Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 51 minutes ago
Many recommend D&D 5e over Pathfinder 2e to new TTRPG players, saying it is "simpler." But I think PF2 has a more approachable/better beginner product in the Beginner Box. And, while PF2 is more complex, there are 20 ways it's simpler than D&D. Here's my list!
0:00 Intro
1:29 Critical hits
2:12 Fall damage
2:59 Number of attacks
5:20 Additional dice
6:33 Stacking effects
8:46 Opposed rolls
10:09 Being vigilant
12:08 Economy
14:14 Encumbrance
15:27 Exhaustion
16:50 Resource tracking
18:31 Encounter building
21:16 Multiclassing
23:56 Surprise
26:59 Invisibility
32:11 Traits
34:53 Advantage/disadvantage
42:37 Action economy
48:28 Spellcasting
51:10 Concentration
52:50 One more thing!
53:51 Closing statement
Here's a post where the top comment shows that it's possible to get above +100 on an attack in D&D 5e. (Extreme, yes, but lists a bunch of effects that stack): rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/170826/how-high-can-the-bonus-to-an-attack-roll-get
How "Bonus Dice" work in Call of Cthulhu: call-of-cthulhu-nachtstadt-berlin.fandom.com/wiki/Bonus_Dice
"Looking to switch from 5e? Shadow of the Demon Lord does everything better. Here are the differences:" (from Reddit): reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/xgpqaq/looking_to_switch_from_5e_shadow_of_the_demon
"“Bonus Actions never playtested!?” Is it time for One D&D to consider Pathfinder's 3 action economy?" (Rules Lawyer)
youtube.com/watch?v=aa65RR63I-Y
Tabletop Bro's channel (covers PbtA and rules-light games): @tabletopbro
=============================
LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! I'm a lawyer who teaches and runs tabletop RPGs (Pathfinder, D&D, Starfinder) for kids, teens, and adults, and making videos related to TTRPGs and board games.
JOIN MY DISCORD to chat with our community and/or try the Pathfinder Beginner Box or our drop-in PF2e play system! discord.gg/ruleslawyer
SUPPORT MY PATREON for early access to many of my videos and access to exclusive content, and to support me! I do unpaid public-interest legal work and rely on the Patreon and private GMing.
patreon.com/theruleslawyer
For PF2E actual plays, SUBSCRIBE to my other channel, "RULES LAWYER DISCORD COMMUNITY CHANNEL":
youtube.com/channel/UCc1K95QD8Mv2Tr6Wne6KS9g
Follow me on TWITTER at: twitter.com/theruleslawyer1
Pick up your Pathfinder 2e book on Amazon using my affiliate links below. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases which helps me continue doing what I love!
Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook: amzn.to/3BiFCSj
Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box: amzn.to/3eVsUBB
Many recommend D&D 5e over Pathfinder 2e to new TTRPG players, saying it is "simpler." But I think PF2 has a more approachable/better beginner product in the Beginner Box. And, while PF2 is more complex, there are 20 ways it's simpler than D&D. Here's my list!
0:00 Intro
1:29 Critical hits
2:12 Fall damage
2:59 Number of attacks
5:20 Additional dice
6:33 Stacking effects
8:46 Opposed rolls
10:09 Being vigilant
12:08 Economy
14:14 Encumbrance
15:27 Exhaustion
16:50 Resource tracking
18:31 Encounter building
21:16 Multiclassing
23:56 Surprise
26:59 Invisibility
32:11 Traits
34:53 Advantage/disadvantage
42:37 Action economy
48:28 Spellcasting
51:10 Concentration
52:50 One more thing!
53:51 Closing statement
Here's a post where the top comment shows that it's possible to get above +100 on an attack in D&D 5e. (Extreme, yes, but lists a bunch of effects that stack): rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/170826/how-high-can-the-bonus-to-an-attack-roll-get
How "Bonus Dice" work in Call of Cthulhu: call-of-cthulhu-nachtstadt-berlin.fandom.com/wiki/Bonus_Dice
"Looking to switch from 5e? Shadow of the Demon Lord does everything better. Here are the differences:" (from Reddit): reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/xgpqaq/looking_to_switch_from_5e_shadow_of_the_demon
"“Bonus Actions never playtested!?” Is it time for One D&D to consider Pathfinder's 3 action economy?" (Rules Lawyer)
youtube.com/watch?v=aa65RR63I-Y
Tabletop Bro's channel (covers PbtA and rules-light games): @tabletopbro
=============================
LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! I'm a lawyer who teaches and runs tabletop RPGs (Pathfinder, D&D, Starfinder) for kids, teens, and adults, and making videos related to TTRPGs and board games.
JOIN MY DISCORD to chat with our community and/or try the Pathfinder Beginner Box or our drop-in PF2e play system! discord.gg/ruleslawyer
SUPPORT MY PATREON for early access to many of my videos and access to exclusive content, and to support me! I do unpaid public-interest legal work and rely on the Patreon and private GMing.
patreon.com/theruleslawyer
For PF2E actual plays, SUBSCRIBE to my other channel, "RULES LAWYER DISCORD COMMUNITY CHANNEL":
youtube.com/channel/UCc1K95QD8Mv2Tr6Wne6KS9g
Follow me on TWITTER at: twitter.com/theruleslawyer1
Pick up your Pathfinder 2e book on Amazon using my affiliate links below. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases which helps me continue doing what I love!
Pathfinder 2e Core Rulebook: amzn.to/3BiFCSj
Pathfinder 2e Beginner Box: amzn.to/3eVsUBB
