Pathfinder Second Edition has a lot in common with Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition storytelling-wise. Both games are about parties of adventures going on epic quests and recovering treasure from dungeons. However, they're very different games mechanically. They both diverge from the very similar Dungeons & Dragons Third Edition and Pathfinder First Edition.

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When many D&D fans may be exploring other systems, Pathfinder is an obvious choice for many. However, some may find its different mechanics daunting. Pathfinder character building is an involved process that continues throughout the entire game. Nonetheless, there are some builds that may be easier for a new player to learn the system with.

Updated June 12th by Isaac Williams: Pathfinder 2e has a reputation for being a complex and crunchy TTRPG. However, some builds are better for new players than others. This list has been updated with even more of Pathfinder 2e's easiest builds for new players, including one that will ease players into more mechanics as the game goes on.

15 Sword-And-Shield Fighter

The official art for the fighter in DnD 5e

D&D and Pathfinder both have a simple fighter class. In comparison to many others, the fighter has to use fewer mechanics. Their focus is on swinging weapons and battling enemies. This class can help players learn combat and more general mechanics without focusing on anything too specialized.

In Pathfinder 2e, even the fighter has plenty of choices in character creation. They have hundreds of weapons to choose from. They also pick feats at every level, like other classes. A fighter wielding a straightforward weapon and shield will still be effective in combat. They can keep themselves safe and deal respectable damage without being too complicated to build.

14 Crane Stance Monk

A monk making use of Ki in DnD.

Monks are a powerful class in Pathfinder 2e, while also being easy to grasp. They focus on making a large number of unarmed strikes. However, they introduce more variety than it sounds. A good monk for a starting player takes the Crane Stance feat at first level. This improves their Armor Class and forces them to use Crane Wing unarmed strikes.

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Between Crane Stance and Flurry of Blows, a starting monk learns two vital mechanics: Flourishes and Stances. These are introduced in an easy-to-understand way with this build. It will also introduce players to magic items through the build's eventual need for handwraps of mighty blows.

13 Two-Weapon Ranger

A Ranger wielding a pair of swords in DnD

Pathfinder 2e rangers are one of the game's more straightforward classes. They eschew spellcasting aside from Focus Spells. In addition, they don't have to add additional systems like animal companions. A player can shine in the game with a ranger who focuses on weaponry and hunting down enemies.

In particular, the Pathfinder 2e ranger is well-suited to dual-wielding. It also makes for a simple build. With two weapons, the Twin Takedown feat, and the Flurry Hunter's Edge, the ranger can attack more than most characters with less loss of accuracy. It's a simple way to do a lot of damage. In addition, wielding two weapons can help a player learn Pathfinder 2e's large arsenal that bit more quickly.

12 Starlit Span Magus

A Magic User wielding a sword in DnD.

The magus is one of Pathfinder's most popular classes in any edition. As a result, it's a common choice for players' first character. It's well-suited for this role as long as players can deal with some front-loaded rules. A Pathfinder magus blends martial combat and spellcasting, using weapon attacks to deliver magical damage.

A magus can be daunting to new Pathfinder 2e players. It has spellcasting, stances, focus spells, Spellstrike, and more. However, it also has a reliable core loop of using Spellstrike with cantrips. Everything else is =extra. With Pathfinder 2e's Starlit Span magus, the player can use Spellstrike with ranged weapons, limiting the need to balance their action economy with movement.

11 Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer

A pair of mages fighting on the cover of Pathfinder 2e Fists of the Ruby Phoenix Adventure Path

Pathfinder 2e's spellcasting mechanics can throw some players off. Most casters must prepare every casting of a spell they want to use the next day. To cast a spell multiple times, they have to prepare it every single one of those times. This is far from D&D 5e's more lenient preparation rules.

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Pathfinder 2e's sorcerer goes about spellcasting in an easier way for newer players. It is a far more spontaneous caster. The sorcerer has to learn spells and can then choose how often to use them each day. Sorcerers can also get access to any magical tradition in Pathfinder 2e. The Draconic Bloodline learns the versatile Arcane magic. It's one of the best ways to get to grips with the system's spellcasting.

10 Fury Instinct Barbarian

A Zealot Barbarian fighting a pair of enemies in DnD.

Barbarians are a versatile class in Pathfinder Second Edition. On top of their Rage and combat abilities, they get several features from their Instinct. Of these, the Fury Instinct is by far the most straightforward. However, this doesn't mean it lacks for power or fun. The Fury Instinct's toolset revolves around hitting harder and taking less damage while using Rage.

On top of this, the Fury Instinct barbarian gets an additional first-level barbarian feat. This can give a starting player more freedom in their options and cushion any suboptimal choices. A Fury Instinct barbarian can teach a player Pathfinder 2e's combat and abilities like Rage without overwhelming them.

9 Thief Racket Rogue

A rogue stealthing towards an enemy in DnD.

Pathfinder rogues are similar to their D&D counterparts. They're skill experts who damage enemies with their Sneak Attack in combat. The Pathfinder rogue is slightly more complex, but operates on similar principles. In particular, Sneak Attack is a valuable tool to help players learn tactical combat. Enemies must be flat-footed for Sneak Attack to work. This encourages a rogue to learn how to catch enemies off-guard.

The Thief rogue is one of the most straightforward Pathfinder 2e Rackets a rogue can take. It gets to add its Dexterity to attacks with Finesse weapons. As such, a player will always be able to do respectable damage with a Thief rogue, even if they're not playing their best. The greater amount of Skill Feats can throw some players off, but they're easy enough to remember.

