Tabletop roleplaying has never been more accessible, and Pathfinder Second Edition (PF2E) is one of the best options available. Whether you are experienced with other systems, a complete newcomer, or someone transitioning from Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder offers a game with deep mechanics, balanced progression, and tons of lore to explore.
Paizo is leading RPGs in progressive storytelling, inclusivity, and player freedom. The game doesn’t just let you create legends—it gives you the tools to craft a world where every background, ancestry, and identity is celebrated.
Here’s how you can get started in 2024.
Starting as a Game Master: The Absolute Essentials
If you’re looking to run games, you two books to get started. Here’s what to pick up:
Pathfinder Player Core – This book contains all the basic rules for players, character creation, and leveling up. If you are running Pathfinder, it’s your job as GM to understand not only the rules of the world but the rules for players. This book has everything that your players will know, and usually, it’s the GM’s job to be the expert on rules, especially when playing with newcomers. Having a Player Core is also nice for your players, who may need to quickly lookup a rule. Make sure you have everything they need.
Pathfinder GM Core – The GM core gives you everything you need to run the game, including rules, tables, and much-needed worldbuilding. The Player Core is heavy on the player experience, and it shouldn’t be surprising that the GM book is essential for GMs. This book also goes deeper into mechanics, so GMs will have a deeper understanding of subsystems so running games go as smoothly as possible.
With these two resources, you will know all the rules needed to play and have the resources your players need as well.
Next Steps For Game Masters: Expanding Your Toolkit
Once you’re comfortable with the rules and fall in love with Pathfinder, these books will make running the game even easier:
Monster Core – Monsters are important to this kind of thing, so having a big list of monsters, where they can be found, and a ton of tables is great. It’s also just fun to read and look at.
Player Core 2 – When one big book of character-building options isn’t enough, it’s time to get Player Core 2. It has tons of new options and a lot of them just feel essential once you have them.
GM Screen – The screen is a handy tool for quick rules reference and hiding notes from players. It’s certainly not required, but it will save GMs from looking up tons of rules in their books. It’s not a catch-all, but you’ll be surprised at how much time is saved by this thing.
For Game Masters Who Want A Lore-Rich Pathfinder Game
If you want to immerse your players in Golarion’s world, the Lost Omens setting books expand on cultures, gods, factions, and key locations. Start with:
Lost Omens World Guide – The best overview of Golarion, covering major regions and nations in their current state. It doesn’t get too deep into each region, and specific settlements certainly don’t get the time they deserve, but this book provides a strong foundation for GMs. If GMs need to get more intimately acquainted with a specific region, they will want to use Lost Omens guides for the respective region, like Tian Xia or The Mwangi Expanse.
Lost Omens Ancestry Guide – If your group loves unique character ancestries, this book introduces many beyond the core options. You’ll find tons of niche options that make your characters feel like they have limitless customization.
Lost Omens Character Guide – Adds in-depth details on major factions, diverse character options, and NPC backgrounds. Again, this is just great for supplying GMs and characters with more resources to bring characters to life.
For Players: Getting Started
If you’re just starting as a player, you only need:
Pathfinder Player Core – The Player Core contains the rules, character options, and guidance for playing the game. Your GM might have you handled here, but it doesn’t hurt to have your own copy to refer to when playing, even if it’s the pocket edition.
That’s all you need! No need to get fancy until you get used to the game and know you like it!
Expanding Your Character-Building Options
Once you’re ready to explore more, these books unlock even more ways to customize your characters:
Player Core 2 – This book has more of the good stuff that started in Player Core. It introduces new classes and character options, as well as fun lore details to help players create believable characters.
Lost Omens Ancestry Guide – Expands the selection of playable ancestries.
Lost Omens Character Guide – Adds more character backgrounds and faction-related options.
Final Tips for Starting Pathfinder 2E in 2024
Use Free Resources – Paizo’s official site has free PDFs with rules and other resources like GM and character guides, and mini adventures (Demos). For GMs, there are great podcasts for becoming a better storyteller, like Storyteller Conclave.
Try Pre-Written Adventures – Starting with an adventure path (like Abomination Vaults, Beginner Box, and Troubles in Otari) makes learning the system easier, since GMs don’t need to keep up with their own story beats as often.
Join a Community – Engage with other players via Discord, Reddit, or local game stores to get tips and find groups.
