A decade after its release, Obsidian's 'Pillars of Eternity' is getting a surprise patch to add a turn-based mode, the developer has announced. This is a significant update for the isometric, party-based fantasy RPG, which has been a fan favorite since its release. The patch will be available for players on Steam and Xbox PC, with a public beta opening on November 5. Game director Josh Sawyer, who also directed 'Pentiment', has shared his thoughts on the new mode and its impact on the game.
The turn-based mode will offer a new way to play, with key improvements based on player feedback. Here's how it works:
- 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. A direct HUD toggle is also being investigated for convenience.
Obsidian has warned that this is a public beta, so players can expect bugs and ongoing adjustments. The beta will run for an extended period as the developer continues to refine the mode and prepares for a full release.
'Pillars of Eternity' received critical acclaim, with IGN giving it a 9/10 in 2015. The review praised the game's depth and complexity, comparing it favorably to 'Baldur's Gate'.
The question of a 'Pillars of Eternity 3' has been a topic of discussion. Josh Sawyer has expressed interest in developing a sequel, but it would require a substantial budget, similar to 'Baldur's Gate 3'. Sawyer has stated that if he were to make 'Pillars 3', he would employ a turn-based combat structure.
As Obsidian continues to develop its next game, the addition of the turn-based mode to 'Pillars of Eternity' is a significant development for fans of the series. The public beta is a great opportunity for players to try out the new mode and provide feedback, shaping the future of the game.
