Welcome, adventurers! If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re considering playing Pathfinder: Kingmaker, and let’s be honest—this game is not for the faint of heart. As a complex, strategic RPG based on the Pathfinder tabletop system, it demands patience, planning, and a willingness to learn. But don’t worry, because this guide is here to help you navigate your first steps into the vast, challenging world of Kingmaker.

Understanding the Basics

At its core, Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a single-player RPG with a focus on strategy, tactical combat, and kingdom management. The game was brought to life by Owlcat Games through a crowdfunding campaign and has since earned a reputation for its depth and challenge. As a new player, you’ll embark on an epic journey where you must build a kingdom while surviving the dangers of the Stolen Lands.

One of the first things to know is that the game presents you with an extensive set of options. You might be tempted to tweak settings to make things easier, but it’s best to leave them alone for now and focus on learning the fundamentals. The complexity of Kingmaker lies in its intricate mechanics, particularly in character creation, tactical combat, and decision-making.

Character Creation: Setting the Foundations

One of the most important steps in Pathfinder: Kingmaker is character creation, which can feel overwhelming at first. You can either use a pre-built character or customize your own, the latter offering a deep level of personalization. Here’s what you need to know:

• Race Selection: Your character’s race determines their base abilities and traits. Humans, elves, dwarves, and more are available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some races, like halflings, are only available if you have the Wildcards DLC.
• Class Choice: Your class defines your combat style. Fighters and barbarians thrive in melee combat, while wizards and alchemists rely on spells and intelligence. Some classes, like rogues, use agility-based attacks instead of brute strength.
• Archetypes: These subclass specializations further refine your character. For example, a rogue can become a Knife Master, excelling in dagger combat, or an Eldritch Scoundrel, blending magic with trickery.
• Stat Distribution: There are six core stats: Strength (physical power), Dexterity (agility), Constitution (health), Intelligence (learning), Wisdom (perception), and Charisma (persuasion). Allocate points based on your class’s needs.
• Skills & Feats: These abilities enhance your character’s effectiveness. Feats grant passive bonuses, while skills like lockpicking, world knowledge, and stealth are used in various scenarios.
• Alignment: The moral compass of your character, which affects dialogue choices and how NPCs interact with you. Good and evil decisions impact the story, as does your stance on law and chaos.

Your First Steps into the Story

Your journey begins in the mansion of Lady Jamandi Aldori, where a group of adventurers—including yourself—have been gathered to undertake an expedition into the Stolen Lands. The goal? To overthrow the bandit leader known as the Stag Lord and claim rulership over the region. However, things take a dramatic turn when assassins attack the mansion, setting the stage for your first real test.

During this initial segment, you’ll meet some key companions:

• Lindsay – A cheerful halfling bard looking to chronicle a hero’s journey.
• Amiri – A fierce barbarian from a patriarchal tribe, determined to prove herself.
• Valerie – A disciplined fighter who rejects the expectations of beauty.
• Harrim – A dwarven cleric with a bleak outlook on life, devoted to the god of the end times.
• Jaethal – An undead elven inquisitor, exiled for her dark experiments.
• Tartuccio – A pompous gnome with delusions of grandeur.

The mansion attack serves as a tutorial, introducing real-time and turn-based combat. If you’re new to tactical RPGs, consider using turn-based mode, as it gives you more control over your actions.

Combat and Exploration: Learning the Ropes

The game offers two combat modes:

• Real-Time with Pause: Your party acts simultaneously, and you can pause to issue commands.
• Turn-Based Combat: More tactical, with characters acting in a structured order based on initiative.

Understanding actions is key:

• Move Action: Allows your character to reposition or use minor abilities.
• Standard Action: Used for attacks, spellcasting, and special abilities.
• Full Attack: When a character can attack multiple times in one round.
• Swift & Free Actions: Bonus abilities that don’t consume your main actions.

Your first real battle happens when you fight alongside Lady Jamandi against a frost giant and other foes. While the fight seems daunting, you’re given enough allies to ensure victory.

The Beginning of Your Kingdom

After the battle, Lady Jamandi assigns two rival groups to explore the Stolen Lands. Depending on your alignment and choices, you’ll gain different companions. Your first stop is Oleg’s Trading Post, which will serve as your base in the opening chapter. Here, you’ll:

• Stock up on supplies.
• Rest and recover.
• Trade weapons, spells, and potions.
• Talk to your companions and learn more about them.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

With your first battles behind you and a base of operations established, you’re ready to truly begin your adventure. As you venture further, you’ll face moral dilemmas, strategic battles, and kingdom management decisions that shape the story. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll cover essential tips and tricks for beginners, ensuring you have the knowledge to thrive in the Stolen Lands!

If you found this guide helpful, consider leaving a like and checking out more content. Happy adventuring!