Embarking on your first adventure can be an exciting — and slightly intimidating — experience. Whether you're transitioning from another RPG or diving into tabletop for the first time, Pathfinder offers rich lore, deep character customization, and tactical combat that make for unforgettable campaigns.
First things first: decide which edition you’re going to run. Pathfinder First Edition (PF1e) is crunchy and dense — great for players who love complexity — while Pathfinder Second Edition (PF2e) streamlines many mechanics and is easier to learn for newcomers. We recommend PF2e if you're just starting out.
Next, gather your resources. The Core Rulebook is essential and available for free online via the Archives of Nethys. For ease, consider the Beginner Box, which includes simplified rules, pre-generated characters, and a ready-to-run adventure.
Now it’s time to build your party. Talk to your players about the kind of story you want to tell. Will it be a gritty dungeon crawl, a whimsical mystery, or an epic political saga? Session zero — where everyone aligns expectations — is vital for long-term fun.
Not sure where to begin as a GM? Start with a pre-written module. Adventures like Menace Under Otari or Fall of Plaguestone guide you step by step and introduce game mechanics naturally.
As you prep your first session, remember: you don’t need to know every rule. Focus on learning the basics — how actions work, how combat flows, and how to narrate skill checks. Keep things flexible and focus on creating a fun, collaborative story.
Lastly, make use of helpful tools like Pathbuilder for character creation, or Foundry VTT and Roll20 if you’re running games online.
Pathfinder may seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation and the right group of adventurers, you'll soon be exploring dungeons, battling dragons, and spinning tales you'll remember for years. Happy gaming!