SPECIAL NOTICE
Malicious code was found on the site, which has been removed, but would have been able to access files and the database, revealing email addresses, posts, and encoded passwords (which would need to be decoded). However, there is no direct evidence that any such activity occurred. REGARDLESS, BE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS. And as is good practice, remember to never use the same password on more than one site. While performing housekeeping, we also decided to upgrade the forums.
This is a site for discussing roleplaying games. Have fun doing so, but there is one major rule: do not discuss political issues that aren't directly and uniquely related to the subject of the thread and about gaming. While this site is dedicated to free speech, the following will not be tolerated: devolving a thread into unrelated political discussion, sockpuppeting (using multiple and/or bogus accounts), disrupting topics without contributing to them, and posting images that could get someone fired in the workplace (an external link is OK, but clearly mark it as Not Safe For Work, or NSFW). If you receive a warning, please take it seriously and either move on to another topic or steer the discussion back to its original RPG-related theme.

Pathfinder 2e vs 5e : which one is faster in combat and task resolution?

Started by Murphy78, August 26, 2023, 11:07:05 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Murphy78

I guess that the correct answer is: stick to Ose, Murphy, and not bother!  :D

I don't know much 5e: played a couple of times and I remember next to 0. I do remember that the PHB is dull as fuck, I gave up at the equipment chapter.

Pathfinder 2e: read some bits at the shop. It doesn't look dull and I like classes as the Alchemist...

Considering both system raw (only core manuals, no extra), which one is faster in combat and task resolution?

BadApple

You're asking what paint brand dries faster.  Both are fine at lower levels. Starting at about lvl 5 there's a geometric growth in time required to resolve combat the further up the levels you go.  By the time you get to about lvl 12, you'd be better off playing Cyberpunk 2020 for combat speed.
>Blade Runner RPG
Terrible idea, overwhelming majority of ttrpg players can't pass Voight-Kampff test.
    - Anonymous

Murphy78

Quote from: BadApple on August 26, 2023, 11:13:09 AM
You're asking what paint brand dries faster.  Both are fine at lower levels. Starting at about lvl 5 there's a geometric growth in time required to resolve combat the further up the levels you go.  By the time you get to about lvl 12, you'd be better off playing Cyberpunk 2020 for combat speed.

It looks like I should just stick to Ose...

Nameless Mist

It honestly depends on the types of characters involved.  Spellcasting is pretty fast in Pathfinder 2E, but that's part of the problem with it.  Nearly all of the spells are aimed at combat and only last for a few rounds or minutes at most.  Very few spells can be "sustained" longer than that, and Utility spells are either useless or nonexistent.  I've found the only way to make this system work for spellcasters that are more than just damage turrets or status boosters is to houserule durations for Utility spells and certain defensive ones.

I will admit that the action economy in Pathfinder 2E is probably the best part of the system, but that seems like something you could just houserule into 1E for a slight improvement.  Very little else about 2E is an improvement.

D&D 5E is generally faster and spellcasters have more depth and versatility, so I view it as the superior choice for combat and everything else.

Mistwell

It's really a player issue. If your players are really on top of how their PC works and other PCs at the table work and care about going fast, either system can be fast. If they're not that familiar with their own PC or the others, they will go slow.

I've heard PF2 is more dependent on other PCs at your table and involves more synergy and interaction between PCs in combat, but I cannot verify that.

Neither system however is built like a rules lite system.

Jam The MF

Quote from: Mistwell on August 26, 2023, 12:24:19 PM
It's really a player issue. If your players are really on top of how their PC works and other PCs at the table work and care about going fast, either system can be fast. If they're not that familiar with their own PC or the others, they will go slow.

I've heard PF2 is more dependent on other PCs at your table and involves more synergy and interaction between PCs in combat, but I cannot verify that.

Neither system however is built like a rules lite system.

I agree that any game being played, moves only as fast as the whole group together moves.  Low level 5E can move quickly, if you stick to playing simple characters.  But 5E does have layers of options and capabilities, just to make the characters feel more special.  It starts out fairly simple at first, and then it keeps adding more layers to the sandwich.
Let the Dice, Decide the Outcome.  Accept the Results.

