Unlocking the Secrets of Pathfinder 2E Weapon Familiarity: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Pathfinder 2E is a complex tabletop game that requires a good understanding of the rules to play effectively. One important aspect of the game is weapon familiarity, which allows characters to use certain weapons more effectively. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into weapon familiarity and how it can affect your gameplay.

What is Weapon Familiarity?

Weapon Familiarity is a character trait in Pathfinder 2E that allows a character to use specific weapons more effectively. This means that they gain bonuses to hit and damage when using these weapons. Typically, characters gain weapon familiarity based on their class or race.

How Does Weapon Familiarity Work?

When a character is proficient with a weapon, they gain a bonus to hit and damage with that weapon. This bonus increases as the character gains levels, making them more effective in combat. However, if a character is not proficient with a weapon, they suffer a penalty to hit and damage.

Weapon Familiarity provides an additional bonus on top of proficiency. For example, a character with Weapon Familiarity in the longsword gains an additional +1 bonus to hit when using that weapon.

Weapon Familiarity by Class and Race

Each class and race has specific weapons they are familiar with. Here are some examples:

Barbarian: Great Axe, Mace, Short Spear
Bard: Longsword, Rapier, Shortbow
Cleric: Heavy Mace, Heavy Flail, Warhammer
Druid: Club, Sickle, Spear
Fighter: Battle Axe, Falchion, Longbow
Monk: Bo Staff, Nunchaku, Sai
Paladin: Lance, Longsword, Warhammer
Ranger: Composite Longbow, Short Sword, Spear
Rogue: Short Sword, Hand Crossbow, Rapier
Sorcerer: Dagger, Sling, Heavy Crossbow
Wizard: Quarterstaff, Light Crossbow, Dagger

As you can see, different classes and races are familiar with different weapons. It’s important to choose your class and race based on the weapons you want to use in combat.

How to Gain Weapon Familiarity

Characters can gain Weapon Familiarity in a few different ways. First, some classes and races start with Weapon Familiarity in certain weapons. Second, characters can gain Weapon Familiarity through feats. Finally, some magic items can grant Weapon Familiarity.

Conclusion

Understanding Weapon Familiarity is essential to playing Pathfinder 2E effectively. By knowing which weapons your character is familiar with and how to gain Weapon Familiarity, you can maximize your effectiveness in combat. Remember, Weapon Familiarity is just one aspect of the game, but it’s an important one that can make a big difference in your character’s abilities.