As the party of adventurers sets out to defeat the king of trolls, they are joined by a cleric named Josephine. She has recently left her home and is looking for adventure. She is willing to help the party in whatever way she can.
Josephine knows that she needs some new equipment if she wants to be able to help the adventurers on their quest. She goes to the nearest shop and spends her starting gold on some new armor, a shield, and a weapon. She also buys some healing potions and other supplies.
In Pathfinder, the amount of starting gold a character has is based on their level. The higher your character’s level, the more gold you will have. Because getting the right equipment is crucial, it’s important to know how much money you start with.
In this guide, we’ll look at the starting gold for each character level in Pathfinder. We will also discuss some of the things that you can purchase with your starting gold.
Table of Contents
Starting Gold for Level 1 Characters
At level 1, Pathfinder characters start the game with 15 gold pieces (150 silver pieces). You can use this money to purchase items and equipment for your character. At level 1, characters will be limited to essential gear and nonmagical items.
This starting gold represents the total wealth your character has accumulated so far in their life. Unless the GM gives you special permission, you can only spend this money on common items.
Starting Equipment
When you’re starting a new character, it’s important to choose the right equipment. In many ways, your gear will determine how well you perform during your adventures.
Characters will need to buy both armor and weapons. Don’t worry about finding a shop to buy these items: it’s assumed your character acquired them as part of their backstory. You’ll need to spend your starting gold to get them.
Equipping your character with the best gear is vital if you want to stay alive. But treasure isn’t just for slaying monsters. You’ll need more than a sword and shield to survive your adventures.
Here are some tips on choosing the best starting equipment for your Pathfinder RPG character:
- Think about your character’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Consider the type of adventures you’ll be playing.
- Ask what role your character will fill in the party.
- Make sure your equipment is suited to your level.
Starting Gear At Higher Levels
Players will often need to create characters that start at higher levels. If a new player is joining a game that’s been going on for a while, they’ll need to create a character that is the same level as the rest of the group.
You may also need to create a new character if yours dies or if the GM is starting a high-level campaign.
Starting gold becomes less of an issue at higher levels. Characters can easily find equipment that is more suited to their strengths, and they can also afford better quality gear.
If players want to add runes to their weapons or armor, they’ll need to pay for them separately using their starting gold. Players can also buy items made of precious materials, but they’ll need to cover the extra crafting costs.
GMs should work with players to help them choose the best gear possible. It’s vital that GMs respect the player’s choices and offer guidance so that everyone can have fun.
Unless the player’s choice will have a predominantly negative impact on the game, GMs shouldn’t interfere. Pathfinder is a place to express yourself and have fun, so it’s okay if players make unorthodox decisions about their characters.
Character Wealth by Level
As your character progresses in level, they will gradually accumulate more wealth. This wealth can be used to purchase better quality gear and equipment, or it can be invested in other ways to help improve the party’s chances of success.
PCs can choose to use gear that’s below their level, but it isn’t recommended. Sometimes, GMs will give a player a magic item because it works for their concept or backstory.
Players can choose to start with a lump sum of currency when creating characters. This gives you the chance to customize your equipment fully. However you decide to get your equipment, you can only buy items that are a lower level than you.
The table below shows the average amount of treasure that a character of a given level will possess.
