These are the general rules for Pathfinder Society Playtests. Each playtest may have specific rules; see the playtest announcements for specific rules.
Playtest Period
Each playtest runs for a specified period. Once this period has expired, players can no longer use the options being playtested until their publication in a future Pathfinder product.
Playtest Characters
Playtest options can be accessed by creating a custom character using the rules presented in the playtest document. This character functions as a pregenerated character.
Creating a playtest character: Depending on the tier of the scenario, the player can use a 1st-, 3rd-, or 5th-level character created using the eligible playtest options and the following guidelines:
- 1st Level: The character can be made using the Character Creation rules PC pg. 17Player Core page 17%%%(click to close) and the Character Creation Appendix of this guide.
- 3rd Level: This character follows the same rules as above, except that instead of 15 gp starting gold, they can select one 2nd-level and two 1st-level permanent items. In addition, the player can spend up to 25 gp on other available equipment.
- 5th Level: This character follows the same rules as above, except that instead of 15 gp starting gold, they can select one 4th-level, two 3rd-level, one 2nd-level, and two 1st-level permanent items. In addition, the player can spend up to 50 gp on other available equipment.
The Guidelines for Treasure for New Characters and Choosing Items GMC pg. 61, CRB pg. 510GM Core page 61
Core Rulebook page 510
(click to close) apply to these equipment choices.
Credit: Choose which of your characters will receive the credit at the beginning of the adventure. The credit earned for playing a playtest character follows the same rules and guidelines as applying credit for a pregenerated character, presented in the Applying Credit section of the Player Basics page of this Guide.
Boons and Other Character Options: In order for the playtest character to take a character option that would normally require a Boon, that playtest character must have all of their credit assigned to a character number that has purchased that Boon.
GM Opt-In
Because playtest use additional rules elements that some GMs may not be comfortable with, each GM must opt-in for playtest characters to be used at their tables. Please make sure that you consult the GM prior to game!
Current and Past Playtests
This list contains all previous playtests. Make sure to check the dates to see if a playtest is still ongoing.
Battlecry! Playtest
29 April to 21 June 2024
This playtest includes the commander and guardian classes. The character must take a playtest class, and cannot take archetypes.
War of Immortals Playtest
1 September to 2 October 2023
This playtest included the animist and exemplar classes. The character must take a playtest class, and cannot take archetypes.
Kineticist Class Playtest
8 August to 5 September 2022
This playtest included the kineticst class, published in Rage of Elements. The character must take a playtest class, and cannot take archetypes.
Dark Archive Playtest
''20 September to 29 October 2021
This playtest included the psychic and thaumaturge classes. The character must take a playtest class, and cannot take archetypes.
Guns & Gears Playtest
5 January to 5 February 2021
This playtest included the gunslinger and inventor classes. The character must take a playtest class, and cannot take archetypes.