Learn more about how the new Hero Lab Class Packs work for Pathfinder. If you’re interested in specific aspects, you can dive right into the pertinent sections via the links below. We also have an
extensive FAQ that should answer questions not covered here.
The New Class Pack Entry Path
There are now two ways to get started with Hero Lab: the traditional Rulebook Entry Path and the new Class Pack Entry Path. Each entry path offers a different approach to obtaining the material from seven essential rulebooks:
Pathfinder Core Rulebook, Advanced Player’s Guide,
Ultimate Combat,
Ultimate Magic,
Advanced Class Guide,
Occult Adventures, and
Ultimate Intrigue (upon release in spring 2016).
The Class Pack Entry Path provides an alternative, cost-effective way to start taking advantage of Hero Lab. Class Packs are tailored to players, granting access to all the material from the seven rulebooks for only a limited number of classes. Players who prefer playing a subset of the different classes can get everything they need at a much lower cost through Class Packs.
To get started with Class Packs, simply select one of the options listed beneath the Class Pack Entry Path header when
purchasing Hero Lab. Your initial purchase includes one Class Pack of your choice, which unlocks 3-4 classes and
everything from the seven essential rulebooks identified above. All archetypes for the unlocked classes are included, as well as all feats, spells, gear, optional rules, and everything else from those seven rulebooks – all you need to create characters with your unlocked classes for only $29.99.
Available Class Packs
Each Class Pack unlocks 3-4 classes, including their associated archetypes. You can mix and match different class packs to get the combination of classes you prefer. After the initial Class Pack that’s included with your Hero Lab purchase, further Class Packs can be added for
$6.99 each. Simply choose from the list below:
- Fighter Class Pack – unlocks Fighter, Cavalier, and Samurai
- Barbarian Class Pack – unlocks Barbarian (and Unchained Barbarian), Gunslinger, Swashbuckler, and Skald
- Ranger Class Pack – unlocks Ranger, Monk (and Unchained Monk), Brawler, and Hunter
- Paladin Class Pack – unlocks Paladin (and Antipaladin), Magus, Inquisitor, and Medium
- Rogue Class Pack – unlocks Rogue (and Unchained Rogue), Ninja, Investigator, and Slayer
- Cleric Class Pack – unlocks Cleric, Psychic, and Warpriest
- Druid Pack – unlocks Druid, Oracle, Shaman, and Spiritualist
- Bard Class Pack – unlocks Bard, Alchemist, Occultist, and Vigilante (upon release of Ultimate Intrigue, Spring 2016)
- Wizard Class Pack – unlocks Wizard, Kineticist, Arcanist, and Mesmerist
- Sorcerer Class Pack – unlocks Sorcerer, Witch, Summoner (and Unchained Summoner), and Bloodrager
If you purchase a Class Pack containing an updated class from
Pathfinder Unchained, the revised version of that class is also included, so both the original and revised versions of the class are available for use. However, none of the other material from
Pathfinder Unchained is included within Class Packs – only the specifics for the classes. Access to additional
Pathfinder Unchained rules is obtained via an optional add-on package.
The Rulebook Entry Path
Not sure if Class Packs are ideal for you? Pathfinder players are still free to choose the traditional Rulebook Entry Path if they prefer. The Rulebook Entry Path starts players off with the
Pathfinder Core Rulebook for the same initial $29.99. You can add the additional essential rulebooks in any combination for
only $9.99 each.
See our pricing page for more information.
The Rulebook Entry Path and Class Pack Entry Path are mutually exclusive, so you can’t mix Class Packs with the essential rulebooks. If you choose one path, all further material from the essential rulebooks is available only via that path, either by purchasing additional essential rulebook packages or more Class Packs.
Expanding Beyond the Entry Paths
Looking for character options from outside the seven essential rulebooks? Round out your character with new options from the rest of the Pathfinder library, including add-on packages for additional rulebooks (e.g.
Advanced Race Guide), Player Companion books, Campaign Setting books, Adventure Paths for GMs, and more! Material from select third-party publishers is also available through add-on packages. These add-on packages
are available equally to users who purchase both the Class Pack and Rulebook Entry Paths, and they work the same for all users.
