GM Core
Chapter 1: Running the Game
Running Encounters
Running the Encounter
Special Battles and Movement
Aerial Combat
Source GM Core pg. 30
Flight is common in Starfinder, whether via natural ability, magical enhancement, or technological assistance. Both PCs and enemies will gain access to flight early, so being able to participate in aerial encounters is important. For PCs who choose not to invest in a method of flight, ranged weapons and spells are very useful tools, as are other environmental features, such as trees, balconies, catwalks, machinery, and rooftops.
Determining positioning in the air can be tricky, and it's best to be more relaxed with movement rules, flanking, and so forth than you would be on a flat grid. Note that battles can get more spread out with flight. If any creature is flying, it's important to establish the height of potential obstacles in the area early. This way, no one is surprised to suddenly find out the ceiling is lower than they thought or tall trees create a barrier.
The rules for flight say that a creature might need to attempt an Acrobatics check to Maneuver in Flight to pull off tricky motions. You can generally use the same judgment you would while calling for Acrobatics checks when someone is moving on the ground. Trying to dive through a narrow space or make a sharp turn might require checks, usually with a simple DC.
Falls can be deadly and often happen when fly or a similar spell gets dispelled. This is part of the risk of flying! Flying enemies might keep closer to the ground to avoid this danger, or they might use magic or equipment to prevent or reduce the damage.
Determining positioning in the air can be tricky, and it's best to be more relaxed with movement rules, flanking, and so forth than you would be on a flat grid. Note that battles can get more spread out with flight. If any creature is flying, it's important to establish the height of potential obstacles in the area early. This way, no one is surprised to suddenly find out the ceiling is lower than they thought or tall trees create a barrier.
The rules for flight say that a creature might need to attempt an Acrobatics check to Maneuver in Flight to pull off tricky motions. You can generally use the same judgment you would while calling for Acrobatics checks when someone is moving on the ground. Trying to dive through a narrow space or make a sharp turn might require checks, usually with a simple DC.
Falls can be deadly and often happen when fly or a similar spell gets dispelled. This is part of the risk of flying! Flying enemies might keep closer to the ground to avoid this danger, or they might use magic or equipment to prevent or reduce the damage.