Is Human the Best Race in Pathfinder?
The straightforward answer is: no, human is not definitively the “best” race in Pathfinder across all builds and playstyles, but it is arguably the most versatile and consistently strong choice. While other races excel in specific niches, the human’s combination of a bonus feat, extra skill points, and a flexible ability score bonus makes it a solid contender for nearly any class or role. The “best” race truly depends on your desired character concept and the specific mechanics you wish to leverage. However, humans offer a reliably powerful starting point for players of all experience levels.
The Allure of Human Versatility
Why does the human race garner so much attention in Pathfinder? Let’s break down the core reasons:
The Power of the Bonus Feat
The single most significant racial trait humans possess is the bonus feat at 1st level. This extra feat grants early access to powerful abilities, allowing you to customize your character and specialize in certain areas of combat or skill proficiency right from the start. It offers more build flexibility and allows you to pursue a stronger character earlier in the game. This can be particularly game-changing for classes that heavily rely on feats, such as fighters, slayers, and even some spellcasters.
The Value of Extra Skills
Humans also benefit from an extra skill rank at 1st level and every level thereafter. This means your human character will be more skilled in various areas than other races, allowing you to more easily fulfill roles both in and out of combat. Whether you need to disable traps, persuade NPCs, or gather information, a human’s access to extra skills translates to tangible advantages in any campaign.
Adaptability with Ability Scores
While many races receive set ability score bonuses, humans get a +2 bonus to any ability score of their choosing. This adaptability is unparalleled. It means that no matter what class you choose, your human character can start with their main stat boosted, leading to early game advantages. It gives you a chance to excel immediately instead of being held back.
When Other Races Shine
While humans are undeniably strong, they are not universally superior. Here are some scenarios where other races might be more optimal:
- Strength-Focused Characters: Races like half-orcs and dwarves excel in strength-based builds. The half-orc often gains bonuses to Strength and Constitution, along with abilities that enhance their survivability in melee, while dwarves can be very resilient.
- Dexterity-Focused Characters: For those focused on finesse weapons, sneaking, or ranged attacks, elves, halflings, and kitsune can be superior choices. These races have built-in dexterity bonuses and abilities, sometimes paired with movement advantages or other beneficial attributes.
- Spellcasting Classes: Certain races have traits that complement magic, whether it be through additional spells, spell resistance, or other beneficial abilities that give them an edge. For example, Tieflings have useful spell like abilities and often Charisma bonuses.
- Specific Class Synergies: Some races have mechanics that are particularly synergistic with specific classes. Dhampirs, for instance, can be strong choices for Rogues or melee-focused Hunters because they gain a mix of Strength and Constitution boosts.
The Ideal Choice for Beginners
For new players venturing into the world of Pathfinder, the human race is often the easiest and most forgiving choice. Their versatility allows for mistakes during the build process, since the bonus feat and flexible ability score bonus can help compensate for errors. Humans are also often mechanically less complicated than some other races, making them easier to learn and play.
Human: Not the Best, but Always a Contender
The power of a human character lies in its versatility and customizability. While they may not be the absolute best in any specific niche, the extra feat, skills, and flexible ability score bonus make them a consistently strong choice for any build. They offer a safe foundation upon which to learn the system and explore different playstyles. In many ways, it is this broad competence that makes the human race so valuable in Pathfinder. They are a reliable option for any player, regardless of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs to help you further understand how the human race stacks up in Pathfinder:
1. What is the base speed for humans in Pathfinder?
Humans have a base speed of 30 feet. This is a standard speed for many medium-sized races.
2. How does the bonus feat impact a human’s build?
The bonus feat allows a human character to access special abilities, proficiency, and other benefits early in the game, enhancing their effectiveness in their chosen role. This can be anything from weapon proficiency to spell casting enhancement.
3. Can the human +2 ability bonus be changed after character creation?
No, the choice of which ability score to boost is made at character creation and cannot be changed later.
4. Does the human’s extra skill rank apply retroactively when multiclassing?
No, the extra skill point gained from being human applies only at levels gained in the class where they are a human. It will not apply retroactively to levels gained in other classes beforehand.
5. Are humans the best race for melee characters in Pathfinder?
Not always. While they are solid, races like half-orcs or dwarves can be stronger for purely melee builds due to their inate strength bonuses. However, a human can be optimized for melee combat using their flexibility and extra feats.
6. Are humans the best race for ranged characters?
Similar to melee characters, humans can be good at ranged combat but are not the ultimate best. Elves and halflings tend to have natural dexterity bonuses that give them an advantage in ranged combat.
7. What are the advantages of playing a human for a spellcasting class?
Humans offer a reliable ability score boost in their key spellcasting ability. They also have an extra feat that can allow for early access to spell enhancing options and extra skills for versatile play.
8. Is human a beginner-friendly race?
Absolutely. Humans are considered one of the most beginner-friendly races in Pathfinder due to their straightforward mechanics and adaptability.
9. How old do humans typically live in Pathfinder?
A typical human in Pathfinder can live to be around 90 years old.
10. Is it good to play a human as a rogue?
Yes. While they may not be the best, humans can make a strong and versatile rogue. The extra skill points and feat help them perform a variety of roles, like traps, social interactions, or combat roles.
11. What are the disadvantages of choosing human compared to other races?
Humans may lack unique racial abilities that other races possess. They don’t have dark vision, natural armor, or other special bonuses. They are, generally, a blank canvas, rather than a character with innate bonuses.
12. Are there any racial variants or subraces of humans in Pathfinder?
Yes, there are many regional and cultural variations within the human race in Pathfinder. However, all those share the same basic racial traits.
13. How do humans interact with other races in Pathfinder?
Humans are a diverse race and have relationships with all races in the Pathfinder world. The nature of their relationships varies depending on culture and region.
14. Do humans get any special abilities based on religion or culture?
While there are some feats and abilities based on religion and culture, humans do not receive any core mechanical benefits based on them.
15. Can human characters be powerful in the late game?
Yes, a well-built human character can be incredibly powerful, even in the late game. Their adaptability means that they can easily adjust to fill the needs of the party, or to a specialized role. The bonus feat will allow a human to make powerful builds earlier than other races.