Understanding and Mastering the Pathfinder 2nd Edition Proficiency Bonus

In the world of Pathfinder 2nd Edition (PF2E), the proficiency bonus is a crucial element that defines your character's capabilities and growth. It represents your general ability and experience in various skills and activities, and it scales with your character's level.

What is the Proficiency Bonus?

The proficiency bonus in PF2E is a numerical value that represents your character's overall proficiency in a given skill or activity. It is added to all skill checks, attack rolls, and saving throws related to that skill or activity.

Progression and Levels

The proficiency bonus increases every four levels, starting at level 1. The following table shows the proficiency bonus at each character level:

Levels of Proficiency

In PF2E, there are three levels of proficiency:

• Untrained: Characters without proficiency in a skill or activity roll a d20 and add their ability modifier.
• Trained: Characters with trained proficiency roll a d20, add their ability modifier, and the proficiency bonus.
• Expert: Characters with expert proficiency roll a d20, add their ability modifier, the proficiency bonus, and a circumstance or proficiency bonus.

Skill and Activity Checks

Skill checks are rolls that determine the success or failure of a particular action or task. The proficiency bonus applies to all skill checks related to skills in which your character is trained or expert.

Attack Rolls and Saving Throws

Attack rolls determine whether an attack hits its target, while saving throws determine whether your character avoids or mitigates the effects of an attack or harmful effect. The proficiency bonus applies to all attack rolls and saving throws made by your character.

Using the Proficiency Bonus Effectively

To use the proficiency bonus effectively, consider the following strategies:

• Primarily focus on skills or activities that align with your character's background, class, and role in the party.
• Invest in expert proficiency in skills that are crucial to your character's strengths and playstyle.
• Consider multiclassing to gain additional proficiency bonuses in skills that complement your character's concept.

Example Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A rogue with expert proficiency in Stealth and Thievery successfully infiltrates a heavily guarded mansion, using their proficiency bonus to avoid detection and steal valuable information.

Lesson: Investing in expert proficiency can grant your character significant advantages in specific areas of specialization.

Story 2: A fighter with trained proficiency in Athletics uses the proficiency bonus to boost their jump distance, allowing them to reach a higher vantage point and gain an advantage in combat.

Lesson: Even untrained characters can benefit from the proficiency bonus, adding an extra layer of competence to their skill checks.

Story 3: A wizard with expert proficiency in Arcana uses the proficiency bonus to decipher ancient runes, unlocking a secret passage that leads to a powerful artifact.

Lesson: Expert proficiency in knowledge skills can provide valuable insights and open up new possibilities for your character.