Pathfinder Options for Existing Hero Lab Users
Current Hero Lab users can take advantage of Pathfinder Class Packs, too! If you already own Hero Lab for another game system, like Shadowrun or Mutants & Masterminds, you can simply
add the Pathfinder Class Pack option to your Hero Lab license for only $20.00. This will include one Class Pack of your choice, just as if you purchased Hero Lab for the first time via the Class Pack Entry Path.
If you’re already a Pathfinder user, you can also take advantage of the Class Packs! For a limited time, you can
convert your license to the new Class Pack Entry Path for free. After doing so, your license will behave as if you picked the Class Pack Entry Path when you initially purchased Pathfinder.
These
important caveats apply to users considering the conversion process:
- Conversion is a one-time process that cannot be undone. If you convert to Class Packs, you cannot switch back to the Rulebook Entry Path later.
- Conversion will both add and remove access to different material. You will gain access to all the books included by the Class Packs Entry Path. However, you will also lose access to any classes that aren’t included in the Class Packs you select.
- The conversion option will expire on December 31, 2015.
How Conversion Works for Existing Users
As outlined in the previous section, conversion is a one-time process that cannot be undone which both adds and removes access to Pathfinder material. Converting a license that only includes the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook allows you to select ONE Class Pack, exactly as if you purchased the Class Pack Entry Path. Access to classes not included within the chosen Class Pack will be lost, but you’ll gain access to all the material from the
seven essential rulebooks for use with the classes you unlock.
If your existing license includes additional packages for the other
six essential rulebooks, you’ll receive credit for those books towards adding further Class Packs to your license. During the conversion, you can add whatever Class Packs you wish. Excluding the Core Rulebook that was a part of your original $29.99 purchase, the other six essential rulebooks each grant $9.99 in credit during the conversion process. If you select more Class Packs than you have credit, you’ll be able to simply pay the difference at checkout. If you choose not to use your available credit, you will
lose any unused credit.
All add-on packages you’ve purchased outside of the essential rulebooks are completely separate from the conversion process and will remain tied to your license after the conversion. Only the six add-on packages for the essential rulebooks are replaced by Class Packs.
Let’s look at a specific example for a user who has purchased the “Pathfinder Core” package and two add-ons, the Advanced Players Guide and Ultimate Equipment. Converting to Class Packs will apply a credit of $9.99 for the Advanced Players Guide, while Ultimate Equipment is not impacted by the conversion – it will remain part of your license after the conversion is completed. You’ll choose an initial Class Pack as part of the conversion, after which you will have $9.99 in credit available. At this point, you have two choices. Option #1 is to select one additional Class Pack ($6.99) and forego the remaining $3 in credit ($9.99 minus $6.99). Option #2 is to select two or more additional Class Packs ($6.99 each). If you select two Class Packs, the total price would be $13.98, but you have a $9.99 credit which brings the total down to only $3.99 at checkout.
The conversion option is only available for a
limited time, and it’s the
only means of switching an existing Hero Lab license to the new Class Packs Entry Path. Once the conversion option expires, users will not be able to switch to the Class Packs. In addition, if you choose not to use the credit available during the conversion process, you
will not receive a refund nor be able to use the credit on future purchases.
Get Started Today!
So what are you waiting for? If you’re new to Pathfinder, or if you’re an experienced player that has held off buying Hero Lab, this is the perfect time to
give it a try! For only $29.99, you can start building Pathfinder characters with everything from seven of the most popular rulebooks! There’s a reason Hero Lab is the go-to character creator for Pathfinder players and GMs and has won three ENnie awards – now it’s time to discover for yourself.
If you have any further questions about the new Class Pack option, we’ve put together an extensive
Frequently Asked Questions page that should answer them. If you don’t find an answer in the FAQ,
visit our forums and ask your question there. We’ll do our best to get answers to you as quickly as possible.
Want to keep up on the latest Hero Lab releases and news? Be sure to “like” Hero Lab on
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