Somewhere in the galaxy, a radioactive dragon just wants a hug. Unfortunately, it kills everyone it touches. Welcome to Starfinder 2e, where your best friends are undead, your space pirates have tricorn hats, and your digital ghosts won't log off. The RPGBOT crew dives into Paizo's new Alien Core, exploring the weirdest monsters, creepiest factions, and why Paradox 17 knows you're listening right now.

Play Paizo Games with Ash Ely

Want to explore the horrors of Paradox 17 or negotiate with an Abyssium dragon who just wants a friend? Book a game with Ash Ely on StartPlaying.games and experience Starfinder 2e, Pathfinder 2e, or your favorite tabletop RPGs with a professional GM who knows every monster in the book, probably because they created a few.

Show Notes

In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, hosts Randall James, Tyler Kamstra, and Ash Ely dive into Starfinder 2e's Alien Core, the first major bestiary of Paizo's new edition. They unpack factions, dragons, and otherworldly horrors, comparing it to Pathfinder 2e's Monster Core while exploring how easily these creatures can jump between systems.

Materials References in This Episode

• Starfinder 2e Alien Core (affiliate link)

• RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• Starfinder Galaxy Guide

• Starfinder GM Core

• Starfinder Player Core

Key Takeaways

• Alien Core is Starfinder 2e's Monster Manual, but weirder, smarter, and full of story inspiration.
• Factions like the Corpse Fleet and Dominion of the Black make excellent recurring villains.
• The new dragons embody four magical traditions and range from tragic to terrifying.
• Undead get a sci-fi twist—digital ghosts, irradiated zombies, and vacuum-frozen nightmares.
• Paradox 17 is pure cosmic horror genius, perfect for high-level campaigns.
• Even Pathfinder GMs should buy Alien Core—the compatibility is seamless, and the storytelling potential immense.
• Paizo proves again why they're the gold standard for deep, mechanically rich monster design.

Read More at RPGBOT.net

Want to optimize your next Starfinder or Pathfinder character? Check out RPGBOT.net for in-depth guides, optimization breakdowns, and articles on game mechanics, build theory, and storytelling tools for every TTRPG player or GM.

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Meet the Hosts

• Tyler Kamstra – Master of mechanics, seeing the Pathfinder action economy like Neo in the Matrix.

• Randall James – Lore buff and technologist, always ready to debate which Lord of the Rings edition reigns supreme.

• Ash Ely – Resident cynic, chaos agent, and AI's worst nightmare, bringing pure table-flipping RPG podcast energy.

Join the RPGBOT team where fantasy roleplaying meets real strategy, sarcasm, and community chaos.

How to Find Us:

In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

Tyler Kamstra

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
• BlueSky: @GravenAshes
• YouTube: @ashravenmedia

Randall James

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati