The summary of ‘Pathfinder 2e ADVANCED Combat in 7 Minutes or Less’

The video delves into the importance of modifiers in Pathfinder 2E combat, particularly when aiming for critical successes by exceeding DCs. It emphasizes maximizing modifiers through item bonuses, status effects, and circumstances like attacking from advantageous positions. Various conditions like frightened and flat-footed impact combat strategies, with tactics such as demoralizing opponents and using cover to influence visibility levels and opponents' statuses. Understanding hidden and undetected conditions is crucial for dealing with foes effectively, requiring successful perception checks and strategic decision-making during combat. The "Create a Diversion" action allows for deception to become hidden, enabling choices between attacking or remaining undetected for tactical advantages. Overall, the video highlights the intricate mechanics and strategic depth of combat in Pathfinder 2E.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of modifiers in Pathfinder 2E. When exceeding a DC by more than 10, it results in a critical success. Players are encouraged to maximize modifiers from various categories like item bonuses, status effects (e.g., frightened, flat-footed), and circumstances (e.g., attacking from a tree). Frightened and flat-footed conditions stack, reducing an enemy’s AC. The frightened condition applies a penalty to checks and DCs, decreasing by one each turn. Demoralizing opponents through intimidation can cause fear effects. Flanking and attacking from hidden or concealed positions impact an opponent’s flat-footed status. Cover and visibility levels (observed, concealed, hidden) affect combat strategy and require flat checks to hit concealed or hidden opponents.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker explains the dynamics of the hidden and undetected conditions in Pathfinder 2e’s stealth system. To attack a hidden enemy like the Colo, you need to succeed at a DC-11 flat check amidst cover and visibility factors. The undetected condition relates to initial combat visibility. Actions such as Hide, Seek, and Point Out are discussed as methods to deal with hidden opponents. The speaker illustrates scenarios involving multiple foes and various levels of cover and concealment, emphasizing the importance of succeeding at perception checks to detect and counteract hidden foes effectively.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, it explains how to use the “Create a Diversion” action to become hidden by making a successful deception check against an opponent’s perception DC. If successful, you can choose to strike a potentially flat-footed opponent or sneak away and become undetected until the end of your turn. This allows for strategic decisions during combat, such as staying hidden for cover or attacking. The example given involves sneaking away behind cover after successfully creating a diversion and becoming hidden. This adds a layer of advanced combat tactics to your arsenal.