Players Handbook 2 vs. Advanced Players Guide

(3.5 on the left and Pathfinder on the right)

These two book are essentially the same in what they add to there games respectivly. They are the thr first players splat book. Both contain new classes, races and other such information.

Although pathfinder and 3.5 are often seen as very simulair it should be noted thatnthe new expanded classes are very different. Thus these two book are very different. 

3.5

Pathfinder.

This is the main difference between these two games as well as these two books. After the core books pathfinder diversifies significantly. People sometimes likento use pathfinder classes and such in 3.5 for this reason howvere there are some core difference that need to be adjusted for conversion.

What is pathfinder?

Pathfinder is a stand alone rpg that is very simulair to d&d 3.5 using simulair classes, races, spells and monsters intially but branching out into plenty ofnits own original content. It was written by some of the people who wrote dungeons and dragons 3.5 hence the simulairity . Some people interchange things from 3.5 with pathfinder doing some house ruled conversions. 

It has a a variety of book with different races, classes, archetypes, monsters and so on. To play the game you need the core book (pictured above) (which contains the player in for and game master info) and a beasiary (containing the monsters).

The other books are just to expand on those core rules and to give the game more flavor. For example one such book isnthe advanced players guide which has more classes, spells, equipment, feats etc.

Overall I like pathfinder. It is a good game which olays simulairties to 3.5 but with some improvements and expansion.

Lets Talk about the Pathfinder Core Book

I love RPG books but some are laayed out better or are more aestically pleasing and  than others. Pathfinder is a book I like a lot for its layout and overall design. I like its logo it fits its themes well as well i like most of its aspects.

I like there attention to detail. Even on the page number that have added something extra. 

I like their artwork that marks their chapters. Its nicely consistant and epic in nature.

Its tables are layed out well and are easy to read. And i love the detailing around the edges.
However, in there core book that did something a bit unusual. Thay have included the Game Master. instructions and rules in the core book instead in its own book.

This makes the book very large and heavy. Much larger than other players books. Its seems almost e3 times larger than say 5th editon and its not like you need the one book you still need to purchase the Bestiary in order to play.

It makes it heavier and a bt harder to carry around. Players do not need the npc or magic weapon. Information. This info is often kept from players alowing the gm to house rule their npcs, traps and to leave a bit of mystery. I makes the book bloated and filled with information most players dont need.

However, some people may like this betrer. The book is beautifully put together so i still enjoy owning it and would recommend thsi edition to someone who is interested. 

Unlimited Cantrips

One thing i like that pathfinder and d&d 5th edition happen to have in common is unlimited cantrips. Cantrips or 0 level spells in other editions were likited based on stats and level. However this meant a magic user couldnt do simple magic at will and simple things like emitting light were limited to around 6 times per day max. Luckily in Pathfinder and 5th your list of cantrips you know can be cast as much as needed. This is very helpful and makes more sense to me. It also gives the magic users more to do at low level when they dont have as many spell slots. I would also reconmend if your in a more high powered 3.5 campaign to adopt this rule as it will not really break the game and it is simple to add to your game via house rules.

(Pathfinder Core Rule Book Page 71)

(Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edtion Players Handbook Page 201)

Unlimited cantrips = great idea.

Monster Manuel 2 (3.0/3.5)

There is no Monster Manuel 2 for 3.5 edition. Monster Manuel 2 uses rules for 3.0 and are not directly compatible. Thats not to say its useless. A skilled dm can make the necessary adjustments. Its not too far off but its stats and CRs are based on a different set of rules.Damage reduction works differently in 3.0 rhan 3.5 and some spells work different. This is confusing as Monster manuel 3, 4, and 5 are for 3.5. There is just no monster manuel 2.

Why I Love 3.5
3.5 in my opinion is the best edition of dungeons and dragons and yes that includes pathfinder. I love how it increases in complexity the more books you read and decide to use. The book are great as you can use them or ignor them without losing any playability so they are not required, but they can be cool and add flavor to the game. You can play with just the 3 cores without losing any functionality and there is very little of sequels in supplements themselves so there isnt really a order you need use them in (except you should use complete arcane before comeplete mage as mage builds up on things in complete arcane. The same goes for complete divine and champion). But for example you want psions in the game yiu just need complete psionic and you can ignor all the other books and it will run fine without issues.

These books are also really fun to collect. They have some cool covers and art work. There are tons and they look really nice displayed on a book shelf.  However my favorite covers are 1st edition alternate printing covers that looked painted. However they dont display as nice on a book shelf as their spines arnt as stylized. These are much rarer to find these days and esspecially in good condition. I pride myself on my collection but like how my 3.5 books look over my other editions.

3.5 its fun to look at and fun to play!

-thek8t