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Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Advanced Class Guide (OGL)

3.20/5 (based on 51 ratings)
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Advanced Class Guide (OGL)
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A New Breed of Hero

Adventure like never before with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Class Guide! Explore new heights of heroism with 10 new base classes, each with 20 levels of amazing abilities. Incredible powers also await existing characters, with more than a hundred new archetypes and class options. Prepare characters for their most legendary adventure ever with massive selections of never-before-seen spells, magic items, and more!

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Class Guide is a must-have companion volume to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook. This imaginative tabletop game builds upon more than 15 years of system development and an open playtest featuring 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.

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Class Guide includes:

  • Ten new base classes—the magic-twisting arcanist, the ferocious bloodrager, the cunning investigator, the daring swashbuckler, the formidable warpriest, and others.
  • Variant class abilities and thematic archetypes for all 29 base classes, such as the counterfeit mage and the mutagenic mauler.
  • Nearly a hundred new feats for characters of all classes, including style feats, teamwork feats like Coordinated Shot, and more.
  • Hundreds of new spells and magic items, such as feast on fear and skullcrusher gauntlets.
  • An entire armory of amazing equipment, from vital new adventuring gear to deadly alchemical weapons.
  • ... and much, much more!

ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-671-3

Errata
Last Updated - 7/22/2015

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

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A Great (if errata-filled) Book for Players

4/5 —

This book has gotten a lot of flack for two reasons: (1) A number of people were upset by the large amount of errata posted after the book came out. (2) A number of people were upset by the perceived power-creep that this book carried with it, especially in the archetype section.

Both of these are reasonable complaints that I largely agree with.

That said, this book also contains a cornucopia of player options that are great fun. A number of the classes it introduced are now mainstream: it’s hard to imagine playing the game without options like the Brawler, the Investigator, the Slayer, the Bloodrager, the Hunter, or the Warpriest. Or to play without archetypes like the Bolt Ace (Gunslinger), Mutation Warrior or Martial Master (Fighter).

Moreover, the book introduced a number of feats that improve on the available build options available to most players (Extra Hex! Slashing Grace!). Likewise, although the spells in this book seem to have flown under the radar, there are a lot of nice and interesting spells are introduced in this book (Glue Seal, Communal Align Weapon, Wall of Blindness/Deafness, Wall of Nausea, Anti-Incorporeal Shell, Adjustable Disguise, Adjustable Polymorph, Investigative Mind, etc).

Easily 5 stars worth of good material here. Given the unusually large amount of errata, I feel compelled to deduct a star. But all that said, it’s hard to imagine playing Pathfinder without this book -- after the Core Rulebook and Advanced Players Guide, it’s probably the best book for players to pick up.

Unbalanced, uninspired and rushed.

1/5 —

This book still sticks out as one of Paizo's biggest missteps. It was extremely rushed and it shows.

At least half of the new classes don't even need to exist as anything other than archetypes. Even among the ones that actually work, most feel very uninspired.

There are a few good things in it, but not really enough to justify buying it. It's not worth your money and it's best not to encourage sloppy work.

Hopefully Paizo learns from this and prioritizes quality over quantity and speed from now on.

A continuing disappointment

1/5 —

The ACG had problems. Many problems. And it continues to have problems.

From concept ("Let's make ten classes as complicated and broken as the magus, or more so!"), to out-of-whack game design, to simply poor editing, the ACG is a mess. The book's philosophy seems to be "create a new utterly unbalanced mechanic, and proliferate it as far as possible." The (quickly issued) errata pulled some of it a bit more into line, but it just doesn't come close to correcting it.

Even something as simple as alchemical items are way out there. Holy Weapon Balm costs 5gp more than holy water, and does 1400% more damage. And that doesn't even include increasing damage to incorporeal creatures.

Even two years after it was released, I continue to be impressed with the complete disregard for balance and sense in this book. If power creep had happened this much every year, we'd be looking at 9999 damage caps by now. The ACG stands out for its insanity.

Perhaps pulping it for the cover error would have been the better move.

