you play just casters and only casters you probably won't be dissappointed, because it's a solid book that does what you want it to do, and you'll feel like the money was worth it 9 times out of 10.


1/5

Ultimate? Combat?

Neither of the words in the title really apply to this book. Ultimate Monk or Piecemail Combat fit much better. Overall, this book is about as good as Ultimate Magic. A lot of material that is useless (or unfinished/untested) that only applies to a class or two, and there is a lot of material that seems artificially injected to fill space, but really only further highlights the Ultimate Combat material that is not present.

All Classes will find something in this book, mostly poor, but there are a few gems. Sadly, I think that the writers forgot that this was suppossed to be a Combat themed book. Monk gets about 500% more than everyone else (combined?) Many of the Archtypes are pretty good, solid options, but still some classes get a lot and some get a few, and it tends to be the same Classes that get few and the same Classes that get many.

A lot of good spells, (that makes Ultimate Magic even more worthless), but I' starting to really question Paizo's ideas of balance and understanding the lines between Arcane/Divine, amongst other things. A lot of Magus and Paladin love, as well as Monks (yes Monks), but not too much for Combat focused Clerics, Wizards, Sorcerers, and Oracles.

If there where a 0 Stars option, I would pick that, simply because this is the absolute wrong way to go with a Hardcover "core" book. If they would drop the Asian themed stuff, and maybe the Monk-Onlyish Feats, this would have been a nice little softcover book, and maybe worth the price.


1 to 5 of 42 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | next > last >>
451 to 500 of 968 << first < prev | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | next > last >>
Paizo Employee Chief Creative Officer, Publisher

Shisumo wrote:
So are we to assume at this point that Ultimate Combat previews just aren't going to happen?

I can assure you, previews for this are imminent.


:D

Is that "imminent" in the neo-Swahili meaning of "this Friday", or more the Kairo-interpretation of "within a week"? Or perhaps some other model?

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
LoreKeeper wrote:

:D

Is that "imminent" in the neo-Swahili meaning of "this Friday", or more the Kairo-interpretation of "within a week"? Or perhaps some other model?

Jason has said elsewhere that they'll be starting Tuesday.

Sovereign Court

Anything more clear on the shipping date for pre-orders? Does "late July" mean 7/25, 7/29?

Shadow Lodge

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

Is it Monday yet? I needs some previews :)

Scarab Sages Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games

Well, I can give you one little preview...

Spoiler:
... aw, on second thought, the EXPLOSIVE RUNES gag has kinda run its course.

How 'bout just that it is chock-full of AWESOME!


I hear there's a feat for chewing bubble gum and kicking ass in it.

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Kajehase wrote:
I hear there's a feat for chewing bubble gum and kicking ass in it.

That still doesn't fix one of the fundamental failures of Pathfinder - lack of cohesive, clear and exhaustive rules for chewing gum and walking at the same time.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

Rule Zero. DM call.

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
TriOmegaZero wrote:
Gorbacz wrote:
Kajehase wrote:
I hear there's a feat for chewing bubble gum and kicking ass in it.
That still doesn't fix one of the fundamental failures of Pathfinder - lack of cohesive, clear and exhaustive rules for chewing gum and walking at the same time.
Rule Zero. DM call.

Where's Ravingdork when you REALLY need him?

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

Player: Can I walk and chew bubblegum at the same time?
DM: Yes.

How much more exhaustive do you need?

Silver Crusade

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
TriOmegaZero wrote:

Player: Can I walk and chew bubblegum at the same time?

DM: Yes.

How much more exhaustive do you need?

What need is you to repair your sarcasm detector, the heat is clearly bad for it... :)


Successful Troll will be sure to submit work order. ;)

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Mok wrote:
Anything more clear on the shipping date for pre-orders? Does "late July" mean 7/25, 7/29?

Yes.

Or to put it more usefully, it'll almost certainly be that week, but even when there's not a hardcover release, it takes several days to move everything. A bbok like Ultimate Combat means a couple of extra days on top.


Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?


Necromancer wrote:
Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?

i hope so as long as its listed under a optional rule guideline


*Glances at clock*

Only 20 and 1/2 hours until preview time...

...hopefully.

If they're dicks, they'll just make every blog post the week before dedicated to previews.

...Catch Phrase,

-Chris


Stasiscell wrote:
Necromancer wrote:
Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?
i hope so as long as its listed under a optional rule guideline

Sorry to break you fantasy, but those are already part of the Golarion setting. Most are handed like magic items (Staves, rods, wands).

Humbly,
Yawar

Paizo Employee Director of Game Development

Kajehase wrote:
I hear there's a feat for chewing bubble gum and kicking ass in it.

