Initiative

At the start of an encounter, all participants roll initiative to determine turn order.

What to Roll

Usually Perception, but some abilities let you use a different skill:

• •Avoid Notice: roll Stealth for initiative
• •Scout: one ally can use Perception for initiative even if they rolled a skill
• •Defend: if you were Defending during exploration, you can use the better of your Perception or your shield’s AC modifier
• •Other exploration activities may specify a skill to use

No Surprise Rounds

PF2e has no surprise round. If you were undetected, enemies are off-guard to you on your first turn, but everyone still acts in initiative order.

Ties: If two participants roll the same initiative, the one with the higher modifier goes first. If still tied, the GM decides (typically enemies go before PCs for a more challenging game).

Delaying: You can use the Delay basic action to move lower in initiative order. Your turn ends, and you can take your turn later at any point before your next regular turn.