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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Starfinder RPG

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide
Chapter 8: Playing the Game / Rules Overview

Modes of Play

Source Player Core pg. 398 2.0
This game presents three main methods of structuring play.

Encounter mode (page 435) is highly structured and is most often used for combat or stressful situations. Everyone in an encounter rolls initiative (page 435) to determine the order they act, with highest results going first. A participant takes their turn when their initiative comes up (page 435). You can Delay to change when you take your turn (416).

Exploration mode (page 438) takes place over minutes or hours. You use your travel Speed if you're moving, and you engage in exploration activities like Avoiding Notice, Detecting Magic, Scouting, or Searching. You can rest for the night while exploring to recover HP and abilities, and make daily preparations at the start of each day (page 439).

Downtime mode (page 440) takes place over days. You might make money, train, or recover, among other things.