Pillars of Eternity is the surprise recipient of a patch to add turn-based mode, developer Obsidian has announced.
Fresh from releasing Avowed, Grounded 2, and The Outer Worlds 2 this year, the Microsoft-owned studio has gone back to its isometric, party-based fantasy RPG over a decade after it came out with a fresh update.
Obsidian announced a new public beta for Pillars of Eternity opens on November 5 for players on Steam and Xbox PC, which adds the turn-based mode. The reveal comes alongside a message from game director Josh Sawyer (last seen directing Pentiment), with his thoughts on what turn-based mode means for Pillars of Eternity.
“Fans who enjoyed experimenting with turn-based mode in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire will find familiar ground here, but with key improvements shaped by your feedback,” Obsidian said in a blog post. More details are below.
How turn-based mode works in Pillars of Eternity:
- Unbound Turns: All turns are now influenced by a character’s overall speed, improving the value of Real-Time with Pause attributes and mechanics.
- Smarter Free Actions: Actions like swapping weapons, drinking potions, or enabling modals are now free actions. Each free action is limited to one per turn per type for balance.
- Faster Pacing: Combat lethality has been significantly increased for both enemies and players to keep battles tense and impactful.
- Mode Flexibility: You can choose Turn-Based Mode alongside difficulty when starting a new game — or swap freely between Real-Time with Pause and Turn-Based Mode in the game options. We’re also investigating a direct HUD toggle for even more convenience.
As this is a public beta, please expect bugs and ongoing adjustments, Obsidian warned. The beta will run for “some time” as the developer continues to roll out updates and prepares for a full release.
IGN’s Pillars of Eternity review returned a 9/10 back in 2015. We said at the time: “Obsidian (and its Kickstarter backers) have done it: Pillars of Eternity is one of the best RPGs since Baldur’s Gate.”
Obsidian followed PoE up with Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire in 2018, before Microsoft bought the company later that year. Obsidian went on to release the likes of The Outer Worlds and Grounded, and has become one of the most prolific Xbox Games Studios developers Microsoft has on its books.
Will there be a Pillars of Eternity 3? Sawyer has commented on the prospect in the past. In 2023, for example, Sawyer said he would love to develop Pillars of Eternity 3 — under the condition the game receives the same budget as Baldur’s Gate 3.
“I think if it truly was an unlimited budget, I think I would try Pillars 3 because I know what the budget was for Deadfire, which was not a whole lot and I have heard from multiple people what the budget was for Baldur’s Gate 3, and I’m not gonna talk about numbers, but if I got that budget, sure, I’ll make Pillars 3,” he said.
Sawyer added that if he were to make Pillars 3, he would employ a turn-based combat structure. Obsidian has yet to announce its next game.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
In This Article
Over a Decade After Release, Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity Gets Surprise Patch to Add Turn-Based mode
The Unexpected Evolution of a Classic RPG
Obsidian entertainment surprised fans worldwide by releasing a patch that introduces a turn-based mode for their critically acclaimed RPG, Pillars of Eternity, more than ten years after the game’s initial launch. This update marks a pivotal moment in the game’s life cycle, merging classic real-time with pause gameplay with a fresh, methodical approach that RPG enthusiasts have long craved.
Major Features of the Turn-Based Mode Patch
The surprise patch doesn’t just add a new mode; it transforms the gameplay experience fundamentally, inviting new players and veterans alike to rediscover Pillars of Eternity with a strategic twist.
- Fully Integrated Turn-Based Combat: Players can now toggle between the customary real-time-with-pause system and the new turn-based mechanics seamlessly.
- Enhanced Tactical Depth: The turn-based mode enhances strategic decision-making, favoring careful planning over reaction speed.
- UI and Control Adjustments: The interface was revamped to support the turn-based system without sacrificing the original game’s charm or complexity.
- Accessibility Improvements: Turn-based combat lowers the skill entry barrier, making the game more approachable for newcomers or those who prefer deliberate gameplay pacing.
Why the Turn-based Mode Matters for RPG Fans
For years, turn-based combat has maintained a dedicated following within RPG communities, celebrated for its strategic nuances and chess-like gameplay depth. Obsidian’s choice to incorporate this feature into Pillars of Eternity revitalizes interest in the title and broadens its gameplay appeal.
