Hero Lab vs Pcgen

Struggling to choose between Hero Lab and Pcgen? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Hero Lab is a Gaming Software solution with tags like tabletop, rpg, pathfinder, dd, character-creation, character-management.

It boasts features such as Character creation and management, Automated calculations for stats, skills, abilities, Inventory management, Customizable character sheets, Rules enforcement and validation, Support for multiple game systems like D&D and Pathfinder, Shared character libraries and content and pros including Saves time with automation and calculations, Reduces errors in character creation, Easy to build complex characters, Customizable and extensible, Helps new players learn the rules, Reduces bookkeeping during play.

On the other hand, Pcgen is a Games product tagged with rpg, character-generator, d20.

Its standout features include Character generator for D&D 3.5, Pathfinder and other d20 systems, Manage characters, races, classes, feats, spells, equipment, Automatically calculate ability scores, skill ranks, etc based on rules, Generate printable character sheets, Share character data between users, Extendable and customizable via datasets, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Comprehensive rules implementation, Automates complex character creation, Works across multiple d20 systems, Customizable and extensible.

Feature	Hero Lab	Pcgen
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Gaming Software	Games

Product Overview

Hero Lab

Description: Hero Lab is character creation and management software for tabletop roleplaying games like Pathfinder and D&D. It helps players build characters, track abilities, manage inventory, calculate modifiers, and more.

Pcgen

Description: Pcgen is a free, open-source character generator and maintenance program for tabletop role-playing games. It supports Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, Pathfinder, and other d20-based RPG systems. Pcgen allows users to create and manage characters, races, classes, feats, spells, equipment, and more.

Key Features Comparison

Hero Lab Features

• Character creation and management
• Automated calculations for stats, skills, abilities
• Inventory management
• Customizable character sheets
• Rules enforcement and validation
• Support for multiple game systems like D&D and Pathfinder
• Shared character libraries and content

Pcgen Features

• Character generator for D&D 3.5, Pathfinder and other d20 systems
• Manage characters, races, classes, feats, spells, equipment
• Automatically calculate ability scores, skill ranks, etc based on rules
• Generate printable character sheets
• Share character data between users
• Extendable and customizable via datasets

Pros & Cons Analysis

Hero Lab

Pros

• Saves time with automation and calculations
• Reduces errors in character creation
• Easy to build complex characters
• Customizable and extensible
• Helps new players learn the rules
• Reduces bookkeeping during play

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to pen and paper
• Requires learning curve
• Limited flexibility compared to paper character sheets
• Requires constant updates as rules change
• Can slow down gameplay

Pcgen

Pros

• Free and open source
• Comprehensive rules implementation
• Automates complex character creation
• Works across multiple d20 systems
• Customizable and extensible

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Clunky and outdated UI
• Limited support for newer systems
• Data management can be complex
• Requires manual work for unusual character concepts

Pricing Comparison

Hero Lab

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

Pcgen

• Open Source