| Level | Permanent Items | Currency | Lump Sum |
| 1 | – | 15 gp | 15 gp |
| 2 | 1st: 1 | 20 gp | 30 gp |
| 3 | 2nd: 1, 1st: 2 | 25 gp | 75 gp |
| 4 | 3rd: 1, 2nd: 2, 1st: 1 | 30 gp | 140 gp |
| 5 | 4th: 1, 3rd: 2, 2nd: 1, 1st: 2 | 50 gp | 270 gp |
| 6 | 5th: 1, 4th: 2, 3rd: 1, 2nd: 2 | 80 gp | 450 gp |
| 7 | 6th: 1, 5th: 2, 4th: 1, 3rd: 2 | 125 gp | 720 gp |
| 8 | 7th: 1, 6th: 2, 5th: 1, 4th: 2 | 180 gp | 1,100 gp |
| 9 | 8th: 1, 7th: 2, 6th: 1, 5th: 2 | 250 gp | 1,600 gp |
| 10 | 9th: 1, 8th: 2, 7th: 1, 6th: 2 | 350 gp | 2,300 gp |
| 11 | 10th: 1, 9th: 2, 8th: 1, 7th: 2 | 500 gp | 3,200 gp |
| 12 | 11th: 1, 10th: 2, 9th: 1, 8th: 2 | 700 gp | 4,500 gp |
| 13 | 12th: 1, 11th: 2, 10th: 1, 9th: 2 | 1,000 gp | 6,400 gp |
| 14 | 13th: 1, 12th: 2, 11th: 1, 10th: 2 | 1,500 gp | 9,300 gp |
| 15 | 14th: 1, 13th: 2, 12th: 1, 11th: 2 | 2,250 gp | 13,500 gp |
| 16 | 15th: 1, 14th: 2, 13th: 1, 12th: 2 | 3,250 gp | 20,000 gp |
| 17 | 16th: 1, 15th: 2, 14th: 1, 13th: 2 | 5,000 gp | 30,000 gp |
| 18 | 17th: 1, 16th: 2, 15th: 1, 14th: 2 | 7,500 gp | 45,000 gp |
| 19 | 18th: 1, 17th: 2, 16th: 1, 15th: 2 | 12,000 gp | 69,000 gp |
| 20 | 19th: 1, 18th: 2, 17th: 1, 16th: 2 | 20,000 gp | 112,000 gp |
Treasure and Equipment Options
It’s the GM’s job to distribute gold and treasure to the players as they complete jobs and defeat monsters. However, characters are free to choose their own starting gear. The GM can decide if a particular item is available for purchase or not.
When it comes to treasure, there are a variety of options that players and game masters can use.
Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Sell the treasure. This is a simple option, and it can be a way for players to get some extra money.
- Use the treasure to trade for better equipment. This is a standard option, especially at lower levels.
- Give the treasure to NPCs. This is a good option if the players don’t need the money or equipment, and it can help them ingratiate themselves with NPCs.
- Keep the treasure. This is an option for players who want to hold on to their starting equipment.
Currency
Coins are the primary currency used in Golarion. You’ll find several types of coins in circulation, including copper, silver, gold, and platinum coins. Most items will be priced in either silver pieces (sp) or gold pieces (gp).
For low-level characters and most commoners, silver pieces will be the standard monetary unit. Most shops and merchants will price goods in either silver or gold pieces, depending on the value of the item in question. Most people have never touched a platinum piece.
When players are buying their gear, they may find prices listed in different currencies. Use the table below to determine the relative value of items in Pathfinder.
| Coins | Copper | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Copper Pieces (cp) | 1 | 1/10 | 1/100 | 1/1000 |
| Silver Pieces (sp) | 10 | 1 | 1/10 | 1/100 |
| Gold Pieces (gp) | 100 | 10 | 1 | 1/10 |
| Platinum Pieces (pp) | 1,000 | 100 | 10 | 1 |
Joining a Party
When new players join the party, they’ll bring their own equipment and items. On top of your basic equipment, you might want to outfit your character with a backpack, bedroll, waterskin, candles, or other survival gear.
Characters can also start with tools and crafting materials. These can be used to create items from scratch with the Craft skill. You can wear these tools to make them easier to carry!
If the party already has a significant store of treasure, GMs might want to restrict the number of items they give a player joining the group. Instead, allow them to make use of some of the items the players already have.
Selecting Items
Items with magical properties can be found in a variety of different places. They can be discovered in treasure chests, won from opponents in battle, or even given as rewards from NPCs. However, the most common way to find magic items is by purchasing them from merchants.
Characters aren’t limited by an item’s level. A 2nd level Pathfinder character can use a 3rd or even 4th level item, providing they can find such a thing. When it comes to buying items and equipment for your character, you usually won’t be able to get items that are higher level than you.
High-level characters start with items of a lower level. If your GM tells you to roll up a 7th level character, you can start with a 6th level item or lower. As always, it’s up to your GM to decide if a particular item is available in your game. You should check with your GM if you’re uncertain about which items you can select for your character.
Pathfinder RPG offers a wide variety of different items to choose from. Whether you’re looking for weapons, armor, or magical scrolls, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs!
Items Levels
All items in Pathfinder have an item level that represents their individual power and complexity. Simple items are easier to craft but less potent than high-level items.
While characters can use an item of any level, finding rare items is difficult for most adventurers. If characters have access to items far above their level, it can upset the balance of the game. GMs should keep this in mind when it comes time to rewarding the group with treasure.
