Is an Attack Roll a Check in Pathfinder 2E?

An attack roll in Pathfinder 2E (PF2E) is indeed a type of check, as it involves rolling a d20 and adding relevant modifiers to determine success or failure, but it is not considered an ability check. This distinction is crucial, as attack rolls are used for Strikes and spell attacks, and are compared against a target’s Armor Class (AC), whereas ability checks involve rolling a d20 and adding the relevant ability modifier to overcome a specific challenge or Difficulty Class (DC).

Understanding Checks in PF2E

Types of Checks

In PF2E, checks are a fundamental mechanic used to resolve various actions and challenges, including attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, saving throws, and perception checks. Each type of check has its own unique characteristics and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an attack roll in PF2E? An attack roll represents an attempt to strike an opponent and is made by rolling a d20 and adding the attack bonus.
2. Is an attack roll an ability check? No, an attack roll is not an ability check, although it may involve adding an ability modifier, such as Strength or Dexterity, to the roll.
3. What is the difference between an attack roll and a spell attack roll? A spell attack roll works similarly to a weapon attack roll, but uses the spellcasting ability modifier instead of Strength or Dexterity.
4. Do all spells require an attack roll? No, not all spells require an attack roll, but those that do involve making a spell attack roll to determine whether the spell effect hits the intended target.
5. What are ability checks in PF2E? Ability checks involve rolling a d20 and adding the relevant ability modifier to overcome a specific challenge or Difficulty Class (DC).
6. Is a Wisdom check an ability check? Yes, a Wisdom check is a type of ability check that involves rolling a d20 and adding the Wisdom modifier.
7. What is a stealth check? A stealth check is a type of skill check that uses the Dexterity ability score to conceal oneself from enemies or slip away unnoticed.
8. Is a grapple check an ability check? A grapple check is essentially a skill check that uses Strength or Athletics to grab or wrestle with a creature.
9. What is a DC check? In PF2E, a DC check refers to a Difficulty Class check, where a d20 roll is compared to a specific DC to determine success or failure.
10. How do you roll for damage in PF2E? Damage is typically rolled using a d12 or other polyhedral dice, depending on the weapon or spell being used.
11. Is an attack roll the same as a spell attack roll? While similar, attack rolls and spell attack rolls have some key differences, including the ability modifier used and the damage roll calculation.
12. Do you add anything to attack rolls? Yes, attack rolls typically involve adding the relevant ability modifier, such as Strength or Dexterity, as well as other modifiers like proficiency bonus or item bonus.
13. What is advantage on attack rolls? Advantage on attack rolls allows a character to roll two d20s and take the higher result, increasing the chances of hitting the target.
14. What are checks in PF2E? Checks in PF2E are d20 rolls used to resolve various actions and challenges, including attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, saving throws, and perception checks.
15. Can you take 20 on craft checks in PF2E? Yes, taking 20 on a craft check allows a character to automatically succeed, but it takes 20 times as long as making a single check, making it a time-consuming but reliable option.