The Differences in Character Creation Between Pathfinder 2E and D&D 5E

Not all campaigns look like this!

So, your DM has told you that they’re switching to Pathfinder 2E (PF2E), and now you’re wondering how in the world to create a character. If you have yet to hear about Pathfinder, it’s an alternative roleplaying system based on an older version of D&D (3.5E, to be exact). However, unlike 5E, it changes many things you’re used to in standard D&D. But how exactly does Pathfinder 2E change character creation? Is it more balanced or less balanced than 5E? What are the differences between the two systems, and why do they exist? Let’s look at how character creation differs between Fifth Edition D&D and Pathfinder Second Edition.

Ability Scores

Yup, the dice DO look like this

The abilities in both games are the same. They both have six abilities, namely: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. In D&D 5E, you have a few options for building your character’s ability scores:

• Standard Array: A series of values that guarantee a balanced character
• 3d6 rolls: Players roll three six-sided dice and take the total
• 4d6-drop-lowest: an improvement over 36d, allowing…