Starfinder
2nd EditionBest For
Sci-fi fans who want Pathfinder 2e's tactical depth with plasma rifles and starships. Great for PF2e veterans looking for cross-compatible space adventure.
Core Mechanic
d20 + modifier vs. DC. Three-action economy per turn. Four degrees of success. Cross-compatible with Pathfinder 2e.
The d20 core mirrors Pathfinder: roll against a DC across four degrees of success, with three actions a turn. Classes carry the build weight, gating the skills, spells, and features you can use. Tactical combat runs deep, and starship combat adds a second tactical layer with its own crew roles. It needs a focused read-through before play flows.
- Free to tryFull core rulesLegally free as an SRD, PDF, or official web rules
- Get it nowAvailable nowFree to download or read online
- ✓IndexFind any rule by page number
- ✓GM guidanceA chapter on how to run the game
- ✓Examples of playRules shown in action at the table
- ✓Quick referenceCheat sheet or summary tables
- ✓Cross-referencesRules point to each other by page
5 of 5 book tools found in the core book
Highlights
Free rules on Archives of Nethys, deep tactical combat, cross-compatible with PF2e, distinct class identity
Considerations
Steep learning curve, fewer classes and options than PF2e (still growing), tactical starship combat rules deferred to a future supplement with current rules being narrative only
Rules license ORC
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