CROSS-SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY QUICK REFERENCE

Source: SF2E GM Core Chapter 5: Anachronistic Adventures Last Updated: 2026-04-09

CORE PRINCIPLE

"The rules for Starfinder and Pathfinder are fully compatible." -- SF2E GM Core, Chapter 5: Anachronistic Adventures

All PF2E content works in SF2E campaigns, and vice versa, with some adjustments. This guide covers both player-facing compatibility and GM conversion details.

SECTION 1: FOR PLAYERS

Everything Works

Item Naming: PF2E vs SF2E

These are the SAME mechanics with different names. Use whichever fits your campaign's tone:

Equipment Enhancement: Runes vs Grades

PF2E uses runes to enhance weapons/armor. SF2E uses equipment grades.

Both systems work. Choose based on campaign tone:

You can even mix them: a character might have a rune-enhanced ancestral sword AND a grade-upgraded laser rifle.

Class Features

All class features work. Some have SF2E flavor alternatives:

Alchemist in SF2E

• Bombs work exactly as written
• Can ALSO use grenades from tech-items compendium
• Elixirs = Serums (same mechanics)
• Mutagens work unchanged

Inventor in SF2E

• Innovations work as written
• Flavor as experimental tech
• Unstable abilities = prototype tech

Spells

All spells work in SF2E. Consider:

Utility Spell Consideration

Some utility spells duplicate cheap tech:

• Darkvision spell vs. darkvision goggles (tech)
• Fly spell vs. jetpack (tech)
• Comprehend Languages vs. translator device (tech)

These still work: spells don't require equipment and can't be lost/broken.

Currency

All item prices use PF2E gold pieces (gp), aligned with PF2E's level-based pricing curve.

In the Pact Worlds setting, "credits" is the in-world name for currency. For game mechanics, use gp. In mixed campaigns, use whichever flavor term fits the scene:

• Fantasy planet: gold/silver
• Space station: credits
• Trading hub: either accepted

In Foundry VTT: All item prices are stored in the gold piece (gp) field.

Thematic Guidance

Mixing PF2E and SF2E Content

Option 1: Full Integration

• Use all PF2E and SF2E content freely
• Scrolls and spell gems both exist
• Runes and grades both exist
• Maximum player choice

Option 2: SF2E Flavor Preference

• Use SF2E naming when available
• Module compendiums have SF2E-flavored items
• More consistent sci-fi tone

Option 3: Separated by Origin

• PF2E items = archaic/magical
• SF2E items = technological
• Clear distinction by source

Flavor Adjustments

Module Compendiums

SF2E-flavored equivalents are available in these module compendiums:

SECTION 2: FOR GMs

Skill Conversions

PF2E to SF2E

SF2E to PF2E

Archaic Equipment (PF2E in SF2E)

• PF2E equipment receives archaic trait
• Tech Conversion: 1 week + 50% base cost to install upgrade-compatible technology
• Archaic ammunition remains available (crossbow bolts, arrows, flintlock, blowgun darts)

Optional: Archaic Equipment Degradation

• Broken Threshold: 75% max HP (instead of 50%)
• Armor Weakness vs Non-Archaic: Light 6 / Medium 4 / Heavy 2
• Weapon Damage: One die size reduction vs non-archaic armor (min 1d4)

Class Compatibility Details

All classes mechanically compatible between systems.

PF2E to SF2E Adjustments

SF2E to PF2E Adjustments

Multiclass Stacking Warning

Avoid mixing: Bard/Mystic, Rogue/Operative, Commander/Envoy (overlapping abilities).

Feat Compatibility

Feats That DON'T Work (PF2E to SF2E)

Feats That DON'T Work (SF2E to PF2E)

Spell Compatibility

Spells That DON'T Work (PF2E to SF2E)

Rune-modifying spells, equipment enchantment spells.

Spells That DON'T Work (SF2E to PF2E)

Note: Utility spells (darkvision, flight) less valuable in SF2E due to cheap tech alternatives.

Ancestry Compatibility

PF2E to SF2E

• PF2E ancestries exist on Absalom Station post-Gap
• SF2E ancestry feats activate earlier; consider empowering PF2E ancestries

SF2E to PF2E

• Introduce via interdimensional transport, ancient civilization returns, or cultural integration
• Restrict darkvision/flight to higher feat levels

Rarity Guidelines

• Cross-system content is uncommon by default
• Ancestry/class/deity-specific items are rare

Crafting Differences

PF2E to SF2E

SF2E crafting is faster: creator capsules (hours vs days), Fabricator feat, Maker's app, Serum Crafting.

SF2E to PF2E

Standard PF2E crafting rules. Tech requires narrative source: Numeria, Jistka Imperium, Alkenstar, alchemical/magical equivalents.

Creature Compatibility (PF2E in SF2E)

• Damage Types: SF2E parties have broader damage variety; fire weakness common vs lasers/explosives
• Space Encounters: Creatures need environmental protections or cosmic trait
• Equipment: Apply analog/tech traits to weapons; provide comm units to intelligent NPCs
• Movement: Address flying PCs with grafted wings, jetpacks, climb speeds, environmental features
• Ranged Attacks: Add ranged options or gap-closing abilities (Improved Grab, environmental hazards)

Quick Decision Flowcharts

PF2E Content in SF2E:

1. Rune/rune-dependent? Use equipment grades/upgrades
2. Scroll/potion? Use spell gem/serum
3. Wand/talisman? Use spell chip or exclude
4. Class feature? Check multiclass stacking
5. Feat? Check for rune/scroll/wand/alchemy references
6. Spell? Check for rune/enchantment dependencies
7. Equipment? Apply archaic trait (optional tech conversion: 1 week + 50% cost)
8. Everything else Usually works

SF2E Content in PF2E:

1. Requires Computers/Piloting? Substitute skills
2. Requires tech? Find narrative source
3. Class? Check class-specific adjustments
4. Feat? Check tech/comm unit/infosphere dependencies
5. Spell? Check tech/robot/VR dependencies
6. Ancestry? Restrict darkvision/flight to higher levels
7. Everything else Usually works

External Resources

• PF2E Content: https://2e.aonprd.com
• SF2E Content: https://2e.aonsrd.com
• Module Compendiums: In Foundry, browse pf2e-starships packs

Distilled from SF2E GM Core Chapter 5: Anachronistic Adventures and pf2e-starships module documentation.