So first and foremost, if you have any access to Android devices, pick yourself up a copy of Pathbuilder 2. You will not regret it, and it will simplify the character building issues more than I can briefly state.
Second, yes, PF2 is extremely crunchy. Almost, but not quite yet, overbearingly crunchy. Three sub-observations on that are:
- If anything, the action economy is conceptually simpler, because all the action types are the same;
- But this is offset by the sheer scope of character building options;
- But so far, in play (up to 3rd level) my combat activities focus almost entirely on maneuvering my glass cannon rogue into a flanking position; the fighter seems to spend most of the time soaking damage and helping me set up flanks, and occasionally using a power attack; but the options for the spell casters seem like they might legitimately overwhelm a new player. This may change at higher levels-- we'll see.
Third, and related to above, my jury is still out as to whether these character customizations really mean anything. Partly, this is because I find d20 systems to be relatively anemic, and cannot muster up any real excitement over a +1 bonus in a d20 system. Partly it is because PF 2e is a shameless treadmill in terms of your average bonus (at level) vs the average difficulties you'll be facing due to monsters (at level.)
Fourth, I'm curious, and I have a reason for asking that I might not say anything about until later: Are you playing through one of the published Adventure Paths, and if so which one?
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Second, yes, PF2 is extremely crunchy. Almost, but not quite yet, overbearingly crunchy. Three sub-observations on that are:
- If anything, the action economy is conceptually simpler, because all the action types are the same;
- But this is offset by the sheer scope of character building options;
- But so far, in play (up to 3rd level) my combat activities focus almost entirely on maneuvering my glass cannon rogue into a flanking position; the fighter seems to spend most of the time soaking damage and helping me set up flanks, and occasionally using a power attack; but the options for the spell casters seem like they might legitimately overwhelm a new player. This may change at higher levels-- we'll see.
Third, and related to above, my jury is still out as to whether these character customizations really mean anything. Partly, this is because I find d20 systems to be relatively anemic, and cannot muster up any real excitement over a +1 bonus in a d20 system. Partly it is because PF 2e is a shameless treadmill in terms of your average bonus (at level) vs the average difficulties you'll be facing due to monsters (at level.)
Fourth, I'm curious, and I have a reason for asking that I might not say anything about until later: Are you playing through one of the published Adventure Paths, and if so which one?