(Image credit: Obsidian)
Ten years after its initial release, Obsidian continues to breathe new life into Pillars of Eternity with a fresh update. This renewed attention can likely be attributed to the burgeoning interest sparked by Avowed. Additionally, fans introduced to the RPG genre through Baldur’s Gate 3 may find themselves intrigued by something big on the horizon: a turn-based combat mode.
In their announcement, the developers revealed their excitement about the game-enhancing update: “We’ve delved deep into the code grimoire and fine-tuned the balance of blade and spell. Today, we share the results with a brand-new patch,” they stated. Interested readers can review the full patch notes here. This update improves numerous facets across visuals, combat, and quests, making journeys through the Eastern Reach smoother than ever.
While updates like these are not new for Pillars of Eternity, this significant patch stands out for its extensive bug fixes and quality of life enhancements, a delightful surprise for a game first released back in 2015. What’s thrilling, though, is what’s coming next.
Later this year, players, known as Watchers, will have the chance to test a new feature: Turn-Based Combat. “We’re eager to explore this new way of experiencing encounters in Pillars of Eternity,” the developers expressed. They urge fans to watch their socials and Discord for more information on how to participate.
Initially envisioned as a spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate, Pillars of Eternity employed a ‘real-time with pause’ system, allowing strategic command deployment in a way akin to an RTS. There’s a certain irony now, as Obsidian incorporates the turn-based style popularized by Larian in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The turn-based feature was first introduced in Pillars 2 in 2019, prior to the tidal wave of interest brought by Baldur’s Gate 3. Although some series enthusiasts found this integration a bit awkward due to the original design’s emphasis on real-time encounters, this option might attract newcomers who’ve embraced Avowed’s universe and Baldur’s Gate 3’s combat dynamics.
Excitingly, the possibility of an Avowed DLC looks promising as Obsidian Entertainment commits to “ongoing support” and teases a forthcoming roadmap.