I'm all outta bubblegum...


Adam Daigle wrote:
Kajehase wrote:
I hear there's a feat for chewing bubble gum and kicking ass in it.
I'm all outta bubblegum...

Now to top it all off, a Duke Nukem cameo appearance


YawarFiesta wrote:
Stasiscell wrote:
Necromancer wrote:
Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?
i hope so as long as its listed under a optional rule guideline

Sorry to break you fantasy, but those are already part of the Golarion setting. Most are handed like magic items (Staves, rods, wands).

Humbly,
Yawar

For Numeria (Golarion), that works fine. It's easy enough to modify standard firearms for this purpose, but I'd prefer something that isn't setting-specific.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Necromancer wrote:
YawarFiesta wrote:
Stasiscell wrote:
Necromancer wrote:
Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?
i hope so as long as its listed under a optional rule guideline

Sorry to break you fantasy, but those are already part of the Golarion setting. Most are handed like magic items (Staves, rods, wands).

Humbly,
Yawar

For Numeria (Golarion), that works fine. It's easy enough to modify standard firearms for this purpose, but I'd prefer something that isn't setting-specific.

The Pathfinder RPG line is always setting-agnostic.


Vic Wertz wrote:
Necromancer wrote:
YawarFiesta wrote:
Stasiscell wrote:
Necromancer wrote:
Any chances of futuristic weaponry (lazer rifles, plasma pistols, etc.) or similar technology making an appearance?
i hope so as long as its listed under a optional rule guideline

Sorry to break you fantasy, but those are already part of the Golarion setting. Most are handed like magic items (Staves, rods, wands).

Humbly,
Yawar

For Numeria (Golarion), that works fine. It's easy enough to modify standard firearms for this purpose, but I'd prefer something that isn't setting-specific.
The Pathfinder RPG line is always setting-agnostic.

so is that a yes towards majestic future space machines?

i friggen love spelljammer and the like and high tech zap guns sound like a fun inclusion in my campaign "albeit they will be extremely rare and low on the durability scale" i love the idea of a crew on board a magically powered space faring man-of-war encountering a group of space orc pirates on a routine trading run , the wizards blasting the orc ship with fireballs a gunslingers dual wielding a flintlock pistol and a laser gun blasting orcs who are zipping around the man-of-war on magical jet bikes made of bone, wood, stone and a whole lot of nasty powered by the tribal shaman whos sitting on a throne of skulls with his eyes set ablaze with magical energy .

all while the pc crews captain is screaming at the alchemist to brew a blast charge large enough to propel them out of there and the alchemist retorts " damnit kark im a scientist not a miracle worker!"


After seeing the first preview, I am getting hyped up.
Who else feels the same?


Stasiscell wrote:


so is that a yes towards majestic future space machines?

In your position I would really not get my hopes up. This is a fantasy roleplaying game - so (in lieu of announcements by Paizo) I assume that UC has the same amount of futuristic content as the APG and UM.


LoreKeeper wrote:
Stasiscell wrote:


so is that a yes towards majestic future space machines?
In your position I would really not get my hopes up. This is a fantasy roleplaying game - so (in lieu of announcements by Paizo) I assume that UC has the same amount of futuristic content as the APG and UM.

im liking how the apg and um both cranked out canons , revolvers and sniper rifles before uc.


Got into a discussion about this book with a friend the other day. Telling me that there shouldn't be so much "magic" in it. Ultimate Combat =/= ultimate martial >_>


Aloquis wrote:
Got into a discussion about this book with a friend the other day. Telling me that there shouldn't be so much "magic" in it. Ultimate Combat =/= ultimate martial >_>

this is ultimate combat not ultimate big dumb fighters (allthough there will be alot of stuff for said dum dums) and getting your face melted off by a corrosive bolt counts as combat in my book.


At least the wizard archetypes in the previews sounded combat-oriented; I can see a "arcane bomber" archetype mixing with an evoker.

I also like the "merciful healer" archetype for clerics; I just hope it's not a cut-and-paste of Undead Lord from UM with healing powers.


Aloquis wrote:
Got into a discussion about this book with a friend the other day. Telling me that there shouldn't be so much "magic" in it. Ultimate Combat =/= ultimate martial >_>

I had a discussion the other day about how my friend didn't like the Gunslinger's fluff. When he loves Western movies. And has never read either of the two Pretest Rounds ....


Any Ideas, when the release date will be?

Silver Crusade

Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?

First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?

I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

Silver Crusade

magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?
I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

DEFINITELY the first day of GenCon for that.

