D&D vs. Pathfinder: Which fantasy TTRPG is right for you?

When it comes to fantasy TTRPGs, Dungeons & Dragons remains on top, though it has strong competition from Pathfinder. Here’s how the two game systems compare and how to determine which one is a better fit for you and your play group.

As Dungeons & Dragons has exploded in popularity, it’s also inspired a host of alternatives in the TTRPG world. The most famous of these competitors is Pathfinder.

Created by Paizo, Pathfinder was first released in 2009 amid frustrations with D&D Fourth Edition and Wizards of the Coast.

Since then, both games have received new editions, with D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e being generally well-received by veteran players and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re looking to get started with fantasy TTRPGs or considering switching between the two games, here is what you need to know about how D&D and Pathfinder differ and which one better suits your gaming needs.

Pathfinder has deeper mechanics & more customization

Paizo

Those who played Dungeons & Dragons back in the 3.5e days will likely find Pathfinder pretty familiar. Pathfinder was built from that system, affectionately being nicknamed “D&D version 3.75” early on. The biggest difference between D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e is that the former emphasizes approachability, while the latter is all about customization and depth.

Take, for example, character creation. In Pathfinder, every choice you make – such as your ancestry, background, and class – is important and affects your build.

This means it’ll probably take you longer to create a Pathfinder character, but you have far more options that are arguably way more impactful.

Feats are a perfect example of how Pathfinder’s options differ from those of D&D. In D&D 5e, feats are optional, and players are able to select one upon reaching certain levels. However, in Pathfinder, feats are a major facet of character creation and growth.

In 2e, you get a feat every level, though there are different types available, you’ll have different options depending on the level, and most come with at least one prerequiste such as ancestry, class, alignment.

Having so many options available can be a plus or minus depending on your playstyle and preferences. While it does allow for a lot of customization and unique builds, it also means both players and Game Masters have their work cut out for them.

All in all, Pathfinder is great for dedicated players who care about the details and want every aspect of their character to be reflected in their build.

Dungeon & Dragons is simpler & perfect for TTRPG newcomers

Wizards of the Coast

In comparion, Dungeons & Dragons is far more streamlined, particularly in its current form.

Fifth Edition is designed to be incredibly approachable for newcomers, contributing to the game’s recent growth. This year’s promised rules revision is set to make some big changes, albeit those that are compatible with existing 5e materials.

While there are fewer character options – for example, D&D 5e has 13 classes between the base game and official expansions compared to Pathfinder 2e’s 23 classes – there is still quite a bit of customization available. Plus, because of the popularity of the game, there are plenty of third party and fan-made resources available to fill in the gaps.

In terms of gameplay, D&D is far less rules intensive. It’s really up to the Dungeon Master to decide how closely their table will stick to the rules as written and how much to bend things to promote “rule of cool” and enhance the storytelling.

This doesn’t mean D&D’s rules don’t matter at all or that Pathfinder is too rigid for creativity, but rather it speaks to what these systems emphasize and what players expect from each.

Should you play Dungeons & Dragons 5e or Pathfinder 2e?

Wizards of the Coast

At the end of the day, Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder are pretty similar, and if you have fun with one, you’ll probably also enjoy the other. Both are d20 systems that allow players that encourage

Where they diverge are in the overall complexity of the game systems and their specific mechanics.

If you and your party enjoy a mechanics-heavy approach with a lot of build options that reflect character growth, you’ll probably have a better time with Pathfinder, as its rules promote a more stategic and tactics-focused experience.

Conversely, if your group prefers a storytelling and roleplaying-focused game, D&D is likely the better choice due to its streamlined mechanics.

Keep in mind that, as with other TTRPGs, a lot of the experience comes down to the specific play group and the Game Master’s discretion, allowing for additional flexibility and house rules regardless of the system. Plus, you can always swap to another system if you find your current one doesn’t suit the group’s needs.

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