Obsidian Entertainment has introduced a significant gameplay shift to one of its most celebrated titles, announcing that Pillars of Eternity finally gets turn-based battles more than a decade after the game’s initial debut. This massive update introduces an entirely new combat gameplay option, allowing players to pivot away from the traditional real-time-with-pause system that has defined the experience since its launch.
The update arrives as a surprising addition to a title that originally sought to revive the spirit of classic isometric RPGs. For many fans, the introduction of turn-based combat offers a tactical depth and pacing shift that aligns with modern CRPG trends, fundamentally altering how players engage with the dangerous landscapes of Eora.
However, the rollout of this feature is not universal across all platforms. While PC players can dive into the new combat mechanics, there is reported bad news for console players, who will not have access to this specific update.
A Legacy of Isometric Storytelling
To understand the weight of this update, one must glance back at the origins of the game. Pillars of Eternity was first released on March 26, 2015, for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive, the game was positioned as a spiritual successor to legendary titles such as Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment.
The project was born from a highly successful Kickstarter campaign in September 2012, which raised over US$4 million to bring a high-fidelity, old-school RPG experience to a new generation of gamers. Built on the Unity engine, the game centers on the fantasy world of Eora, specifically within the nation of Dyrwood.
The narrative follows a protagonist known as a “Watcher”—an individual capable of interacting with souls and seeing past lives. This ability is central to the game’s primary objective: uncovering the cause of the protagonist’s awakening and addressing the “hollowborn” phenomenon, where infants are born without souls.
The Shift to Turn-Based Combat
For eleven years, the combat in Pillars of Eternity has relied on a strategic, real-time system. The addition of turn-based battles represents a fundamental change in the game’s mechanical DNA. In a turn-based environment, the urgency of real-time positioning is replaced by a methodical approach to action, allowing players to carefully calculate every move, spell, and strike without the pressure of a ticking clock.
This transition is particularly notable given the current landscape of the RPG genre, where turn-based systems have seen a massive resurgence in popularity. By implementing this option, Obsidian provides a bridge for players who prefer the tactical precision of a grid-like or sequence-based encounter over the chaotic flow of real-time combat.
Platform Availability and Limitations
While the update breathes new life into the title for those on desktop systems, the console experience remains unchanged. The game was previously ported to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on August 29, 2017, and later to the Nintendo Switch on August 8, 2019. According to the latest reports, these console versions will not receive the turn-based combat update, leaving a divide between the PC experience and the console port.
Impact on the Player Experience
The introduction of this combat mode affects not only how battles are fought but how players build their characters. In real-time combat, speed and “attack speed” stats are critical to survival and efficiency. In a turn-based system, the value of these stats shifts, potentially making different character builds and strategies more viable than they were in the original 2015 release.
Critics originally praised the game for its immersive writing and strategic combat, and it earned the title of best RPG of 2015. This update ensures the game remains accessible and appealing to a global audience that may have grown accustomed to the turn-based pacing of more recent isometric hits.
Key Takeaways for Players
- New Combat Option: Players can now choose turn-based battles instead of the standard real-time system.
- PC Exclusive: The update is available for PC users. console players (PS4, Xbox One, Switch) are excluded.
- Legacy Update: The change comes 11 years after the game’s original development and launch cycle.
- Strategic Depth: The update allows for a more methodical, tactical approach to the game’s encounters in Eora.
As Obsidian continues to support its legacy titles, this update serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Dyrwood setting and the complex lore of the Watcher. For those looking to experience the game for the first time or return to it after a decade, the choice between real-time and turn-based combat adds a new layer of personalization to the journey.
For the latest official updates and patch notes, players are encouraged to monitor the official Obsidian Entertainment channels and the Steam community hub.
Do you prefer the chaos of real-time combat or the precision of turn-based battles? Let us know in the comments below.