The first real dud in my Pathfinder collection

1/5 —

I am extremely disappointed in this product, and glad I only purchased the PDF version. As other reviewers have pointed out, the new classes are poorly balanced when compared to the preexisting ones, and would be a better fit for a book like Unchained, much like Unearthed Arcana's gestalt characters.

There's far too many feats and toys dedicated to these new classes, which drastically lessens this book's universal appeal, and even though some contrivances are provided to make some of said feats accessible to other classes, it ends up painting the book's title as a misnomer - it isn't an "advanced class guide" any more than it is a guide mostly about ten new classes, that are "advanced" only in the sense that they're more powerful than the others.

It's my fault for not properly researching the book before buying it, so buyer beware if you're expecting to find a literal advanced class guide, as opposed to a lengthy introduction to ten new ones.

Overall disappointing

2/5 —

Okay, there's a lot here that's just terribly rushed and it shows, like the editing here is painful at points. The classes themselves range wildly in value, and there's a lot of examples of Paizo's classic retro nerfing of things to help make options here look better. This was an obvious rush to gencon book, and it shows. While not everything in it is bad, and there's some salvageable content, you could easily continue to play the game without this book and miss out on absolutely nohthing.

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Do you double pinky swear that, Liz?

I can't wait to find out what else will be in this book, other then the ten new classes.
Webstore Gninja Minion
3 people marked this as a favorite.
Cheapy wrote:
Do you double pinky swear that, Liz?

Yes.

Scarab Sages

well, after today's preview blog, there's what? 8 more weeks until paizocon? *here's hoping for 8/10 Meet the Iconics* blog posts for the next handful of previews...
Webstore Gninja Minion
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Advanced Class Guide doesn't release until GenCon, so there's roughly 12 weeks of potential preview blogs. :)
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Liz Courts wrote:
Guy St-Amant wrote:
Dragon78 wrote:
Hopefully they will update the art for the cover before then.

Hard to say, hopefully, they won't forget to do so until one week before release...

We won't.

Hwhahhhhahaha!

Webstore Gninja Minion
10 people marked this as a favorite.

Cover image and description updated to final.

Spoiler:
So neener neener neener. :P
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32

Swashbuckler and...I'm guessing Shaman, fighting some kind of acidic and/or undead dragon. Neat.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

So the Iconics we know so far are....

Half-elf (F) Swashbuckler
Half-orc (M) Warpriest
Human (Shoanti) (M) Bloodrager(?)
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Variant class abilities intrigue me....

EDIT: Does that mean variant class abilities are something completely different from archetypes?
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Liz Courts wrote:

Cover image and description updated to final.

** spoiler omitted **

NICE cover ;)

Wind shaman, perhaps?

What's wrong with the cover? I like it.

...Mutagenic Mauler? A new and improved Ragechemist, perhaps?

Can't wait for previews to start on this.
Ross Byers wrote:
Swashbuckler and...I'm guessing Shaman, fighting some kind of acidic and/or undead dragon. Neat.

He's wearing scale mail and wielding what might be a lucerne hammer, I'm pretty sure that's our bloodrager.

The lightning effect definitely made me think Bloodrager, but I'm guessing that hammer is an Earthbreaker?

The warpriest is a half orc, and is on the cover of the RPG free module.
4 people marked this as a favorite.

Mikaaaaze, we got's us a Shoanti icoooooonic :D
Liz Courts wrote:

Cover image and description updated to final.

** spoiler omitted **

I can't seem to load the full image.

Unless....you did that on purpose!?

You monster! The gods will never forgive you for this!

EDIT: Nope, apparently you're not that maniacal. Just loading issues. But what were you neenering for?
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32

I can see the whole thing.

Maybe try clearing your cache?

Nice cover.

The Bloodrager looks like an actor I remember from some 80's movies like weird science, the original hills have eyes part 1 and 2, star trek IV, etc.

Man I would have loved a female catfolk or female pixie swashbuckler iconic.

the dragon's a ravener btw. CANNOT WAIT!!!
Axial wrote:
Liz Courts wrote:

Cover image and description updated to final.

** spoiler omitted **

I can't seem to load the full image.

Unless....you did that on purpose!?

You monster! The gods will never forgive you for this!

