Pathfinder Devs Debate Series' Future After Righteous Legacy
Last Updated: October 28, 2025
Owlcat Games, the studio that masterfully translated the intricate world of the Pathfinder tabletop game into two of the most celebrated CRPGs of the modern era, continues to face passionate internal debates about the series' future. Following the immense success of Pathfinder: Kingmaker and its epic successor, Wrath of the Righteous, and the subsequent launch of a major new title in a different universe, the team's "crazy arguments" over a potential third Pathfinder installment highlight the monumental challenge of living up to their own legacy.
The Weight of a Righteous Legacy
In the world of computer role-playing games, few studios have captured the spirit of classic tabletop adventures as faithfully and ambitiously as Owlcat Games. With 2018's Pathfinder: Kingmaker, they delivered a sprawling, complex RPG that revitalized the isometric genre, drawing direct comparisons to legends like Baldur's Gate. They followed it up in 2021 with Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, a project that took everything that made its predecessor great and amplified it, introducing the spectacular Mythic Paths system and a narrative of truly epic proportions. These titles have solidified Owlcat's reputation as masters of the craft, creating a massive and loyal following eagerly awaiting news of their return to the world of Golarion.
Inside the Owlcat's Nest: Charting a Post-Wrath Course
The very passion that fuels Owlcat's detailed world-building and intricate mechanics is the source of intense internal discussion. The revelation that the team engages in "crazy arguments" about the franchise's future is not a sign of turmoil, but rather a testament to the high stakes and creative investment involved. The question is not just if they should make another Pathfinder game, but how they can possibly top the staggering scale and narrative freedom of Wrath of the Righteous.
These debates are multifaceted, touching upon every aspect of development. Which of Paizo's beloved Adventure Paths should they adapt? Or should they venture into uncharted territory with a completely original story? After the god-like power fantasy of the Mythic Paths, how can they introduce a new central mechanic that feels equally innovative without simply repeating themselves?
Lessons from the Koronus Expanse
Following up on a game like Wrath of the Righteous is a daunting task, and the studio hasn't been idle. In late 2023, Owlcat released Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, a project that proved their ability to adapt their CRPG formula to a completely different, and arguably even more complex, universe and ruleset.
The experience with Rogue Trader has undoubtedly shaped the ongoing conversation at Owlcat. It demonstrated their versatility in handling strategic, cover-based combat and a narrative focused on galactic-scale consequence. The lessons learned from developing and providing post-launch support for a title in such a beloved, high-profile IP will heavily inform their next steps. This success also introduces a new variable into their "crazy arguments": is the next project a return to Pathfinder, a sequel for Rogue Trader, or an entirely new IP?
Potential Paths Forward on Golarion
While Owlcat remains tight-lipped on specifics, the Pathfinder universe offers a wealth of possibilities that keep the fanbase speculating. A frequently requested option is Rise of the Runelords, the very first Adventure Path published for the tabletop game and a classic fantasy epic that would feel like a return to the series' roots. Others point towards the urban intrigue and political drama of Curse of the Crimson Throne or the swashbuckling, pirate-themed adventure of Skulls & Shackles.
Each of these paths offers a distinct tone and a unique set of mechanical challenges that could form the basis of the next great CRPG. Whatever the studio decides, the knowledge that the team is passionately, if argumentatively, charting a course for its next major project is a promising sign for fans. For now, the community can only wait, confident that Owlcat's dedication to getting it right is as powerful as a Mythic hero's final stand.