Pathfinder 1E Critical hits with expanded threat ranges and interactions with high AC values

calandross

I'm trying to figure out if this is an actual rule and if it is ware on d20 is it or in the core book. I was told by a DM friend of mine one time that with a weapon or attack that has an expanded threat range i.e 18/19-20, the nat 20 will always crit but if the character wouldn't normally be able to hit a target with a roll of 18 or 19 for example target ac is 25 and a fitgher has a +5 bonus to hit and rolls a 19 with a bastard sword, the resulting 24 would not hit under normal circumstances there for his expanded threat range does not apply since the only thing he could hit on would be a 20. was this some sort of house rule he was mistaking for a real one or is that actually a thing? if it is let me know a page number in the core book or a link here.

avr

A natural 20 is always a hit and a crit threat, see https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/Combat/#Automatic_Misses_and_Hits . There is no such rule for 18s and 19s.

bloodking109

just so i get it right anything that is not a nat 20 will always hit. but you will need to meet or pass the ac for any crit chance under 20 

avr

18s and 19s can miss even if they would be crit threats with your current weapon. They aren't automatic hits, they need to hit the AC. Natural 20s always hit and always threaten a critical hit.