EDIT: Nope, apparently you're not that maniacal. Just loading issues. But what were you neenering for?

I believe that was in reference to the fact that people were talking about the odds of Liz forgetting to update the product info/cover until just before release

Tinkergoth wrote:
Axial wrote:
Liz Courts wrote:

Cover image and description updated to final.

** spoiler omitted **

I can't seem to load the full image.

Unless....you did that on purpose!?

You monster! The gods will never forgive you for this!

EDIT: Nope, apparently you're not that maniacal. Just loading issues. But what were you neenering for?

I believe that was in reference to the fact that people were talking about the odds of Liz forgetting to update the product info/cover until just before release

My comment was a reference to Player Companion: Alchemy Manual... but I don't know the reasons for the late update of that one.

Ahh, looks so good! Can... not... wait!
Paizo Employee
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories, Starfinder Accessories, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Nice looking cover! Really looking forward to picking this up at GenCon.

Cheers!
Landon

Awesome cover! The description isn't too shabby either :)

I'm not sure if the description changed from before, but I find it interesting that it just calls the new classes "base classes" and the word "hybrid" is nowhere to be seen. Has the whole "hybrid/alternate class" thing been scrapped, along with the multiclass restrictions it included? Kind of like how the gunslinger became its own class instead of an alternate fighter by the time the final version of Ultimate Combat came out? That'd be nice. I'm really looking forward to this book.
pluvia33 wrote:
I'm not sure if the description changed from before, but I find it interesting that it just calls the new classes "base classes" and the word "hybrid" is nowhere to be seen. Has the whole "hybrid/alternate class" thing been scrapped, along with the multiclass restrictions it included? Kind of like how the gunslinger became its own class instead of an alternate fighter by the time the final version of Ultimate Combat came out? That'd be nice. I'm really looking forward to this book.

i caught that too, sooo excited!

I was under the impression that "base class" just meant "20th level class released after the Core Rulebook".
Contributor
Cheapy wrote:
I was under the impression that "base class" just meant "20th level class released after the Core Rulebook".

You're sort of right.

A "Base" class is any 20-level class that you can immediately enter without any prerequisites.

A "Core" class is a base class that was introduced in the Core Rulebook.

An "Alternate" class is essentially an archetype of a base class that has enough conceptual changes to warrant its own entry, artwork, and class table. Because it is an archetype, you cannot multiclass an alternate class its with associated base class.

A "Hybrid" class was essentially an Alternate class that acted as an archetype of two classes simultaneously.

The wordage used by the description seems to imply that Hybrid classes aren't a thing anymore, and Jason certainly hinted that such a change could happen during development. Personally, I think if a class concept like a "summoner" warrants its own base class then so does any of the classes presented in this book, so this is a welcome announcement if its true. We'll have to wait for Stephen or Jason to chime in before anything's certain however.

Sean's data cores weren't expunged the moment he left Paizo. He still might know!

If the Arcanist ended up keeping it's Bloodline Development and School Understanding exploits I wonder if we'll see greater exploit upgrades to them (aka allowing them to further develop their bloodline powers or arcane school abilities). That definitely has some major appeal. ^_^
Berselius wrote:
If the Arcanist ended up keeping it's Bloodline Development and School Understanding exploits I wonder if we'll see greater exploit upgrades to them (aka allowing them to further develop their bloodline powers or arcane school abilities). That definitely has some major appeal. ^_^

If these aren't considered hybrids any longer and can be multiclassed with their "parent" classes, I wouldn't be surprised if those exploits changed to allow for additional improvements to the respective wizard and sorcerer abilities (though you'd be missing out on other cool options, but that's always the case with tradeoffs.)

Shadow Lodge

I just hope there is finally a swashbuckling archtype for for the magus in there that is not the sword saint(kensai).
Contributor
3 people marked this as a favorite.
Cheapy wrote:
Sean's data cores weren't expunged the moment he left Paizo. He still might know!

I'm sure he does know, but considering he's no longer affiliated with the company the chances that he'd divulge sensitive company information are less than zero percent. Sean's a pretty honorable guy like that.

Contributor
the Queen's Raven wrote:
I just hope there is finally a swashbuckling archtype for for the magus in there that is not the sword saint(kensai).

