Pcgen vs Hero Lab

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

Pcgen is a Games solution with tags like rpg, character-generator, d20.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free and open source, Comprehensive rules implementation, Automates complex character creation, Works across multiple d20 systems, Customizable and extensible.

On the other hand, Hero Lab is a Gaming Software product tagged with tabletop, rpg, pathfinder, dd, character-creation, character-management.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Pcgen

• Open Source

Hero Lab

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based