Why Pathfinder Continues to be the go-to fantasy TTRPG

Sometimes, late in the '00s, I stumbled upon the Pathfinder roleplaying game developed by Paizo. At the time, Dungeons & Dragons was going through some big changes with the release of 4th Edition (4e), an edition that was met with some harsh criticism, some of which I found a bit unfair (I mean, if this would've been a game with any other brand signed to than D&D, I think more people would've liked it, but that is perhaps something I will talk about another day). I played both editions at some point to see which one I liked better. Then Pathfinder caught my eye, and I really connected with it because it felt like a natural extension of the D&D 3.5 experience that I was already deeply invested in.

In the years that followed, I played through Pathfinder’s Age of Worms adventure path (along with a few other adventure paths), which was originally designed for D&D 3.5 and later transitioned into the Pathfinder system. I loved that story; it was dark, epic, and full of memorable moments that really drew me in, not to mention all the references to D&D's long history. It wasn’t long before I found myself fully immersed in Pathfinder. What I loved even more was how Pathfinder built on the 3.5 rules, tweaking and refining them in a way that made the gameplay even more engaging.

When Pathfinder 1st Edition officially launched in 2009, it immediately felt like the right fit for many die hard D&D fans. The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook took everything many players loved about D&D 3.5 and made it better. The character customization was a big draw—there were so many options to explore.

I must admit, I spent hours creating characters and playing around with different classes, feats, and archetypes to make different and interesting builds. The more I delved into the game, the more I saw the many potentials, if I wanted to play a powerful sorcerer or a brave fighter with specific combat skills, the system allowed me to do it all and more.

One thing I loved about this first edition of Pathfinder was how tactical the combat felt. The introduction of Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) and Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD) made the mechanics of things like grappling and disarming feel a lot more intuitive and easy to use. It wasn’t the easiest system to pick up at first; after all these kind of games tend to get a bit crunchy, but once I got the hang of it, I really appreciated how it added a layer of strategy to combat. Every encounter felt like a puzzle to solve. Combats were intense and even more challenging than I had experienced in 3.5.

Also, Paizo had a way of weaving these grand, immersive stories into their games. Campaigns like Rise of the Runelords, Age of Worms, and Curse of the Crimson Throne are just a few fan favorites. The world of Golarion felt alive with its rich lore, political intrigue, and diverse cultures. Every adventure path added another piece to the puzzle of this expansive world, and I loved how each campaign brought you deeper into the setting.

When Pathfinder 2nd Edition dropped in 2019, I was definitely curious to see how Paizo would update the system. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the complexity of 1st Edition, but I knew it could be a bit much for newer players. I feel that Paizo did an excellent job of streamlining the game in 2nd edition without losing the depth that made the original so appealing. The character creation is still immersive and interesting, and the rules are, if you are used to playing D&D or Pathfinder, not that difficult to learn. My biggest concern is to be able to remember which rule applies to which system, but I might be getting old...

One of the first things I noticed was the new three-action economy. This change made combat much smoother and more flexible, albeit you have to make some difficult choices every now and then in combat. Instead of dealing with standard, move, and swift actions, everything was boiled down to three actions per turn. It simplified things in the best way possible—letting me focus on tactics without getting bogged down by technicalities.

Character creation also got a revamp. The new ancestry, background, and class system made it easier to create a character that not only had depth but was fun to play, but also kind of made sense (I have to admit, I am still coming to terms with the new species vs. background in the 2024 version of D&D). Ancestries, which replaced the old "race" system, allowed for more freedom in how I shaped my character’s backstory, and teamed with backgrounds, it made some changes to the attributes as well, which I like. It felt like my characters were more connected to the world they were adventuring in, which added a lot to the overall immersion and enjoyment.

And I have to say, I really enjoyed the introduction of focus spells, which makes my spellcasters all the more useful. These short-use abilities recharge after resting, which give spellcasters more versatility in combat without overpowering the game. It was a small change, but it made a big difference in how magic feels during play. Spellcasters are still powerful and my go-to-choice, but the system makes sure that non-spellcasters have their moments to shine as well.

Whether I’m playing Pathfinder 1st Edition or Pathfinder 2nd Edition, the game offers so much in terms of flexibility, depth, and fun. Paizo’s dedication to storytelling and worldbuilding is what keeps me coming back. Golarion is certainly a fan favorite, and I love diving into adventure paths like Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous. The storytelling, the lore, the characters—it all makes the world feel alive and yet easy to access and delve into. There’s room for everything and everyone.

I would also like to mention the Pathfinder Society. Although I have never participated, I know many players who have had a great time participating in organized play campaigns over the years. It’s such a cool way to experience the game, whether you’re at a convention or playing online. The shared world and evolving storyline are a lot of fun, and it’s always a great way to meet other players who love the game as much as you do.

There's no doubt that Pathfinder is a game that continues to grow and its fanbase is huge. Pathfinder 1st Edition offered an superb level of character customization and tactical gameplay, while Pathfinder 2nd Edition has made the system more accessible and easy to learn without sacrificing any of the depth that made the first edition so great. Whether I’m crafting intricate character builds or enjoying the streamlined action economy, Pathfinder keeps delivering exciting and memorable gaming experiences.

For many roleplayers, Pathfinder continues to be the go-to-fantasy rpg. It’s the perfect mix of strategy, creativity, and storytelling—and it’s no surprise they’ve stuck with it for so long.