Pathfinder 2e: Skill Feats vs. General Feats – Unlocking Your Character’s Potential
Yes, you can take a skill feat instead of a general feat in Pathfinder 2nd Edition (PF2e). Skill feats are a subset of general feats, meaning every skill feat is also considered a general feat. This allows for flexibility in character building, particularly when your build benefits from a specific skill-based ability.
Understanding Feats in Pathfinder 2e
Pathfinder 2e’s character progression hinges heavily on feats, special abilities and training that define your character beyond their class and ancestry. There are several types of feats, each with its own purpose:
- Class Feats: Gained through your chosen class, defining your combat style and core abilities.
- Ancestry Feats: Derived from your character’s ancestry, granting unique abilities and cultural traits.
- Skill Feats: Focused on enhancing specific skills and their associated actions.
- General Feats: A broad category encompassing abilities anyone can learn, including (but not limited to) skill feats.
The crucial point is that skill feats always have the “Skill” trait and often require a specific proficiency rank in the relevant skill. They often grant access to new actions related to that skill, or improve existing ones. General feats, on the other hand, can be anything from increasing your hit points to improving your proficiency with certain weapons.
Skill Feats as a Subset of General Feats
The core rulebook clearly establishes that skill feats fall under the umbrella of general feats. When you are granted a general feat, you have the option of selecting any feat from the general feat list. This list includes feats with the “Skill” trait. Therefore, you can freely choose a skill feat when a general feat is offered.
However, the reverse is not true. If you are specifically instructed to take a skill feat, you must choose a feat with the “Skill” trait. You cannot select a general feat that lacks the skill trait in this scenario. This distinction is crucial for understanding feat selection rules.
Strategic Feat Selection: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right feats is critical for building an effective and enjoyable character in PF2e. Consider the following when making your selections:
- Character Concept: What kind of character do you want to play? A stealthy rogue, a knowledgeable scholar, or a charismatic diplomat? Choose feats that reinforce your desired role.
- Party Composition: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your party. Selecting feats that complement your allies can significantly improve overall effectiveness.
- Skill Proficiencies: Skill feats often have proficiency prerequisites. Invest in the skills that align with your character’s concept and the feats you want to acquire.
- Long-Term Goals: Plan your feat selections in advance. Some feats are stepping stones to more powerful abilities later in your character’s progression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to skill feats and general feats in Pathfinder 2e:
1. Do I get a general feat at level 1?
No, you do not automatically get a general feat at level 1. You gain a class feat, an ancestry feat, and a skill feat at level 1, but the first general feat is acquired at level 3.
2. What is the difference between a skill feat and a general feat?
Every skill feat is a general feat, but not every general feat is a skill feat. Skill feats enhance specific skills, while general feats offer a broader range of abilities.
3. Where can I find a list of general feats?
General feats are listed in the feats chapter of the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Core Rulebook, starting from page 160.
4. Can I take the same feat multiple times?
Generally, no. You can only take a feat once unless its description explicitly states otherwise.
5. What are feat prerequisites?
Feat prerequisites are specific requirements (ability scores, skill ranks, other feats) that a character must meet to select a particular feat.
6. How many feats do I get in total?
The total number of feats varies depending on your class and ancestry. Class feats are gained every even level, ancestry feats every 4 levels after 1st, skill feats every even level, and general feats at levels 3 and then every 4 levels.
7. Can I retrain a feat if I don’t like it?
Yes, the retraining rules in PF2e allow you to replace a feat with a different one, subject to certain time and cost constraints.
8. Can I take an archetype at level 1?
It’s rare, but some class archetypes alter or replace initial class features, which can allow taking the dedication feat at level 2 and the archetype from level 1.
9. What is the best general feat to take?
The “best” general feat depends entirely on your character build and playstyle. Some popular choices include Toughness (for increased hit points), Fleet (for increased movement speed), and Diehard (for improved survivability).
10. Are skill feats always the best choice for a skill-focused character?
Not necessarily. While skill feats provide powerful skill enhancements, other general feats might offer more versatile benefits or better synergy with your overall build.
11. Can I use a skill feat to bypass skill proficiency requirements for other actions?
No. Skill proficiency requirements for specific actions (like crafting complex items) must still be met, regardless of your skill feats.
12. How do skill feats interact with skill increases?
Skill increases improve your proficiency rank in a skill, which unlocks higher-level skill feats. They work together to create a powerful skill-based character.
13. Can a wizard wear armor in PF2e?
Yes, but they must be trained in the appropriate armor proficiency (which requires feats) and meet the Strength requirement of the armor to avoid penalties.
14. What’s the difference between a feat and an ability?
Feats are special abilities gained through character progression, while abilities are inherent traits or class features.
15. Where can I learn more about Pathfinder 2e rules and character building?
The Pathfinder 2nd Edition Core Rulebook is the definitive resource. Additionally, online communities, forums, and the Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer valuable insights and discussions on PF2e gameplay and strategy.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between skill feats and general feats is crucial for optimizing your character in Pathfinder 2e. Remember that you can always choose a skill feat when selecting a general feat, but you must choose a skill feat when specifically required to do so. By carefully considering your character concept, party composition, and long-term goals, you can make informed feat selections that enhance your Pathfinder 2e experience. Whether it is making sure your character is optimized for combat, exploration, or social interactions, a sound understanding of how to pick and choose feats is essential.