Pathfinder 2eplayers have a wide variety of options when building their characters for adventures. Classes, attributes, feats, and equipment are crucial decisions for creating level 1 characters, directly influencing their performance in the game. However,an equally important choice is the character’s Ancestry, which defines their origin and impacts various aspects of their development and abilities throughout the game.
Among the best ancestries inPathfinder 2nd edition, some stand out significantly, offering unique benefits and adapting to different play styles. With dozens of options available in Paizo’s RPG, selecting the right Ancestry can maximize a character’s potential and enrich the gaming experience, making sure they’re ready for thebest Adventure Paths available in Pathfinder.
10Humans
Classic And Versatile
Among the plethora of different and varied options available to tabletop RPG players,opting to play as humans might seem tedious. However, despite lacking any fantastical traits, this ancestry is versatile and works well with any class available in the game, as it allows players to choose where the attribute boosts go.
Additionally, if players opt for the Versatile Heritage, they can gain an extra general feat at level 1, which can help address a character’s weakness, such as choosing Toughness to enhance Hit Points. This makes humans one of the best playable ancestries inPathfinder 2e.
9Elves
Unique Characteristics
Elves are a classic people in countless works of fiction, andPathfinder 2eis no different. Despite the flaw in Constitution and the low initial Hit Points (making them a poor choice for melee combat classes), elves compensate with attributes that favor Dexterity and Intelligence-dependent classes.
The Ancient Heritage also stands out, allowing easy multiclassing. This combination of attributes and abilities makes elves a highly useful ancestry for players seeking flexibility and efficiency in their character builds. Additionally, players who choose this heritage will benefit even more in terms of adaptability.
8Halflings
Perfect For Lord Of The Rings Fans
Halflings are known for their optimistic nature and adventurous spirit,always ready to explore the world around them. Though small in stature, their bravery and curiosity make them valuable companions on any journey. Often living among other ancestries, they easily adapt to local cultures, bringing a unique blend of tradition and innovation to the communities they inhabit.
In addition to their natural adaptability, halflings possess exceptional feats, such as Halfling Luck, which allows rerolling critical failures without compromising action economy. Another notable feat is Cultural Adaptability, granting them access to abilities from other ancestries, further enhancing their capabilities and versatility inPathfinder 2eadventures. This adaptability makes them one of the bestPathfinder 2eancestries for flexible gameplay.
7Kobolds
Trap Masters
Kobolds are small reptilian creatures descended from dragons, known for their ingenuity and unique trap-setting skills. They combine courage and cunning to overcome adversities despite their low Hit Points and Constitution flaw. Their draconic heritage grants them fascinating traits like Darkvision, making them a versatile choice for players seeking innovation.
Feats like Snare Setter allow them to use uncommon Snares, while Snare Genius offers additional free traps per day and makes targets Flat-Footed on critical failures. These mechanical abilities turn kobolds into trap masters, ready for anyPathfinder 2eadventure, and they synergize well with Rangers — although classes like Bards and Sorcerers also benefit from their attributes.
6Dwarves
Strong And Resilient
Dwarves are known for their secluded mountain lives and natural body resilience, making them excellent choices for various classes. They have innate Darkvision, a highly useful game trait, and start with good initial Hit Points, making this ancestry a good option for tank classes.
Additionally, feats like Mountain’s Stoutness increase player durability, and when combined with Toughness, make Barbarians even more resilient. Although it may seem strange, dwarf attributes also pair well with classes like Ranger, as improvements in Constitution and Wisdom are always welcome for them. Their robust nature makes them one of the bestPathfinder 2eancestries for resilient character builds.
5Catfolk
Feline Cunning
ForPathfinder 2eplayers looking for an ancestry different from the peoples we are usually accustomed to in tabletop RPGs, catfolk are an excellent option. They embody all that can be expected from humanoid cats — being agile and offering feline-themed feats. The bonuses received by this ancestry are perfect for classes that have Dexterity builds or need Charisma to maximize their potential.
4Leshy
Adorable Plant Creatures
For players interested in a uniquePathfinder 2eancestry, Leshies are an excellent option. In terms of appearance, they resemble plants, allowing for a lot of creativity in character design. They also have access to good attributes and feats. Although the flaw in Intelligence may deter them from classes like Magus and Wizard, Leshies benefit more from builds like Druid due to their connection with nature.
They are also great Bards, using their unique abilities to inspire allies and control the battlefield. Lastly, this ancestry is a good option for Monks — due to their resilience — or Rangers, leveraging their skill combinations. Their unique plant-like nature makes them one of the bestPathfinder 2eancestries for creative players.
3Sprites
The Tiny Heroes Of Golarion
Sprites inPathfinder 2eare an ancestry full of flavor, making them fun to play in various situations. Despite their small size, low HP, and Strength flaw that may steer them away from some melee-focused classes, their attributes make them an excellent choice for options that allow them to attack opponents from a safe distance.
Another point that makes sprites enjoyable is the possibility of having a small corgi as a familiar, which, depending on the chosen heritage, can also serve as a mount to help compensate for the ancestry’s low movement speed. Additionally, players who enjoyusing great feats to tell storiescan choose the Hero’s Wings at higher levels, making them respected by their peers as a powerful hero or villain. This unique flair makes sprites one of the bestPathfinder 2eancestries for imaginative gameplay.
2Orcs
Excellent For Melee Combat
Paizo has made efforts to diversify orcs, maintaining characteristics appreciated by players. InPathfinder 2e, orcs remain strong, resilient, andexcellent in melee combat. This approach allows players to explore the strength and toughness of orcs more deeply without resorting to simplistic stereotypes.
Mechanically, orcs are notable for their resilience. With above-average Hit Points, Darkvision, and the Orc Ferocity ability, they excel in survival and combat. Their attributes are flexible, offering two free ability boosts, allowing for versatile customization without sacrificing combat effectiveness. Their robust traits make orcs one of the bestPathfinder 2eancestries for melee-focused characters.
1Gnomes
Curious And Eccentric
Gnomes have unique traitsin Golarion that make them significant in Paizo’s setting. Through a distinct connection to the First World and primal magic, they are curious and eccentric, possessing fascinating abilities and unique ancestry options that make them one of the best ancestries inPathfinder 2e.
Mechanically, gnomes have average Hit Points and low-light vision. Their boosts in Constitution and Charisma make them ideal for Charisma-based classes like Bards and Sorcerers. However, they also work well as Wizards, as their heritages offer additional spells to complement the class, enhancing their caster potential. Their curiosity and eccentricity, combined with mechanical flexibility and prowess, makes gnomes the best playable ancestry inPathfinder 2e.
