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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Pcgen

Pcgen

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.

Categories:
Games Gaming Software
rpg character-generator d20

Pcgen Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source

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

Hero Lab

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.

Categories:
Gaming Software Character Creation & Management
tabletop rpg pathfinder dd character-creation character-management

Hero Lab Features

  1. Character creation and management
  2. Automated calculations for stats, skills, abilities
  3. Inventory management
  4. Customizable character sheets
  5. Rules enforcement and validation
  6. Support for multiple game systems like D&D and Pathfinder
  7. Shared character libraries and content

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

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