I *really* want to see some Cavalier Panache considering that the person for whom the French word "panache" is named for was, in fact, a cavalier.

Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Pancho Villa?
Contributor
1 person marked this as a favorite.
zergtitan wrote:
Pancho Villa?

Can't tell if you're joking or not. I'm going to assume that you're not.

Panache is a French word that literally translates as "plume," which is a large feather often worn in a cap. As Wikipedia will tell you:

Wikipedia wrote:
The literal translation is a plume, such as is worn on a hat or a helmet, but the reference is to King Henry IV of France (13 December 1553 – 14 May 1610). Pleasure-loving and cynical, but a brave military leader and among the best-loved of the kings of France he was famed for wearing a striking white plume in his helmet and for his war cry: "Follow my white plume!" (French: "Ralliez-vous à mon panache blanc!").

This is the same King who's epitome was, "a chicken in every pot," the basis of which would later be adopted by FDR as part of the tagline for his New Deal legislation which ultimately helped to end the Great Depression in the United States.

Here are some lovely paintings as reference material.

Plus doesn't an Order of the Cockatrice cavalier with a panache mechanic just sound COOL?
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

I don't think if anyone noticed but, All of the Iconics have been revealed.

Partially
Silver Crusade
zergtitan wrote:

I don't think if anyone noticed but, All of the Iconics have been revealed.

Partially

Dat Warpriest Greatsword :D

zergtitan wrote:

I don't think if anyone noticed but, All of the Iconics have been revealed.

Partially

Damn...wish the picture wasn't so blurry.

And REALLY hope the wolf is not related to the shaman :(

Looks good. I like the figure 4th from left in the back row in brown armor with the Shatterstar-esque headgear...
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Calling it, from left to right:

Spoiler:
Male Mwangi human Investigator, female dwarf Slayer, male Ulfen human Skald, Garundi? human Arcanist, ??? gnome Shaman, male half-elf? Brawler, female half-elf Swashbuckler (previously revealed), female ??? human hunter (and wolf companion), half-orc Warpriest (of Gorum; previously revealed), Shoanti human Bloodrager
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Looks good. I like the figure 4th from left in the back row in brown armor with the Shatterstar-esque headgear...

bwahahaha, you know what this means if they are standalone classes right?!? The Multiclass archetype cycle can likely be extended another few years. Let the bloodrager/arcanists and investigator/inquisitors commence!!!

christos gurd wrote:
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Looks good. I like the figure 4th from left in the back row in brown armor with the Shatterstar-esque headgear...
bwahahaha, you know what this means if they are standalone classes right?!? The Multiclass archetype cycle can likely be extended another few years. Let the bloodrager/arcanists and investigator/inquisitors commence!!!

christos gurd:
I know, right! You know I already called the Slayer/Investigator…
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
christos gurd wrote:
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Looks good. I like the figure 4th from left in the back row in brown armor with the Shatterstar-esque headgear...
bwahahaha, you know what this means if they are standalone classes right?!? The Multiclass archetype cycle can likely be extended another few years. Let the bloodrager/arcanists and investigator/inquisitors commence!!!
** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:
actually my suggestions sound good to me now, as does a slayer/monk...dibs on slayer/monk
Silver Crusade
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Tirisfal wrote:
Mikaaaaze, we got's us a Shoanti icoooooonic :D

YASE. Am s'happy. :D

Also, the swashbuckler is a secret tiefling in my headcanon. >:)
Rysky wrote:
zergtitan wrote:

I don't think if anyone noticed but, All of the Iconics have been revealed.

Partially

Dat Warpriest Greatsword :D

Do you think he (I guess it is a he, no idea) is overcompensating for something else?

christos gurd wrote:
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Looks good. I like the figure 4th from left in the back row in brown armor with the Shatterstar-esque headgear...
bwahahaha, you know what this means if they are standalone classes right?!? The Multiclass archetype cycle can likely be extended another few years. Let the bloodrager/arcanists and investigator/inquisitors commence!!!

Indeed! I've put placeholder headings on the wiki's Primary Class list. We just need the official rules to start.

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