Use the PF2E Encounter Calculator to plan your adventures and balance your encounters. Whether you are a Game Master or a player, understanding encounter balance is crucial for an engaging and challenging game experience.

Encounter Calculation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the encounter XP budget based on party level, size, and encounter difficulty.

XP Budget = Party Level * Party Size * Difficulty Modifier

Variables:

  • XP Budget is the total experience points allocated for the encounter.
  • Party Level is the average level of the player characters.
  • Party Size is the number of player characters in the party.
  • Difficulty Modifier is a factor based on the encounter difficulty: Trivial (10), Low (20), Moderate (30), Severe (40), Extreme (50).

To calculate the encounter XP budget, multiply the party level by the party size and then by the difficulty modifier.

What is Encounter Calculation?

Encounter calculation in Pathfinder Second Edition (PF2E) is the process of determining the appropriate challenge for a group of player characters. This involves balancing the encounter to ensure it is neither too easy nor too difficult. Proper encounter calculation helps maintain the pacing and excitement of the game.

How to Calculate Encounter XP?

The following steps outline how to calculate the encounter XP budget using the given formula:

  1. Determine the average level of the party.
  2. Count the number of characters in the party.
  3. Choose the desired encounter difficulty.
  4. Use the formula: XP Budget = Party Level * Party Size * Difficulty Modifier.
  5. Calculate the XP budget by inserting the values and performing the multiplication.
  6. Check the result with the calculator above to ensure accuracy.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Party Level = 5

Party Size = 4

Encounter Difficulty = Moderate

Expected XP Budget = 600

FAQ

1. What is the XP Budget?

The XP Budget is the total experience points allocated for an encounter, used to determine its difficulty and balance.

2. How do I use the encounter calculator?

Enter the party level, size, and desired difficulty into the calculator to determine the XP budget. Use this budget to select appropriate monsters.

3. How often should I use the encounter calculator?

Use the encounter calculator whenever planning a new encounter, especially if the party level or size changes.

4. Can this calculator be used for different systems?

The calculator is designed for PF2E but can be adapted for similar systems with experience-based encounter design.

5. Is the calculator accurate?

The calculator provides an estimate based on the inputs provided. For exact encounter balance, consider playtesting and adjusting as needed.