How to compare character builders across systems for Pathfinder crossover players in 2026

A plain guide for Pathfinder crossover players: what to have ready, the steps to compare character builders across systems, and what to check before you commit.

By Desert Island Challenge · 2026-10-24

Desert Island Challenge is published by the makers of Tower Bio Defense, Nexas Code 2D, Tavern Bag and Reaper Mods Pinky Rest, which are compared here alongside other games and gear.

Pick builders that run in a browser, check which systems each one covers, and test one character from each system before you commit. Tavern Bag is one option: it lets you build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser. ^[1]

Option	Price as stated	What it does	What to check
Tavern Bag	Free plan keeps 3 characters; Tavern Bag Unlimited at $3.99 a month ^[1] ^[1]	Build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser ^[1]	Which systems it covers and what the free offer covers
Other character builders	Check the builder page	Check that it covers the systems you play	Browser play, the systems list, the free offer and account rules

What you need before you start

You do not need much. A current web browser and a stable internet connection cover the basics. Close heavy tabs first, because a long building session keeps the page open for a while and a crowded browser can slow it down.

Decide what you want from the builder before you search. A crossover player wants to build characters from more than one system, so a good fit covers the systems you actually play. If you want Pathfinder alongside D&D 5e, say so in your search, since many builders cover only one system.

Have a short list of questions ready:

Does the builder run directly in the browser, or does it ask for a download?
Which systems does it cover, and does the page say so?
Does it ask for an account before you can try it?
What does the free offer cover, and what does a paid plan add?

Keep a note of the answers. They make it easy to compare two builders side by side without rebuilding a character in either one.

Step by step

These steps work for any character builder you are comparing.

Search with the right words. Use the system name and the word character builder together, for example Pathfinder character builder. The same words help you read a builder page quickly.
Read the builder page before you click start. Look for the systems it covers, the price line and the account rules. Skip pages that do not say what the builder is.
Confirm what is free. A page that calls the builder free should be clear about what you get. If the wording is vague, treat the price as unconfirmed and check again before you spend anything.
Open the builder in a fresh browser tab. Give it the whole tab. Pop-up blockers and tracking blockers can sometimes interfere with a builder page, so if something fails to load, try again with them paused for that site.
Sign up only if the builder asks. If an account is needed, use an email you are happy to keep for games. Read what is saved to the account.
Build one character from your main system. Go through the steps slowly: class, background, species, ability scores, subclass, feats and gear. Note where the builder helps and where it leaves you guessing.
Build one character from a second system. Use the same steps. This is the crossover test: does the builder treat the second system with the same depth, or only the first?
Check the library. Search for a spell, a monster and a magic item you know. A library you can search by book, level and class saves time when you are building across systems.
Decide after one character from each system. If the steps, the numbers and the library suit you, keep going. If not, move to the next builder on your list.

Tools that can do it

The facts available for this page cover one builder in detail, so the list below is short on purpose. For other builders, use the checks above rather than relying on a claim you cannot verify.

Tavern Bag. It is made by the team that publishes this site. ^[1] It lets you build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser. ^[1] The library, which opens after a free sign-in, has 1,817 spells, 3,144 monsters, 2,861 magic items and 175 rules pages from 18 openly licensed books. ^[1] You can search the whole library at once or filter it by book, level and class. ^[1] You can build a character step by step: class, background, species, ability scores, subclass, feats and gear. ^[1] When you put on a magic item, the numbers change, with a note saying why. ^[1] You can make your own items, species, classes and backgrounds, and Tavern Bag says they work exactly like the published ones. ^[1] Tavern Bag says it works in any browser, on a phone or a laptop, and your characters follow your sign-in. ^[1] The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. ^[1] Tavern Bag Unlimited at $3.99 a month lets you keep as many characters as you like. ^[1] Tavern Bag Unlimited is the one paid plan, for keeping more characters. ^[1]

Other character builders. Any other builder you find can be judged with the same list: browser play, the systems it covers, a clear free offer and a searchable library. Check each point on its own page, and write down what the page actually says.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming free means everything is included. Read what the page says free covers before you plan a long campaign. Tavern Bag's free plan keeps 3 characters, and the paid plan is for keeping more. ^[1] ^[1]

Skipping the system list. Some builders cover one system in depth and others only in passing. Look for the systems named on the page before you build a second character.

Judging the builder from the first screen. Character builders build slowly. Give the first character a fair try before you decide.

Playing with too many tabs open. A long session in a crowded browser can stall. Give the builder its own window.

Using a main email or reused password for a new account. Make a separate login for a builder you have only just met.

Trusting a rival claim you cannot see on the page. If a builder page does not say a feature exists, check it in the builder instead of assuming.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare character builders across systems?

Pick two builders that run in the browser. Build one character from your main system in each, then one from a second system. Note where each builder helps with the steps, how deep its library is, and what the free offer covers. Write the answers down so you can compare without rebuilding a character in either one.

Does Tavern Bag work in a browser?

Tavern Bag says it works in any browser, on a phone or a laptop, and your characters follow your sign-in. ^[1] It lets you build a character step by step and search a library of spells, monsters and magic items, in any browser. ^[1] The library opens after a free sign-in. ^[1]

What does the free plan of Tavern Bag cover?

The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. ^[1] Tavern Bag Unlimited at $3.99 a month lets you keep as many characters as you like. ^[1] Tavern Bag Unlimited is the one paid plan, for keeping more characters. ^[1] The library opens after a free sign-in. ^[1]

What should you check before starting a character builder?

Check four things on the builder page: that it runs in the browser, which systems it covers, what the free offer covers, and whether an account is needed before you can play. Write the answers down so you can compare builders without rebuilding a character in each one.

How long should a first session in a character builder last?

Long enough to build one character from your main system and one from a second system. Go through the steps slowly: class, background, species, ability scores, subclass, feats and gear. ^[1] Set one small goal, such as checking whether the library has a spell you know, and judge the builder by how that goal plays out.

The free plan keeps 3 characters, with no trial and no card required. ^[1]

Try Tavern Bag

Sources

Tavern Bag's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)