In previous posts, we clarified that Pathfinder, Starfinder, and their respective Organized Play programs (Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society) are entirely free to play. This remains true!
For home games, all the rules are available at no cost on the Archives of Nethys, providing players access to the mechanics, classes, and everything needed to play.
For Society play, the Core Assumption ensures that participants aren’t required to own physical or digital copies of specific rule or setting books to play. Here’s how it works:
- Pathfinder Society: You won’t need to own Player Core, Player Core 2, GM Core, Monster Core, the non-remastered Pathfinder Core Rulebook or Bestiary, or the Lost Omens World Guide. The details are outlined on the Pathfinder Society Character Options page under “Using Options: Resource Ownership.”
- Starfinder Society (1st Edition): Similarly, you’re not required to own the Starfinder Core Rulebook or Starfinder Alien Archive to start playing. This is explained on the Starfinder Society Character Options page, also under “Using Options: Resource Ownership.”
For either Pathfinder Society or Starfinder Society, if you want to use materials from other sources, you will usually need to provide proof of ownership. The rules for this are also covered on the Character Options pages under “Using options from other sources.” Additionally, there are special considerations for families or home groups participating in Society play.
Boons and Access: Some in-game options may require an access boon. These can be obtained in a few ways:
- Through chronicle sheets after completing a scenario.
- As free Game Rewards, which you can download from your account at Paizo.com under My Organized Play → Boons tab (specific to the character that completed the scenario).
- By purchasing them with Achievement Points (AcP), earned for every game you play or run. These too can be found under My Organized Play → Boons tab.
While it’s not necessary to purchase any books or materials for Society play, we do encourage you to support your Friendly Local Game Store (FLGS) if you decide to make any purchases. In fact, we even incentivize it!
Retail Incentive Plan: Did you know that you can benefit your entire table on game day by making purchases at your FLGS? If you show your receipt to your table’s GM, the entire table gains access to special in-game options! The great thing is, purchases don’t have to include Paizo products—they can be for anything the venue sells. Check out the Retail Incentive Plan for both Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society here:
In-Game Accessory Perks: On top of that, wearing or bringing Paizo merchandise to the game can unlock even more in-game bonuses. Each game system has slightly different perks, and you can view them here. Keep in mind that you can only use one accessory perk per session, except for the Campaign Service Coin, as explained on the page. However, if you purchase an item that qualifies for an accessory perk while at the game table, that item also qualifies for the Retail Incentive Plan! So, not only do you get in-game bonuses for your purchase, but your whole table benefits from your support of the FLGS.