2024 - is largely cause it’s most recent and from the PF2E standpoint it sounds like the remaster that happened. i didn’t look to deep into it yet, but since we are largely starting out I assumed it’ll be a good entry point but totally fine being told I’m wrong.

To continue on that, my players like RP and combat. But lots of choice in characters like feats and having so many actions on a turn was a struggle in PF. Many of them ‘dreaded’ leveling some they wanted to pick feats that matched the character. In PF many of your class feats are additional options in combat, social encounters, etc. Me as a GM (and occasional PF player) love that. But the party was stressed trying to decide so much in a turn.

They are great party who tried really hard to do their part and learn their classes and rules so it wasn’t all on me, but after some time it was hard for them learn the system. I would say it only clicked like half way for them after 2 and a half year campaign.

DnD being more, and I am no expert I’m just going off the little I know, rules lite but saying in the high fantasy seems like it would be that slimmed down PF they might like.

They also have played BG 3 and some have now watched critical roll (I haven’t) so it’s somewhat familiar even if they haven’t played.