The Sweet Spot

[Frylock]

I haven't played Pathfinder and am curious whether they've expanded the sweet spot for v.3.5. Although this is something of a subjective topic, many agree that 3.5 has a sweet spot between 4th and 12th level, with 3.5 breaking down to an extent outside that range. For those that agree, do you find Pathfinder to have expanded that sweet spot?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Sylrae]

I don't play RAW Pathfinder, but it does make the low levels more playable. Add to pathfinder rules action points, and the bonus hp I give to starting characters (9+(1/2 con score)) level 1 is included in the sweet-spot.

I can't speak for high level play.

 

[benjamin]

Sweet spot is getting fatter at the bottom...

Hi,

We have just started a RAW Pathfinder game. Have played two sessions with a monk and a druid.

We always started 3.5 characters at 3rd level. This time we thought we would try first level.

Seems like it is completely fine. No-one has died. Definietely fun coming in with characters right at the beginning of their career in heroics.

So maybe the sweet spot has widened out at the bottom??? All the way down to 1?

I'll let you know what happens when we pass 14!

Ben


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[Jhaelen]

I haven't played it either, but after reading the rulebook, I didn't have the impression that the changes help to extend the sweet spot into higher levels. I'd love to hear (well, read) from someone who's actually played Pathfinder at level 13+, though.

 

[Scott DeWar]

I too will be glad to read what people write of pathfinder RAW at 13+.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

They've expanded it because 1) we still get to play a Third Edition variant with full support and 2) there are a lotta cool options in there.

 

[Glade Riven]

Havn't had the chance to play, yet, but I suppose the higher level stuff depends on just how people build their characters. You want idiot proofing perfect balancing, play 4e.

 

[Jhaelen]

Havn't had the chance to play, yet, but I suppose the higher level stuff depends on just how people build their characters. You want idiot proofing perfect balancing, play 4e.

You don't seem to be particularly confident that Pathfinder will hold up at higher levels...

Saying 'Well, you gotta fix it yourself' or 'Go, play 4e' doesn't sound promising.

It's not just about the characters, either. It's the high-level monsters, as well. I don't have the Pathfinder bestiary (yet), so I don't know what changes have been made to them.

Anyway, let's see some actual game reports!

 

[TheNovaLord]

Playing RAW in two campaigns....good guys starting with Everflame/Hollows mix, have nealry hit 4th

and bad guys in a hombrew campaign world, and have hit 3rd

10 observations

1. Have played maybe 10 sessions in total
2. Enjoying all the little bits n pieces boost, like traits and powers from domains et al
3. no one ahs played a bard yet, but 1st level spells at 1st level
4. The BBEG in the good guy capaign has been utterly annihilated by a huge buffed up paladin (eagles splendor, bulls strength et al). Hard az nailz.
5. Its early but again odds levels seem better than evens.
6. the wizard, cleric and sorceror havent once had to reach for the crossbow. huzzah.
7. Bad guys powers, especially for the cleric, are so much more fun than good guy ones.
8. Good guy races seem to have lots bits n pieces, but the drow, hobgoblin, kobold in the evil party just 'rock the dungeon'
9. I guess its new, its all pretty sweet
10. the 'extra doodad' feats for the barb, pally, etc are great.

EDIT: just re-read original question. Yep sweet spot starts at 1st, i have a suspicion, and thats all it is that where 3.5 got icky around 11th, it may start a bit earlier in PF. we are starting PFS in 2010 and that maxes at 12th so i wont have to relive high level horrors of 3.5/LG

 

[Frylock]

Not an Edition War Thread

This is not intended to be an edition war thread. Please refrain from that. All I want is for the Pathfinder loyalists that believed 3.5 had a limited sweet spot to answer honestly whether Pathfinder has expanded it.

For those that have, or eventually will, thanks.