I am new to Pathfinder. I played D&D 3.5 back in the day so I decided to try to pick up Pathfinder because it was familiar and popular. The problem I am facing is with the large barrier to entry.
It seems that you have one of two choices as a new player.
- Create a character using only the Core Rulebook. This character will have the same class balance problems that existed in D&D 3.5 (looking at you monk) and will likely be underpowered when compared to characters created by seasoned Pathfinder veterans using multiple books with a plethora of feats/spells/classes not found in the CRB.
or
- Spend a week or two of non-stop reading of the Core Rulebook, Advanced Player's Guide, Ultimate Combat/Magic, ... and a few hours research optimal feat/spell combinations for your chosen class so that you don't feel like a weak member of your party.
For those of us who are new and want to feel strong in combat, are there no other options other than "Suck it up and read you weak-willed fool" or "Be fighter or wizard (cuz everything else is weak with CRB only)?"