The event’s key revelation was the introduction of Starfinder Second Edition, initially announced at Gen Con 2023. This update aims to align Starfinder more closely with the mechanics of Pathfinder Second Edition. The launch of the Starfinder Playtest Rulebook, expected at Gen Con 2024, will start a comprehensive playtest phase, including content for six classes, ten ancestries, and a variety of new technological and magical options.

On the Pathfinder front, the convention showcased the forthcoming Pathfinder Player Core 2, the final installment in the Core Rulebook series, which integrates extensive player feedback and updates. The Pathfinder War of Immortals rulebook was also announced, setting the stage for a new meta event in the Golarion universe following the death of the god Gorum, which disperses mythic powers across the world.

Additional updates included the Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries, which will explore changes in the divine landscape after the War of Immortals event, and the announcement of Godsrain: A Pathfinder Novel, which follows Pathfinder’s heroes as they face new mythic challenges.

Paizo also revealed Pathfinder Quest, a new cooperative board game set to launch on BackerKit this fall. This dungeon crawler is designed for quick, campaign-style play and is aimed at both new and veteran players.

The convention additionally featured the premiere of the trailer for The Gamers: Dorkness Falls, the concluding installment of The Gamers film series, which follows the protagonists as they navigate their most perilous adventure to date.

For Pathfinder enthusiasts, the Howl of the Wild rulebook offers an in-depth exploration of Golarion’s wilderness. This extensive guide includes new ancestries, character options, and animal companions, providing a comprehensive toolkit for adventures in the great outdoors. The rulebook is available in several formats, including a special edition bound in faux leatherette.

In the Starfinder universe, the Adventure Path: Mechageddon introduces a scenario where players pilot giant mechs to combat massive monsters on the planet Daimalko. This new narrative arc adds a layer of complexity with the emergence of a third party that threatens to use an ancient artifact to obliterate all life on the planet.

Pathfinder’s popular Abomination Vaults campaign also makes its debut in Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition, bringing one of its most engaging adventures to a new audience. Players will delve into the mysterious depths of a dungeon filled with dangerous traps and formidable beasts to prevent the rise of an evil sorcerer.

See the full lineup of products on the Paizo blog.

PaizoCon 2024, set to take place this weekend, will bring together fans from across the globe. The event will be streamed live, featuring a range of interactive sessions that allow participants to engage directly with the creators and fellow gamers.

The first encounter in the series sets players against the Corpse Fleet privateers as they defend a critical data center. For groups seeking additional challenges, a bonus stat block provides the option to face a tougher opponent. The second scenario involves a confrontation with Aeon Guard troopers, protected by an unspecified but reportedly dangerous creature. This test is designed for 5th-level characters, emphasizing strategic combat skills.

Each scenario includes a complete set of resources such as a battle map, enemy stat blocks, descriptions of enemy tactics, and a preview of new weapon traits. These materials are aimed at giving players a practical introduction to the mechanics and narrative elements expected in the second edition.

Accompanying illustrations by Mirco Paganessi and Roberto Pitturru add visual depth to the encounters, featuring designs like cybernetic zombies and cybernetic Aeon troopers.

Paizo also announced that the Starfinder Second Edition Playtest Rulebook will be released at Gen Con 2024. The rulebook will be available as a free PDF download, with a softcover version offered in limited quantities. Alongside the rulebook, Paizo plans to release two playtest scenarios and a 64-page module, providing more content for testing and feedback.

Updates on further developments and upcoming events related to Starfinder Second Edition can be found on the official playtest website, starfinderplaytest.com. PaizoCon Online 2024 will host several panels discussing the transition from the first to the second edition of Starfinder.

Explore Tian Xia with Pathfinder Lost Omens World Guide

The “Pathfinder Lost Omens Tian Xia World Guide” provides an extensive overview of the continent of Tian Xia, detailing its history, cultures, and over 20 nations. The guide includes a large poster map and is available in a special edition featuring faux leather binding and foil debossing.

