Can I use cards that allow to explore without using the "free" exploration first?

[Dark Nero]

For example, I know that Villain is on top. Instead of the "free" explore, I want to use Velociraptor (Discard this card to explore your location. During this exploration, add 2d6 to your combat checks.)

Or, I know that a Barrier is on top. Instead of the "free" explore, I want to use "Goblin Golem of Obsidian" (Discard this card to explore your location. During this exploration, if you encounter a boon or a non-villain, non-henchman bane, banish it.)

The Rulebook says that the "free" exploration is an optional action, not mandatory. The Rulebook also says that the "free" exploration must be your first exploration for the turn. From this I understand, that if I used a card that allows to explore, I can no longer use the "free" exploration. But can I use such card in the first place without having used the "free" exploration before it? The Rulebook does not give an answer to that, or I cannot find one.

I tried to check how it works in the digital app, Pathfinder Adventures. And I got confused even more. In the digital app,
Velociraptor ally is ALLOWED to be used without using the "free" exploration first. It even asks "you haven't explored, are you sure you want to use it?"
But Goblin Golem of Obsidian ally or a Haste spell are NOT ALLOWED to be used until I do the "free" exploration first. Only after I do my "free" exploration, these cards become active and can be used.
I do not understand why they behave differently.

Can you please refer me to the part of the Rulebook or FAQ or any official post that clarifies the answer to my question - can I use cards/powers that allow me to explore without using the "free" exploration first?

[Dark Nero]

The question is about the Rise of the Runelords edition of the game (Base Set).

[Whipstitch]

You may skip your free exploration and use another card. I'll try to get you a quote or link if I have time. Don't assume the app is always accurate.

[eddiephlash]

Yep, the free exploration is optional. If you forgo it, and use another card to explore, you then do not get to later use your free exploration.

The key phrasing:

Core Rulebook wrote:

You may explore your location once each turn without playing a card that allows you to explore; this must be your first exploration of your turn.

[Dark Nero]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know those cards can be used without the free exploration first.

[HexZyle]

Can I add a question?

Do cards that "Examine" then "Encounter" (Some Harrow hours start-of-turn effects, Fortune-Teller Ally, some Blessings) not count as an "Explore" for the sake of still being able to use your Explore step "free explore"?

Basically if it doesn't explicitly says "Explore", it doesn't count as an exploration yes?

Quote:

Fortune-Teller (Ally)

At the end of your move step, reveal this card and choose a category: bane or boon. Then examine the top card of your location deck. If that card matches your choice, encounter it.

[Whipstitch]

HexZyle wrote:

Do cards that "Examine" then "Encounter" (Some Harrow hours start-of-turn effects, Fortune-Teller Ally, some Blessings) not count as an "Explore" for the sake of still being able to use your Explore step "free explore"?

You are correct. The Fortune Teller is a good example. You still get your "free" explore.