D&D 5E vs. Pathfinder 2E, which will you choose?

Batjon · August 17, 2019, 07:47:08 AM

I have owned D&D 5E since released and find it to be one of my favorite editions of the game overall. I played Pathfinder 1E at release and for a while after bought decided it was too bloated and too rules intensive for my taste. I did not follow the development of 2E at all but became intrigued after seeing all the glowing reviews. I have now purchased Pathfinder 2E and am loving it so far since it seems to me to be just as good as 1E at options but with more streamlined mechanics.

My question to you all is which game would you choose between D&D 5E and Pathfinder 2E and why?

Omega · August 17, 2019, 07:55:45 AM

5e. I was never impressed with 3e and PF is 3e with more widgets. PF2 then is 3e with streamlined widgets. Still not interested. I'll give it a whirl if chance presents. But that seems unlikely. Especially after the various antics of late by Paizo.

smcc360 · August 17, 2019, 09:11:18 AM

5E. I don't feel like learning something new, especially something as fiddly-looking as PF2.

Abraxus · August 17, 2019, 09:29:48 AM

I have 5E yet still undecided on PF 2E at least for now.

Godfather Punk · August 17, 2019, 09:31:20 AM

5e (or maybe turn back to 4E).

I burned out on D&D3.0, never bought into 3.5 but played in a PF1 campaign and I don't see why I would go back to that version of the game.
I have no idea how PF2 is different but I have enough other games to try out first.

Chris24601 · August 17, 2019, 11:48:51 AM

C) none of the above.

I've got my own system 99% done mechanically (and about 90% on the fluff side) I use for fantasy settings that can do every character concept 4E D&D could do easily and 5e is a much tamer beast. I haven't checked out PF2e in any depth, but I'm pretty sure it can cover all the concepts there too.

If I had to pick an already published system I'd go 4E, then Palladium Fantasy 1e, then Mutants & Masterminds 3e with a fantasy setting before I'd do either 5e or PF2e.

If you put a gun to my head I'd do 5e over PF2e, but I'd demand ability arrays, feats and Xanthar's Guide be allowed.

Rhedyn · August 17, 2019, 11:54:45 AM

I wouldn't pick either of those options.

If I had to pick one, 5e because at least I don't give to learn PF2e fiddly nonsense (hate 5e, our group plays other systems and has learned 4e D&D)

S'mon · August 17, 2019, 01:10:38 PM

I love 5e, I'm willing to try PF2e if someone else GMs it, but I can't see myself switching my main game.

Ratman_tf · August 17, 2019, 01:33:14 PM

I have neither system. I'm more likely to pick up PF2, since PF1 is the system we're currently playing. that depends on when/if the groups switch over.

Steven Mitchell · August 17, 2019, 01:39:01 PM

Well, since 5E is at least tied for 1st place in my list of D&D games, 3E is at the bottom, and PF doesn't even make the list ... You do the math.

If I want to do what 3E/PF thinks they are doing, I'll just play Hero or GURPS instead.

Razor 007 · August 17, 2019, 01:45:24 PM

D & D 5E, without Feats.

Pathfinder 1E is more appealing to me than 2E is.

finarvyn · August 17, 2019, 04:21:00 PM

Well, Pathfinder is rooted in 3E and PF2 seems to be a lot more like 4E, so to me the choice is clear. I like D&D 5E a lot more than I liked either 3E or 4E, so 5E wins over Pathfinder 2.

Shasarak · August 17, 2019, 04:37:48 PM

It has to be Pathfinder 2e for me. I would probably play 4e before playing 5e which is saying a lot.

Armchair Gamer · August 17, 2019, 04:38:29 PM

I tolerate 5E because it's what the group uses, but I have no real affection for it. OTOH, I've actively disliked Paizo's stuff for over a decade.

Ninneveh · August 17, 2019, 10:07:07 PM

Neither. I'd go with Palladium.