Begin the Wardens of Wildwood Trilogy

“Pathfinder Adventure Path #201: Pactbreaker” is the first part of the Wardens of Wildwood trilogy. This adventure for 5th- to 7th-level characters revolves around a disrupted gala where players must navigate political intrigue and prevent further violence.

Enhance Gaming Sessions with Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Showtime Multi-Pack

The “Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Showtime Multi-Pack” provides varied settings for performance-themed gaming sessions, featuring designs of a theater, amphitheater, and inn. These mats are suitable for any dry-erase, wet-erase, or permanent markers.

Tackle the Order of Dawning Fate in Starfinder

In “Starfinder Society Scenario #6-16: Dawning Fate,” players are tasked with confronting the founder of the Order of Dawning Fate. This scenario is aimed at 7th- to 10th-level characters and involves elements of espionage and conflict across the galaxy.

Pathfinder Society Scenarios Address Challenges

The Pathfinder Society releases new scenarios, including “Poisonous Council” and “Cleansing the Flame,” where players deal with shortages and mysterious attacks, respectively. These adventures test the players’ problem-solving skills and adaptability.

The event will kick off on Friday, May 24th, with the PaizoCon 2024 Keynote on Twitch, presented by Erik Mona. The keynote is set to provide attendees with the latest news and previews of upcoming products. The day will also see the introduction of Paizo’s first board game, Elemental Stones, alongside sessions that explore updates and developments in the Starfinder Second Edition, and various gaming activities and discussions.

Throughout the weekend, participants can engage in organized play game blocks, live play sessions, including an alpha playtest campaign for Starfinder Second Edition, and panel discussions covering topics such as the integration of journalism within TTRPGs and advancements in digital and physical gameplay.

Special sessions like “The Lightless Beacon: Call of Cthulhu 7E” and “Chickens in the Mist,” a Savage Worlds adventure, are also part of the agenda. These events offer immersive gaming experiences set in unique settings.

The convention will continue to offer a range of programming into the weekend, including workshops on mapmaking, panels on the therapeutic use of TTRPGs, and discussions about the Pathfinder Project Remaster. The final day, Monday, May 27th, concludes with the last series of organized play game blocks and a repeat session of “Chickens in the Mist.”

Paizo has also noted that individuals who have purchased tickets will receive early sign-up opportunities for art and writing portfolio reviews. Game signups will open to ticket holders on April 17th, with GM early sign-ups beginning on April 10th.

Pathfinder Introduces Pocket Editions: The Pathfinder Player Core and GM Core Pocket Editions are now available, offering the same detailed content as their standard counterparts but in a more compact and affordable softcover format. These editions are designed for ease of use and portability, catering to players and Game Masters who prefer a more convenient option for their gaming sessions.

New Gaming Accessory for Pathfinder: The Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Temples Multi-Pack has been released, featuring two detailed flip-mats suitable for various temple-related adventures. These mats are designed to be versatile and durable, compatible with different types of markers, and aimed at enhancing the visual aspect of gameplay.

Starfinder Society Scenarios Launch: New scenarios have been added to the Starfinder Society’s roster, including #6-13: Beginning of the End and #6-14: The Missing. These scenarios present unique challenges and narratives, from preventing a catastrophic event to solving the mystery of disappearances on a kasathan colony ship.

Pathfinder Society Releases New Scenarios: The Pathfinder Society has also seen the addition of new scenarios, such as #5-11: Equal Exchanges—The Hidden Current and the Pathfinder Society Quest #17: Escorting a Mirage. These adventures offer players the opportunity to explore mysterious locations and engage in compelling narratives.

Collaborations and Special Offers: Paizo highlights its collaborations with Archives of Nethys, Demiplane, Fantasy Grounds, Hero Lab Online, and Roll20, providing players with additional content and resources. A special mention goes to Q Workshop’s latest release of Pathfinder Region Dice, inspired by various locales within the Pathfinder universe.

