Pillars of Eternity II: Turn-Based Mode Beta Announced!
Obsidian Entertainment is preparing to fundamentally change the way players experience combat in the world of Eora. The critically-acclaimed RPG, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, is set to receive a transformative update: an official turn-based combat mode. This massive addition, which shifts the game from its classic real-time-with-pause system to a more tactical, methodical pace, will be available for players to test in a public beta launching on November 5.
This update represents one of the most significant post-launch evolutions for the beloved franchise. The original Pillars of Eternity and its sequel were built as spiritual successors to the iconic Infinity Engine games of the late 90s, championing a combat system where dozens of actions unfold simultaneously, controlled by the player's ability to pause the action and issue commands. While beloved by veterans of the genre, the system can be daunting for newcomers. The introduction of a fully-realized turn-based option opens the rich world and deep narrative of Deadfire to a whole new audience of RPG fans.
A New Way to Explore the Deadfire Archipelago
The upcoming turn-based mode is more than just a simple tweak; it's a ground-up redesign of the game's combat encounters. Instead of managing the chaotic flow of a real-time battle, players will now engage in a more deliberate and strategic sequence of play. Each character, friend and foe alike, will act according to their initiative score, taking their turn to move, attack, cast a spell, or use an item.
This change promises to highlight the intricate character-building systems that Obsidian is known for. Every choice made during level-up—every talent, skill point, and ability—will feel more impactful when considered on a turn-by-turn basis. Players will have the time to meticulously plan their actions, coordinate complex party synergies, and react to the enemy's strategy with precision. It’s a system that rewards careful thought and tactical positioning, akin to a high-stakes game of chess with dragons and magic.
Key features of the new turn-based mode include:
- Tactical Deliberation: No more frantic pausing. Players have ample time to assess the battlefield, choose the perfect ability for the situation, and execute their strategy without pressure.
- Clearer Action Economy: The turn-based flow makes it easier to understand exactly what each character can do during their turn, from movement to standard actions and free actions.
- Enhanced Spellcasting: Mages and Priests will benefit greatly, as players can now perfectly time their powerful area-of-effect spells to maximize damage or control the battlefield without accidentally hitting their own party members in the chaos.
- Renewed Emphasis on Initiative: Character stats and gear that affect initiative will become even more crucial, as acting first can dictate the entire flow of a battle.
How to Join the Turn-Based Beta
Obsidian has confirmed that the public beta for this exciting new mode will go live on November 5. Players who own Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire on PC will be able to opt-in to test the feature and provide invaluable feedback. This beta phase is crucial for the development team to balance encounters, iron out bugs, and refine the overall experience based on how the community interacts with the new system.
While specific instructions on how to access the beta will be provided closer to the launch date, it will likely involve selecting a beta branch through the game's properties on digital distribution platforms. This ensures that players who prefer the original real-time-with-pause system can continue playing their current campaigns without interruption. It is important to note that the choice between combat modes must be made when starting a new game and cannot be changed mid-campaign.
A Commitment to Player Choice
The development of a full turn-based mode so long after the game's initial release is a powerful statement from Obsidian Entertainment. It demonstrates a deep commitment to its community and a willingness to invest significant resources to improve and expand the player experience. Rather than forcing one style of play, the studio is providing a major new option that caters to different tastes within the broad RPG genre.
This update effectively makes Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire two games in one. Veterans who have already mastered the real-time system will have a compelling reason to sail the seas of the Deadfire Archipelago once more, experiencing its epic story and challenging encounters from a completely fresh perspective. Meanwhile, players who may have been intimidated by the original combat will now find a much more accessible entry point into one of the most detailed and well-written RPGs of its generation. As the beta prepares to launch, a new chapter for Deadfire is about to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the turn-based mode being added to the original Pillars of Eternity?
A: The current announcement and public beta are specifically for the sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.
Q: Is this a free update?
A: Yes, the turn-based mode is being developed as a completely free update for everyone who owns Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.
Q: When does the turn-based mode beta start?
A: The public beta is scheduled to go live on November 5.
Q: Can I switch between real-time and turn-based combat in the same game?
A: No. The choice of combat mode must be made when you begin a new campaign and cannot be altered for that specific save file.
Q: Will the new mode be balanced differently?
A: Absolutely. Obsidian is rebalancing encounters specifically for the turn-based experience. Part of the goal of the public beta is to gather player feedback to help fine-tune this new balance.