8 Cloistered Cleric

A Cleric surrounded by magical energy while casting a light spell in DnD

Many of Pathfinder 2e's most interesting classes have spellcasting. However, Pathfinder's spellcasting mechanics, including spell preparation, can be daunting for some players. A cleric can introduce the complex spellcasting system without drowning a player in options. The Cloistered Doctrine also provides an easy introduction to other mechanics.

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A Cloistered Cleric focuses more on spellcasting than other types of combat. They gain access to Focus Spells, and their spells are more effective throughout the game. The sheer number of Domains can be overwhelming, but a DM should be able to guide players to the simpler ones. A Pathfinder 2e cleric player should always be able to do something helpful between spellcasting, Focus Spells, and other abilities. However, they also have reliable fallback options should they be spoiled for choice.

7 Mountain Stance Monk

A bald Barbarian Monk fighting with a spear in DnD 5e

Pathfinder 2e monks can struggle with balancing their Strength and Dexterity. A monk with Mountain Stance makes this part of character creation much more straightforward. With Mountain Stance, a Pathfinder 2e monk doesn't benefit from Dexterity to their Armor Class, instead getting an inherent bonus.

This lets a monk focus on their Strength and other abilities scores. With Mountain Stance, building a monk becomes more straightforward without sacrificing effectiveness. The added durability can also be invaluable for newer Pathfinder 2e players who are still getting to grips with combat.

6 Two-Handed Weapon Fighter

A Fighter blocking the way in DnD.

Fighters can be built many ways in Pathfinder 2e. A popular starting choice, even included as a sample archetype, is a fighter using two-handed weapons. These allow for both powerful strikes and options to disrupt some foes. Such a build uses a dangerous two-handed weapon and takes feats like Knockdown and Positioning Assault.

Pathfinder 2e's two-handed weapons do good damage on their own. A player can also learn the importance of trade-offs with feats like Power Attack. However, the build's other feats showcase other parts of combat than just damage dealing. It's a slightly more complex fighter build that can help players understand more of the game.

5 Fencer Style Swashbuckler

A Fighter/Rogue multiclass wielding a sword in DnD

Pathfinder 2e's swashbuckler is all about using skills in combat and making extravagant moves. As a result, it's the perfect class to introduce multiple mechanics and get new players invested. While all swashbucklers are usable for new Pathfinder 2e players, the Fender style is the most straightforward.

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The Fencer builds up Panache by using Feint, a valuable combat mechanic that encourages players to increase their ever-useful Deception. Its relative durability, high damage, and steady resource management of Panache makes the Swashbuckler ideal for players looking to have fun with Pathfinder 2e combat.

4 Weapon Ally Champion

An Oath of Conquest Paladin slaying a foe in DnD

Champions are a Pathfinder class that can look intimidating at first. They get access to a lot of features from their very first level. However, many of these abilities are easy to understand, and some can even help ease a new player in. Additionally, they're a safe choice for new players for another reason. They have some of the best defenses in the game, making it very hard for a champion to die.

Features like a Champion's Cause can seem complex. However, they merely open up a single combat ability with complementary feats at higher levels. Deity can be more daunting, but then inform abilities like Deific Weapon. Later down the line, a champion can choose an Ally. A Weapon Ally introduces players to magic weapons and their mechanics early on in a gradual fashion.

3 Ruffian Racket Rogue

A rogue leading an attack on a ship in DnD

Rogues are stereotyped as a Dexterity class in both D&D 5e and Pathfinder 2e. However, the Ruffian rogue racket changes things. It gets access to medium armor, the ability to Sneak Attack with simple weapons, and the choice of Strength as its key ability score. In effect, it splits the difference between a rogue and a fighter.

A Ruffian rogue in Pathfinder 2e can hold their own in combat better than many other rogues. In addition, they can serve as a valuable introduction to mechanics like tripping, given they have good Strength and no inherent way to make enemies flat-footed. Their less limited weapon selection can also help players learn Pathfinder's many weapons.

2 Angelic Bloodline Sorcerer

A Lunar Sorcerer from DnD 5e Dragonlance casting moon magic

Sorcerers remain the most straightforward Pathfinder 2e spellcaster. However, they're less limited than their equivalents in D&D 5e. A Pathfinder 2e sorcerer doesn't have to be an Arcane caster. Their Bloodline allows them to choose any spell list. The Angelic Bloodline sorcerer is ideal for any player looking to try out Divine magic.

Pathfinder 2e's Angelic Bloodline combines the versatile and straightforward Divine spell list with the easy spellcasting of a sorcerer. Its granted spells and Bloodline spells are also simple in their own right. Even better, it gives proficiency in Persuasion, making it a good choice for players looking to try out roleplaying.

1 Dragon Instinct Barbarian

A dragon breathing fire at a human in DnD

The Dragon Instinct is one of the most popular barbarian builds. However, it's also well-designed for new players. Its abilities start off simple and become gradually more complex and powerful. A Dragon Instinct barbarian initially starts off dealing elemental damage with their Rage.

However, their later features and feats take things to another level. They gain damage resistance, an area-of-effect breath weapon, draconic wings, and finally, a full transformation into a dragon form. The Dragon Instinct starts off simple for new players and then gets more complex as they come to grips with Pathfinder.

NEXT: Every Core Ancestry In Pathfinder 2e, Explained