Paizo encourages fans to join the upcoming Paizo LIVE event on March 1st for discussions on upcoming content and updates. The company also promotes its Paizo Subscriptions service, which ensures subscribers never miss out on new releases and offers benefits such as combined physical and PDF book purchases.

Introducing Pathfinder Player Core 2

The Pathfinder Player Core 2 rulebook is a 320-page hardcover addition to the Pathfinder Second Edition lineup. It aims to broaden player options with remastered classes, over 40 archetypes, expanded ancestries, and a diverse array of feats, spells, and alchemical items. Erik Mona, Paizo’s Chief Creative Officer and Publisher, highlighted that this edition integrates player feedback, errata, and updates from previous editions. The Pathfinder Player Core 2 will also be available in a Special Edition with an exclusive cover by Wayne Reynolds, initially offered to hobby retailers.

Curtain Call Adventure Path: A Theatrical Campaign

The Curtain Call Adventure Path introduces a novel concept where players’ characters are involved in producing an opera based on their adventures. This series spans three parts and takes characters from levels 11 to 20 through a campaign that combines traditional adventuring with performance and production challenges, against a backdrop of personal rivalries and external threats.

Prey for Death: An Assassin-Themed Adventure

Prey for Death offers a narrative that allows players to assume the roles of members of the Red Mantis assassins. This adventure is designed for 14th level characters and includes new items, lore, character backgrounds, and monsters. It provides a unique perspective on the organization’s inner workings and moral codes.

Starfinder Second Edition Playtest: A Call for Community Feedback

The Starfinder Second Edition Playtest represents a significant update to the game, aligning it more closely with the Pathfinder Second Edition’s rules. This playtest includes a 264-page rulebook filled with new classes, ancestries, skills, and spells, encouraging community participation to shape the game’s future. The playtest is complemented by A Cosmic Birthday, an adventure designed to introduce players to the new edition, and a Flip-Mat Multi-Pack for visual and tactical engagement.

In conjunction with these releases, Paizo invites passionate gamers to volunteer as Organized Play Game Masters (GMs). These volunteers, considered the best in their field, will be integral to the success of over 1,000 games planned to be run both online and in person throughout the year. Paizo emphasizes the importance of these GMs in introducing new players to the games and managing events on major stages.

For 2024, Paizo is introducing an incentive for GMs who run games at Premier or Premier Plus events. They will receive a $15 paizo.com voucher for each game block they host, which can also be used at the Paizo booth at Gen Con in Indianapolis. Further rewards, including badges, PDF or print products, and hotel accommodations, are based on the number of blocks a GM volunteers for.

PaizoCon Online 2024, scheduled from May 24-27, will feature both online and physical components, including the launch of Starfinder Society Year 7 and new Pathfinder Society scenarios. GMs interested in volunteering for PaizoCon Online need to create a free account on Tabletop.Events and complete the volunteer form.

Gen Con Indianapolis 2024, set for August 1-4, will spotlight the launch of Pathfinder Society Year 6 and the second run of the Starfinder Society interactive special, alongside the highly anticipated Starfinder Second Edition Playtest. Volunteer roles at Gen Con include Game Master, Headquarters staff, Demo GM, Board Game Demo GM, and Academy GM, each with specific responsibilities and rewards.

Origins 2024, taking place from June 19-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, is another major event where volunteers are sought for various roles. While Paizo won’t have an official presence, it recognizes Origins as a Premier event, offering additional rewards for GMs and players.

Volunteers are essential to the success of these conventions, and Paizo is committed to providing them with support, training, and rewards. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply early and join the Premier Conventions planning server for all necessary information and updates.

