# Pathfinder tags: #game/rpg/pathfinder ![[Pathfinder 1st Ed (cover).png]] **Pathfinder** is the game you turn to when you want to relive the glory days of **Dungeons & Dragons 3.5** but with more rules, more options, and more ways to argue with your friends about the minutiae of fantasy role-playing. Created by Paizo Publishing, **Pathfinder** first hit the scene in 2009 as a response to the controversial **D&D 4th Edition**. It quickly became the go-to system for those who felt that **D&D** had lost its way. Fast forward to 2019, and **Pathfinder Second Edition** was released, promising streamlined rules and even more character customization. Because, clearly, what we all needed was more ways to make our characters unique snowflakes. ## Core Die Resolution Mechanics At its heart, **Pathfinder** uses the d20 system, which means that most actions are resolved by rolling a 20-sided die and adding various modifiers. The goal is to meet or exceed a target number, known as the Difficulty Class (DC). Simple, right? Well, not quite. **Pathfinder** takes this basic mechanic and layers on a plethora of additional rules, modifiers, and exceptions. Want to swing your sword? Roll a d20 and add your attack bonus. Casting a spell? Roll a d20 and add your caster level and relevant ability modifier. Trying to sneak past a guard? Roll a d20 and add your Stealth skill modifier. And don’t forget about the myriad feats, class abilities, and situational modifiers that can affect your roll. It’s a system that rewards those who love to tinker with their characters and punish those who don’t have a calculator handy. ## Editions and Changes **Pathfinder First Edition** (2009) was essentially **D&D 3.75**, taking the core mechanics of **D&D 3.5** and adding more options and complexity. It was a hit among players who felt that **D&D 4th Edition** had strayed too far from its roots. **Pathfinder Second Edition** (2019) aimed to streamline the rules while still offering deep customization. It introduced a new action economy, where players have three actions per turn to spend on various activities, and revamped many of the game’s core mechanics to make them more intuitive. Despite these changes, it remains a crunchy, rules-heavy system that appeals to those who love detailed character creation and tactical combat. ## References - [Pathfinder Roleplaying Game - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinder_Roleplaying_Game) - [What is Pathfinder? An Introduction for Nerds New to Role Playing Games - Nerds on Earth](https://nerdsonearth.com/2015/11/what-is-pathfinder-an-introduction-to-the-rpg/) - [Getting Started With Pathfinder Second Edition - Paizo](https://paizo.com/pathfinder/getstarted) - [Mechanics - Rules - Archives of Nethys: Pathfinder 2nd Edition Database](https://2e.aonprd.com/Rules.aspx?ID=968) - [Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Unleash Your Hero! - Paizo](https://paizo.com/pathfinder) - [Pathfinder Tabletop RPG Bundle Includes 24 Rulebooks - GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pathfinder-tabletop-rpg-bundle-includes-24-rulebooks-campaigns-and-more-for-only-25/1100-6519902/)