We've decided to switch things up and play some Starfinder. We've played two campaigns in the past which were ok but in both cases I found my characters under performed. I'm not sure if my expectations are out of whack or I'm missing things.
Hitting things is max str/dex (18 at level 1), weapon focus, and then stat augmentations as they become available. Assuming full BAB that's only +30 at level 20 or +26 otherwise. Are there any other bonuses? Otherwise it doesn't seem like the non full BAB classes are any more accurate at 20 than they were at 1.
I was looking at trying the Technomancer this time but I'm struggling to get my spells to be successful even 50% of the time. Max out your Int, take Spell focus and... Is there anything else to help with Spell DCs? Combat magic doesn't seem very viable if there's a save attached.
Are there items, spells or feats that provide combat buffs? All of the buffs and boosts that made specialists successful in Pathfinder seem to be missing in Starfinder. I'm used to low level characters missing frequently but at high levels if doesn't feel right.
Edit: Starting Devastation Ark in a couple weeks.
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The math of attacks vs AC or save DC vs enemy saves tends to be along this basic paradigm:
With no effort involved and the basic feats invested (weapon focus or spell focus) you should have a ~50% success rate against an enemy your level.
An operative providing flat footed and an envoy using get 'em can swing that success rate wildly. There's things like gunner's harnesses to reduce penalties on full attacks, djezet draught to increase your DCs temporarily and improved demoralize and/or spell feint to lower enemy DCs, that sort of thing.
Though, with spells, it really helps to use area attacks, attacks with an effect on a failed save, or just target enemy weakest saves.
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I DMed AotS a while ago and while it not goes up to level 20, I think I can iterate on your question.
First I would sign what Garretmander said, 50% hit chance without any special boni should be fine.
E.g. if you take a non optimized level 1 soldier, he is at BAB +1 Dex +3, so a total of +4.
Now look at the AC of standard enemies for 1st level (CR <=1), most of them have AC of 13/11 to 11/10 - so you are basically within the 50% range.
Now at level 20, the enemies CR are ~20, if you look at the alien archive the EAC/KAC for a CR 20 COMBATANT alien on this level is 35/37, so a Full BAB with maxed out stats have a very good chance to hit.
And then keep in mind that you normally not fighting "same CR" enemies but multiple "lower CR" enmies.
Also keep in mind that at higher levels you can get more special boni (feats, spells, magic items etc.)
And then their is the tactical play: position, debuffs etc.
Thanks for the tips.