Like everyone else, I can't recommend Pathbuilder 2e enough! I even paid for it although the basic version does almost everything (with ads). The only bummer is that the app and web version are separate purchase.

I think pandatheist at the Bone Box Chant blog does a solid job defining it here (and expanding on it in a followup post): https://boneboxchant.wordpress.com/2019/12/21/nsr/

To quote the definition, NSR games:

• Have a GM, Weird Setting, & Living World
• Are Rules Light & Deadly (or Consequential)
• Focus on Emergent Narrative, External Interaction, & Exploration

I think all of those things (except maybe Weird Setting IMO) cover the genre well with an intentionally broad and inclusive definition. I also think looking at examples may be most illustrative and understand that it's more a community than one particular set of traits. Yochai Gal (of Cairn fame) has a great article on this very idea: https://newschoolrevolution.com/2022/05/04/the-new-new-school-revolution .

Some other classics I love that I haven't seen recommended yet:

• Power Grid
• Ticket to Ride
• Puerto Rico
• Agricola
• Viticulture

I agree with pretty much everyone else too! There are a ton of great boardgames to explore and starting with Catan and a regular group is a great place to be in.

This last bit is, I think, key. I've only dabbled in 5e but that was the biggest change coming from 3.5/PF1e was that it was no longer about optimizing individual character builds but rather playing smart team tactics that change from encounter to encounter. It's hard to make a truly bad character on accident but it can be equally hard figuring out how to contribute during each fight, e.g. you probably don't want to make the third swing at -10.

I like combining Athletics action (Trip, Shove, etc) with Assurance on low(er) level enemies.

I experienced the same thing so I'm thinking it may have been down.

A partner co-op/co-GM game sounds amazing! My gut was to recommend Monk (in addition Fighter mentioned by @[email protected] ) as I play one currently and Flurry of Blows (+ Stand Still) are a lot of fun. I think these two ideas are also backed up by Steel's and Gortle's guides linked here: https://zenithgames.blogspot.com/2019/09/pathfinder-2nd-edition-guide-to-guides.html (under Druid guides).

Agreed, things like the Summoner's Eidolon also come to mind. As OP said, I imagine you could also find a group and adventure, potentially homebrewed, who just wanted to do an investigation/exploration and avoid fights but that is not bog standard Pathfinder and if that's your jam a different system focused on that style of play might be better. But back to your original question, I think it'd be tough as you need to do something in combat.

Awesome, that worked! I am happy to try and create new accounts/emails if you need someone to test if it's working.

AoN is Archives of Nethys, the official Pathfinder SRD (1e and 2e), which you can find at: https://2e.aonprd.com/ (also linked elsewhere).

Nice to see more guides! Any thought to how this works with (or against) party tactics? Is there some easy way for everyone to get concealment against an opponent?

Ah, very cool! Sounds similar to success with a complication mechanic in other games. I just assumed it was a deck of yes/no cards (along with other randomizers).

I always scan over the appropriate RPG Bot guide. I loved the 3.5/1e and 2e are good for some basic insights. I think they are all linked in the Zenith thread.

I'd also throw out Bard, Sorcerer, and Witch then if you're interested in the Occult list. I really enjoyed my 1e Witch but I think the 2e version may need work according to random Internet comments... You could also try the Psychic but I know waybless there. Also, TIL basically all casters are full casters.

Thanks so much for the insights! I'm the same when it comes to point one so that's good to watch out for and same for the other two. I'm fortunate to get to play fairly regularly but I'm realizing I have a stack of books I will never get through with my group if I don't do it on my own.

P.S. I love your avatar.

Good catch! I've been playing a Monk for most of 2e and stuck with 3.5/1e for a while before that so I'm still learning everything.

SQSS is 1e! They also run some other 1e stuff on their Patreon if you get really into it.

Not to sidetrack, but I've been interested in getting into solo RPGs. Do you play Ironsworn solo or with a group? I'm considering that or Scarlet Heroes and would love to get your take! Had not thought about Obsidian for tracking (or really thought much at all what I'd use).

I have a huge list but I think they fall in a few categories: Mecha (Lancer, Jovian Chronicles), NSR (GLOG, Black Hack, Into the Dungeon, Mausritter, World of Dungeons, 6e, etc), One pagers (Honey Heist, Orcball, The Beast, Lasers & Feelings, All Outta Bubblegum, Planted, etc), and IP (Borderlands, Mistborn, Marvel, Outlaw Star, Warcraft, Diablo, Halo, etc)

Mythic seems to be very popular for this sort of thing, I need to check it out and I love the tarot card idea! I can definitely see the benefit to the slower pacing allowing you to dig in to the rules.