New Turn-Based Mode for Pillars of Eternity Announced 10 Years After Launch

by

Good news for fans of old-school computer role-playing games! Obsidian Entertainment is adding a long-requested feature to Pillars of Eternity: a turn-based combat mode. While the sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, already had this option, the original game stuck with a real-time-with-pause system. Now, players will be able to experience the game’s challenging and detailed combat in a turn-based style, adding a fresh way to play without sacrificing what made the series so special.

This isn’t just a rehash of the turn-based mode from Deadfire. It’s a completely reworked system, improved based on what we learned from the sequel. While players enjoyed turn-based combat in Deadfire, they found the pacing and some mechanics weren’t quite right, feeling clunky at times. This new system for the original Pillars fixes those issues, offering a more balanced and strategic experience. It combines the classic Pillars feel with modern improvements, making each battle more focused and exciting for both veteran players and newcomers who prefer a tactical approach.

A major improvement is how actions work in combat. It’s not just a direct copy of the old real-time system. Now, stats like dexterity and how quickly characters recover actually matter in turn-based battles. The number of actions a character gets each round depends on their speed and recovery, not just a set number of rounds. This makes every turn feel significant and connects it to the exciting real-time combat of the original Pillars game. Players will find their characters feel more reactive, and every decision in battle will feel more important because timing and careful planning are key.

We’ve revamped how free actions work in the game. Previously, certain abilities or items could create unfair advantages in combat. Now, these actions are more controlled, encouraging players to think strategically and keeping battles exciting without making them drag on. This ensures fights are challenging, fair, and that players feel rewarded when their smart choices lead to victory.

The developers have improved the flow of combat, particularly in big battles. Previously, turn-based fights with numerous enemies could feel slow, but now attacks are more powerful. This makes each encounter faster-paced and more impactful, maintaining excitement throughout. Along with improvements to how actions work, this ensures even lengthy battles stay interesting and avoid becoming repetitive.

The game offers a lot of flexibility in how you fight. You can easily switch between fast-paced, real-time battles – where you can pause – and more strategic, turn-based combat, either in the settings or right in the middle of the action. This allows both longtime fans and players who prefer a slower, more thoughtful approach to enjoy the game their way.

If you’re a longtime fan of Eora, this update lets you experience the world in a brand new way. The new turn-based combat system keeps the challenging choices that define Pillars, but offers a completely different approach to battles. A public beta will be available starting November 5, 2025, giving you a chance to try it out, provide feedback, and help us refine the system before it’s officially released.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2025-11-04 21:16