Starfinder Check Out Starfinder 2E's High Level Playtest

Empires Devoured is a playtest adventure for 10th-level characters using the upcoming Starfinder 2nd Edition ruleset from Paizo Publishing.

The PDF will be available tomorrow (October 30th) for $19.99, or you'll be able to pick up a print version for $24.99. You will need the (free) playtest rules in order to use Empires Devoured.

The Azlanti Star Empire and Veskarium—two interstellar powers with a long history of conquest and war—are set to sign a historic accord on the distant settlement of Atuity. A group of heroes attend the peace talks on behalf of the Pact Worlds, navigating civil unrest and negotiations to make sure everything goes as planned. When a surprise attack interrupts the diplomatic proceedings, the heroes must fight back against rogue Azlanti forces and mysterious saboteurs to protect Atuity (and the entire Adalawe system) from the destructive schemes of Devourer cultists who are preparing to activate a weapon of cosmic destruction!

Empires Devoured is a complete Starfinder Second Edition playtest adventure for 10th-level characters written by Thurston Hillman, and features classic creatures updated to Second Edition, all-new monsters and threats, and a mix of cinematic combats, intense negotiations, and dramatic events that will shake the galaxy. This adventure is designed to introduce the Starfinder Second Edition Playtest rules, giving players like you a chance to shape the new edition through feedback surveys about your playtest experience! It also takes place during a pivotal moment in Starfinder history—even if you miss the playtest window, you won’t want to miss the adventure!

 

[Ramaster]

If SF2E is anything like PF2E balance wise (something that, from what I've seen, is true), then 10th level content will work wonderfully well.

I'm currently running a lvl 18 PF2E game that started on lvl 2 and we've been hassle free from up until around lvl 16.

These past 2-3 levels have brought with them a couple of effects that are a bit "out there". But I'm just complaining, the game runs better than any other TTRPG I've played at higher levels!

 

[Von Ether]

When I was strictly a consumer, I'd bristle at the idea of paying for a playtest document.

But seeing how hard it is to get playtesters for a game with no branding as compared to suddenly getting volunteers to playtest and offer comments on a minor IP. I don't blame a company leveraging the branding if people think playtesting is something worth paying for.

 

[Velderan]

When I was strictly a consumer, I'd bristle at the idea of paying for a playtest document.

But seeing how hard it is to get playtesters for a game with no branding as compared to suddenly getting volunteers to playtest and offer comments on a minor IP. I don't blame a company leveraging the branding if people think playtesting is something worth paying for.

I don't mind paying for the playtest adventures, since they're given the same level of polish as a standard release adventure in terms of story and art. I haven't looked at the PDF copy of this adventure yet, but I have read through the previous adventure release "A Cosmic Birthday" and it seems like it will be something fun to run over the upcoming holiday downtime.

It's worth mentioning to anyone interested in trying the playtest material without having to pay for anything, the rulebook is free, Archives of Nethys is free for the PF2e rules referenced, and Field Test packet 5 has a short scenario that is also free so there are options available to try it out without paying. For Foundry VTT users, there's a free playtest module that offers a map and tokens for the scenario in packet 5 as well.