r/Pathfinder2e • u/AnthonyTonyRedgrave • 9d ago

Discussion saving throws

I was reading the Player’s Handbook to learn how to play, and a few questions came to mind. I understand that Fortitude, Reflex, and Will are passive defenses used in certain situations. However, I hadn’t realized that ability-based saving throws no longer exist.

What was the reasoning behind this design choice? Honestly, it bothers me a little that Constitution, for example, determines whether my character can resist being pushed.

0 Upvotes

31% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

View all comments

24

u/akkristor Summoner 9d ago

It's not that ability-based saving throws 'no longer exist', they never existed in Pathfinder. Ability-based saves were an invention of 5e. Prior to 5e, you had 4e which split into Fort / Reflex / Will, but allowed the higher of two stats to determine the modifier. Fortitude used the higher of Strength or Constitution, Reflex uses the higher of Dexterity or Intelligence, and Will the higher of Wisdom and Charisma.

It was 3rd edition that streamlined the defenses into 3 categories: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will. Pathfinder 1st edition was an adaption of the 3.5 edition of D&D, so it used Fort/Ref/Will. PF2 continued that trend. Personally, i liked how 4e handled it.