Steven Mitchell

Which is faster, you dragging 300 lbs of rocks on a sled across the ground or you dragging 300 lbs of timber on a sled across the ground?  Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Scooter

Quote from: Steven Mitchell on August 26, 2023, 02:55:56 PM
Which is faster, you dragging 300 lbs of rocks on a sled across the ground or you dragging 300 lbs of timber on a sled across the ground?  Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

This and add 300lbs. to the load every 3 levels.  Basically becomes a slog.  D&D 2nd Edition is MILES better.  Something like C&C is light years better.
There is no saving throw vs. stupidity

Venka

Pathfinder 2e, by a lot.

Why?  Every pathfinder 2e person is really big into the system.  Your whole PF2E table is PF2E fanboys, of course they are good at resolution!  By contrast, your 5e table has just the most casual players... so it takes longer to resolve things! 

Mistwell

Quote from: Steven Mitchell on August 26, 2023, 02:55:56 PM
Which is faster, you dragging 300 lbs of rocks on a sled across the ground or you dragging 300 lbs of timber on a sled across the ground?  Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Having watched Physical 100, specifically the Boat Challenge episode, I feel I can definitively say the scenario you paint is more complicated than just the weight and the sled :)

Also, if you have not seen the show, well worth watching.


Murphy78

Quote from: Venka on August 26, 2023, 08:59:44 PM
Pathfinder 2e, by a lot.

Why?  Every pathfinder 2e person is really big into the system.  Your whole PF2E table is PF2E fanboys, of course they are good at resolution!  By contrast, your 5e table has just the most casual players... so it takes longer to resolve things!

That must be true  as I know a few people who was into PF1, but nobody into PF2. Those who play it must be enthusiast.
Anyway, we would all be PF2 newbie, so the learning seems too steep...likely killing the campaign before we get to that level of expertise.

Nameless Mist

Quote from: Murphy78 on August 27, 2023, 03:20:35 AM
Quote from: Venka on August 26, 2023, 08:59:44 PM
Pathfinder 2e, by a lot.

Why?  Every pathfinder 2e person is really big into the system.  Your whole PF2E table is PF2E fanboys, of course they are good at resolution!  By contrast, your 5e table has just the most casual players... so it takes longer to resolve things!

That must be true  as I know a few people who was into PF1, but nobody into PF2. Those who play it must be enthusiast.
Anyway, we would all be PF2 newbie, so the learning seems too steep...likely killing the campaign before we get to that level of expertise.

While I view the PF2 system as being deeply flawed, I wouldn't call it difficult.  I'd actually say it's too simple in many regards.  The action economy, as mentioned before, is simple in a good way, but spells seem dumbed down.

If you've played PF1 or D&D 3E, you'll find it comparably easy.

Exploderwizard

So the question is, which is faster, the tortise or the sloth?  " I am!" says the B/X bunny.
Quote from: JonWakeGamers, as a whole, are much like primitive cavemen when confronted with a new game. Rather than \'oh, neat, what\'s this do?\', the reaction is to decide if it\'s a sex hole, then hit it with a rock.

Quote from: Old Geezer;724252At some point it seems like D&D is going to disappear up its own ass.

Quote from: Kyle Aaron;766997In the randomness of the dice lies the seed for the great oak of creativity and fun. The great virtue of the dice is that they come without boxed text.

Jaeger

Quote from: Nameless Mist on August 27, 2023, 08:54:26 AM
While I view the PF2 system as being deeply flawed, I wouldn't call it difficult.  I'd actually say it's too simple in many regards.  The action economy, as mentioned before, is simple in a good way, but spells seem dumbed down.

If you've played PF1 or D&D 3E, you'll find it comparably easy.

What is it about PF2 that you find deeply flawed?

For me it is how they double down on having the PC's move through the "tiers of play" due to their tight leveling math.
"The envious are not satisfied with equality; they secretly yearn for superiority and revenge."

Theory of Games

Talk about low effort threads  :P

PF IS the same core mechanic (1d20+ mods) as WoTC game. PF has always been WoTC game version 3.75.

Which spreads faster: Miracle Whip or mayo?

TTRPGs are just games. Friends are forever.