I think. ;)

That's how it rolled for the APG last year, IIRC.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Mikaze wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?
I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

DEFINITELY the first day of GenCon for that.

I think. ;)

That's how it rolled for the APG last year, IIRC.

Actually, holding the PDf only happened for the core book two years ago. The pdf will release whebn subscriptions go out, which I suspect will be next week sometime.

Silver Crusade

Enlight_Bystand wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?
I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

DEFINITELY the first day of GenCon for that.

I think. ;)

That's how it rolled for the APG last year, IIRC.

Actually, holding the PDf only happened for the core book two years ago. The pdf will release whebn subscriptions go out, which I suspect will be next week sometime.

I EXPECT SPOILERS TO BE SHARED CONCERNING THE MONK NEXT WEEK GUYS HINT HINT


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Mikaze wrote:
Enlight_Bystand wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?
I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

DEFINITELY the first day of GenCon for that.

I think. ;)

That's how it rolled for the APG last year, IIRC.

Actually, holding the PDf only happened for the core book two years ago. The pdf will release whebn subscriptions go out, which I suspect will be next week sometime.
I EXPECT SPOILERS TO BE SHARED CONCERNING THE MONK NEXT WEEK GUYS HINT HINT

Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.


magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Enlight_Bystand wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Bloodbane wrote:
Any Ideas, when the release date will be?
First day of GenCon for the retail release, isn't it?
I'd be much more interested in the date for the PDF for the suscribers. :p

DEFINITELY the first day of GenCon for that.

I think. ;)

That's how it rolled for the APG last year, IIRC.

Actually, holding the PDf only happened for the core book two years ago. The pdf will release whebn subscriptions go out, which I suspect will be next week sometime.
I EXPECT SPOILERS TO BE SHARED CONCERNING THE MONK NEXT WEEK GUYS HINT HINT
Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.

MANY THANKS!


My mind is already putting together a Mysterious Stranger Gnome Gunslinger, Clint Eastwood Style

or better yet, combine that with Goblins of Golarion and have me a Mysterious Gobo Gunslinger


Anyone have any idea when the book will ship? I made the mistake of not Pre-Ordering Ultimate Magic; a mistake I refused to make again in the wake of Ultimate Combat :3.

Silver Crusade Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8

magnuskn wrote:
Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.

Magnuskin, be sure to let us know your thoughts. It was my pleasure to work on part of that and I'd love to get feedback from others.

May the book soon be in all of our collectively grubby little paws!


Golden-Esque wrote:
Anyone have any idea when the book will ship? I made the mistake of not Pre-Ordering Ultimate Magic; a mistake I refused to make again in the wake of Ultimate Combat :3.

I'm guessing it will start shipping to subscribers some time next week.


Enlight_Bystand wrote:


Actually, holding the PDf only happened for the core book two years ago. The pdf will release whebn subscriptions go out, which I suspect will be next week sometime.

Indeed! :D

All subscription PDFs will be available when we do our shipments and will be available for regular purchase the first day of GenCon.


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Jesse Benner wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.
Magnuskin, be sure to let us know your thoughts. It was my pleasure to work on part of that and I'd love to get feedback from others.

Will do. :)

Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4

magnuskn wrote:
Jesse Benner wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.
Magnuskin, be sure to let us know your thoughts. It was my pleasure to work on part of that and I'd love to get feedback from others.
Will do. :)

Same here. :)

Like proud parents, we're quietly waiting, and hoping you enjoy it.

Scarab Sages Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games

Jim Groves wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Jesse Benner wrote:
magnuskn wrote:
Don't worry, I'll be all over the martial arts parts of the book.
Magnuskin, be sure to let us know your thoughts. It was my pleasure to work on part of that and I'd love to get feedback from others.
Will do. :)

Same here. :)

Like proud parents, we're quietly waiting, and hoping you enjoy it.

I didn't write the martial arts sections per se but did do the monk archetypes, so I'd likewise be interested.

IOW, me three! :)


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Wow, suddenly so much responsibility. ^^ Well, let's hope I get the PDF rather sooner than later. :p

Grand Lodge

Just got my "Shipping Soon" notice. so it in the next eek it ill ship but I am guessing around Tuesday it ill be shipping.

Hopefully you all are getting the notice too :)


Tomorrow wants to be August 4th so I can grab my PDF.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber
Deanoth wrote:

Just got my "Shipping Soon" notice. so it in the next eek it ill ship but I am guessing around Tuesday it ill be shipping.

Hopefully you all are getting the notice too :)

I have indeed!

1 to 50 of 968 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Paizo / Product Discussion / Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Ultimate Combat (OGL) All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.