Heavy is the Crown

Perhaps the most awaited announcement is the conclusion of the Pathfinder Second Edition Sky King’s Tomb Adventure Path, “Heavy is the Crown” by Jessica Catalan. Designed for 8th- to 10th-level characters, the adventure places players at the brink of rewriting dwarven history. Characters are thrust into the depths of the Darklands to prevent a sorcerous rival from breaching the legendary Sky King’s Tomb.

New Flip-Mats: Mining Operation and Haunted Dungeon

For Game Masters who love to throw their players into different environments, new double-sided Flip-Mats are coming for both Starfinder and Pathfinder. The “Starfinder Flip-Mat: Mining Operation” offers a glimpse into the origin of players’ high-tech equipment, featuring a detailed mining operation layout on one side and underground tunnels on the other. On the Pathfinder side, the “Pathfinder Flip-Mat Classics: Haunted Dungeon” delivers an intricate haunted dungeon layout, making it easier for GMs to manage in-game locations without having to draw every last sinister hallway.

Society Scenarios: Heidmarch Heist and More

For those who enjoy organized play, Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-03: Heidmarch Heist, designed for 5th through 8th level characters, presents a heist theme. Players must recover a stolen item even before they have had the chance to see it. Starfinder is not to be left behind either, with Society Scenario #6-07: Race for the Dustwarren Cup, where 7th- through 10th-level characters participate in a three-day boat race across the Dustwarren silt sea of Akiton, while combating the threats of local wildlife and pirates.

Apparel and Merchandise

Paizo also made announcements about new apparel for both Pathfinder and Starfinder, through their Amazon merchandise store and licensed apparel designers like Pegasus Publishing and Savage Sparrow. These new designs debuted at Dragon Con and include themes like the Pathfinder Mirage Dragon and the Starfinder Captain Concierge.

Upcoming Schedule Changes

Gamers should mark their calendars for shifted release dates in the coming months. Paizo is rescheduling its launches to accommodate the winter holidays. But fret not, you can keep tabs on all upcoming releases through their subscription services, covering everything from rulebooks to game accessories.

Thurston Hillman, the Managing Creative Director for Starfinder, elaborated on the exciting playtests they’ve been conducting internally. Hillman is responsible for overseeing the brand’s creative trajectory and coordinating with the talented team behind the Starfinder Roleplaying Game.

The Starfinder team has been rigorously stress-testing new classes, with Jason Bulmahn, Director of Game Design, at the helm. They began with themed adventures involving intricate scenarios, from starships navigating the periphery of Event Horizons to intense jungle encounters with dangerous predators.

Playtest titled “Streetsweep,” was notable for its innovative setting. Unlike traditional environments in confined areas, this test focused on open-area and long-range combats, emphasizing the futuristic weaponry that Starfinder promises. Operated by an elite team of developers, including Jessica Catalan, Dustin Knight, and Jenny Jarzabski, the playtest employed classes like the sniper-focused operative, the healing mystic, and the time-manipulating witchwarper, with Hillman controlling a multi-armed soldier character.

This particular session featured dynamic combat sequences against the well-trained Azlanti Star Empire Aeon Guards, who exhibited unique abilities to synergize their movements and attacks. Despite a challenging initial engagement, the player characters swiftly took control of the battlefield, thanks to strategic use of their unique abilities and weapons.

The next encounter was equally compelling, pitting the team against Aeon Guard snipers in a strategically challenging setting, utilizing terrains like a fallen tree for cover. These intense combats highlighted the depth of strategy and variety the Starfinder Second Edition is poised to offer.

The playtest culminated in a team debrief, where the effectiveness of area weapons was highlighted, especially against clustered enemies. Concerns arose regarding the potential overpowered nature of the sniper operative and the necessity for the soldier class to be more versatile against individual targets. The session also underscored the significance of the mystic’s healing abilities and the unique gameplay dynamics brought about by the witchwarper’s quantum aura.

Starfinder enthusiasts can expect more intriguing updates and behind-the-scenes looks as Paizo continues its journey toward launching Starfinder Second Edition.