PF1

PF1, short for Pathfinder First Edition, is the initial edition of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game published by Paizo Publishing. Released in 2009, PF1 built on the D20 System and was designed as a successor to Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, expanding content and options while keeping backward compatibility with much 3.5 material.

Game mechanics: PF1 uses six ability scores and a d20-based resolution system. Most tasks are resolved by rolling a d20, adding relevant ability and skill modifiers, and comparing the result to a Difficulty Class or the target’s defenses. The action economy includes standard, move, and full-round actions, with swift and free actions also used in many situations. Characters advance in levels by gaining experience, selecting class features, and acquiring feats, skills, and spells. A wide range of classes and ancestries from the core rules and numerous supplements enables extensive character customization.

Character options and magic: Core rules cover multiple classes such as fighters, clerics, wizards, rogues, and others, with additional options available through supplements and prestige classes. PF1 uses a modular magic system with arcane and divine spellcasters; spells are organized by level and class, with magical items expanding options. Feats play a central role in defining character abilities and combat style, while skills underpin many noncombat challenges.

Publication history and legacy: The Core Rulebook and many supplemental volumes define the PF1 rule set, and Paizo released numerous books expanding classes, races, monsters, and settings. In 2019, Paizo released Pathfinder Second Edition as a new ruleset, but PF1 remains in use by players and is supported by community resources and fan wikis. Official references for PF1 are maintained alongside PF2 on Paizo’s sites and community platforms, ensuring continued access to legacy material.