Pathfinder Launches Playtest for Necromancer and Runesmith Classes

Paizo is launching a new playtest for two new Pathfinder 2E classes – the Necromancer and Runesmith – starting today. Announced during a stream last week, Paizo will launch the playtest on both its Pathfinder Playtest website and Demiplane starting today. The necromancer is described as a prepared caster class that can summon disposable thralls to the field to hinder (or explode in the vicinity of) enemies, while the runesmith is a martial class that buffs themselves and allies via etched runes or alternatively debuffing foes.

The timing of the new playtest is interesting, as it signals a possible second set of classes released for Pathfinder 2E in 2025. Typically, Paizo releases a core rulebook in the summer months that adds new playtests to the game. So far, Pathfinder has 25 classes, with two more (the commander and guardian) set for release as part of the upcoming 2025 rulebook Battlecry. The fact that this playtest is named Impossible hints at a return to the Impossible Lands next year or in early 2026.

The playtest will run from December 9th through January 31st, 2025.