D&D 5e vs. Pathfinder 2e: Which Should You Play?

D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e are the two most popular fantasy TTRPG systems. They share ancestry (both descend from d20 system) but have significant differences.

Here's the breakdown.

Philosophy

D&D 5e: Streamlined. Focus on accessibility. Light rules density. "Rulings over rules" philosophy from the DMG.

Pathfinder 2e: Detailed. Focus on precision. Heavy rules density. Mathematical tightness at every level.

D&D 5e is the game for players who want to focus on storytelling with simple mechanics. Pathfinder 2e is the game for players who enjoy granular tactical play and deep character customization.

Character Creation

D&D 5e:

• 13 classes in the core ruleset.
• 9-10 species.
• Subclasses at level 3 (usually).
• Feats optional; often take ASI instead.

Pathfinder 2e:

• 20+ classes across rulebooks.
• 15+ ancestries (species) with heritage/background combinations.
• Subclass-like features from level 1.
• Feats mandatory at many levels.

Pathfinder character creation is more time-intensive but more customizable. D&D is faster but has fewer build paths.

Combat

D&D 5e:

• One action, one bonus action, one reaction, movement per turn.
• Advantage / disadvantage system.
• Simple action economy.

Pathfinder 2e:

• Three actions per turn. Use them in any combination (attack, move, cast).
• Multi-attack penalty (each subsequent attack in a turn is harder).
• Advantage/disadvantage replaced by conditional bonuses.

Pathfinder combat is more tactical. You have more choices per turn. D&D combat is simpler and faster.

Magic

D&D 5e:

• Vancian-lite system. Slots recover on long rest. Prepared casters pick from their spell list.
• 340+ spells in the SRD.

Pathfinder 2e:

• Four types of casters (prepared, spontaneous, etc.) with different mechanics.
• Spell lists vary widely by class.
• Focus spells (once per 10 minutes) add flavor.

Pathfinder has more casting variety. D&D is simpler.

Rules Mastery

D&D 5e: Easier to learn. Master in 20-30 sessions.

Pathfinder 2e: Harder to learn. Master in 50-100 sessions.

For beginners, D&D 5e is friendlier. For players who enjoy rules mastery, Pathfinder rewards the investment.

AI DMs for Each System

D&D 5e has more AI DM support. The Endlessness implements full 5e SRD rules.

Pathfinder 2e has some AI support but less mature. The system's complexity makes AI implementation harder.

Which Is "Better"

Neither. They're optimized for different things.

Play D&D 5e if:

• You're new to TTRPGs.
• You prefer storytelling over crunch.
• You want to play with less experienced groups.
• You want broader access to online tools and AI.

Play Pathfinder 2e if:

• You're an experienced TTRPG player.
• You love tactical combat.
• You want deep character customization.
• You enjoy rules mastery.

In The Endlessness

The Endlessness runs D&D 5e. We don't currently support Pathfinder 2e. If you're a 5e player, you'll feel at home. If you're a Pathfinder player, D&D will feel simpler and some of your expectations will shift.

For more, see our character creation guide, combat rules guide, and what is the SRD post.

Final Takeaway

D&D 5e is the gateway drug. Pathfinder 2e is the deep dive. Pick based on your mood.

Try D&D 5e on The Endlessness. See if it clicks.