- Appeal to Traditional RPG Fans: Many players who love classic turn-based RPGs like Final Fantasy or Divinity: Original Sin will feel right at home.
- Strategic layer: Turn-based mode allows players to plan out each action carefully, considering enemy movements and party abilities in a thoughtful way.
- Longer Engagement: This mode tends to extend the gameplay lifecycle by offering a fresh approach that encourages multiple playthroughs.
How This Update Changes Gameplay Dynamics
Before the patch, Pillars of Eternity was known for its real-time with pause combat style, emphasizing active management of party members’ skills and positioning. The introduction of turn-based mode shifts these dynamics significantly:
| Gameplay Aspect | Real-time with Pause | Turn-Based Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Pace | Fast, requires rapid reflexes and multitasking | Deliberate, focused on planning each move |
| Player Skill | Real-time execution, multi-character micromanagement | Strategic decisions, turn order manipulation |
| Challenge Type | Timing and positioning critical | Resource and action management critical |
| accessibility | Moderate to high entry barrier for new players | Lower barrier, easier for beginners |
Technical Insights: How Obsidian Delivered the Patch
Bringing a fully functional turn-based mode to a decade-old game is no trivial feat. Obsidian’s developers had to carefully rebuild core combat mechanics while ensuring they maintained the integrity of the game’s narrative and world-building.
- Code Modularization: Key systems were decoupled to allow for flexible combat rule integration.
- Testing and Balancing: Extensive beta testing helped balance the turn-based mode with existing game difficulty levels.
- User Experience Focus: UI adjustments were crucial to tell players precisely when it’s their turn,available actions,and cooldowns.
Player Reactions & Community Highlights
The community response to Obsidian’s surprise patch has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the developer’s dedication to enhancing gameplay longevity.
- Veteran Players: Many appreciate the new strategic layer that reshapes familiar encounters.
- New Players: Accessibility improvements have drawn fresh audiences into the game’s rich story and world.
- Modders and Content Creators: The patch opened up exciting opportunities to create turn-based focused mods and content.
excerpt from a Popular Forum Thread:
“I replayed the game after years just to experience the turn-based mode – it’s a game changer! The battles feel more intense and thoughtful now.” – RPGFanatic92
Practical Tips for Playing Pillars of Eternity in Turn-Based Mode
If you’re diving into this new mode for the first time, here are some practical tips to optimize your gameplay experience:
- Take Your Time: Unlike the real-time system, you’re not pressured by continuous action-plan each move carefully.
- Manage Action Economy: Every turn counts, so prioritize actions that provide the greatest tactical advantage.
- Use Party Synergy: Coordinate your party’s skills and abilities optimally; turn order can be manipulated in many encounters.
- Explore save Points: Save your progress frequently, especially before challenging battles where turn-based tactics shine.
comparing Pillars of Eternity to Other Turn-Based RPGs
While the turn-based mode is new to Pillars of Eternity, several RPGs have long embraced similar mechanics.Here’s a quick comparison table of features and player impressions.
| Feature | Pillars of Eternity (Turn-Based Mode) | Divinity: Original Sin 2 | Final Fantasy Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Depth | High – tactical use of party skills & environment | Very High – complex abilities and interactive environments | High – grid-based movement and class roles |
| Story Integration | Rich lore & character-driven | Strong narrative & player choice | Classic tactical RPG storytelling |
| Combat Flow | Calculated turn management | Turn order manipulation possible | traditional turn-based with grid |
How to Enable Turn-Based mode in Pillars of eternity
Activating the turn-based mode in the newly patched version is straightforward:
- Make sure your game is updated to the latest patch (check Steam, GOG, or your distributor).
- Launch the game and navigate to the Options menu.
- Find the Combat Settings tab.
- toggle the new Turn-Based Mode on.
- Start a new game or load a save to experience the revamped combat system.
Final Thoughts on the Patch’s Impact on the RPG landscape
Obsidian Entertainment’s dedication to enriching Pillars of eternity after all these years demonstrates the value of continual support and innovation in gaming.The addition of turn-based combat not only rejuvenates a beloved classic but also sets a precedent for how RPGs can evolve post-launch to embrace diverse playstyles and preferences.