Items levels aren’t set in stone. GMs can give players an item that is slightly higher or lower without being too worried that it will mess up the game.
When it comes to magic items, It’s usually best to reward players with items that match their abilities. For example, if a player prefers using a longbow, giving them a magic sword won’t do them much good. However, they may be able to sell the sword and buy something they can use.
Rarity
When it comes to the rarity of magic items, there are four different levels: common, uncommon, rare, and unique. The greater the rarity, the more difficult the item is to create.
Common items are easy to find and available to almost everyone at the beginning of the game.
Uncommon items will be available sparingly. Because the formulas for creating these items are closely-guarded secrets, players won’t be able to buy these items from just any shop or merchant. If they want to buy uncommon items, players will need to seek out a private seller or buy them at auction.
The knowledge needed to craft rare items was lost long ago. Because the formulas for rare items are impossible to find, players usually cannot purchase these items anywhere.
Rare items fetch a high price in the world of Golarion. Few are lucky enough to find a rare item, and those who do almost never sell them.
Unique items are often used to complete quests or other specific tasks, so it’s usually a bad idea to sell them. Ask your GM for details if you come across a unique item in your game.
Treasure by Party Size
As the GM, you may need to adjust the party’s treasure to accommodate the number of players. If the party has less than four players, it’s a good idea to give them a few extra magic items. This way, your players will have an edge in combat, and you’ll be able to throw more monsters their way.
However, if the party has five or more players, you’ll need to manage the party’s access to treasures carefully. Each member should get their own magic items to use. If a new player wants to join the game, you’ll need to consider how it will affect the dynamic of the party.
Keep in mind that a larger party will have an easier time fighting monsters and solving puzzles. Restricting the party’s access to powerful items can make the game more challenging.
Ultimately, it’s up to the GM to decide what items to give players.
Here are a few tips for balancing the party’s treasure:
- The party should have at least 1 item of their level or higher
- Each party member should have multiple consumables
- Players should be consistently rewarded with currency appropriate to their level
It’s important that you don’t overpower the players when you give them magic items. It’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to treasure. Giving out items is relatively easy. Taking them back is another matter.
Adjusting Treasure For Gameplay
Pathfinder RPG offers a variety of different ways to adjust the difficulty of the game. One way is to give the party more treasure. This can help them to overcome challenges that are more difficult than normal.
Limiting how many magic items the players have can increase the challenge level and make it more difficult for the party to overcome obstacles. You’ll need to experiment to find the perfect balance for your group.
As the GM, it’s up to you to keep an eye on the party’s loot and make adjustments if necessary. When new players join the game, you’ll need to decide what items they need and how it will alter the game.
Expect the Unexpected
Some adventures are designed so that players must rely on their skill, luck, and creativity to find magic items. Sprawling dungeons, for example, give the players a chance to experience free-form exploration.
In these megadungeon adventures, GMs often place treasure ahead of time. If you’re creating a new character for an adventure like this, take the time to select the best equipment that you can. You’re going to need it.
These adventures can be challenging. Players will need to prepare accordingly and carefully ration their supplies. When you’re adventuring far from civilization, having good equipment becomes even more crucial. In situations like this, every item in your pack can prove invaluable.
Other Types of Starting Treasure
Players will find that money isn’t the only currency available. Art objects, gemstones, jewelry, and crafting materials can also serve as a store of value. Each type of treasure has its own unique benefits and can be used to help the party overcome challenges.
Gemstones are a particularly valuable type of treasure. They can be used to purchase equipment and supplies or traded for treasure.
Jewelry can be used in a similar way to gemstones. Rings, necklaces, and other items of jewelry can be exchanged like currency. Characters can also wear these items for their aesthetic appeal.
Magic scrolls are another type of valuable treasure. They can be used to cast spells without expending spell slots or sold for a profit.
Art objects are another type of treasure that can be found in Pathfinder. They can be sold for a large sum of money, traded to NPCs, or used to barter for other types of treasure.
Formulas for uncommon or rare items make great treasures for high-level characters. For players who love to craft their own items, starting the game with a rare recipe will be an exciting roleplaying opportunity!
Final Thoughts
In Pathfinder RPG, players typically start with basic equipment and money. However, as they progress in level, they can find more powerful items and treasures. The amount of treasure a player has can be adjusted to make the game more or less challenging.
There are many different types of treasure that can be found, each with its own unique benefits.
Experiment with different items until you find the combination that’s perfect for you and your group!
