By In 2015, Obsidian Entertainment unveiled Pillars of Eternity, a party-oriented real-time tactical RPG. Now, Obsidian is implementing one of the most momentous modifications to the game in the past decade by integrating a turn-based mode. Players of Pillars of Eternity will have the opportunity to experience it this week.
On the official website of the game, Obsidian declared that the public beta for the turn-based mode of Pillars of Eternity will commence on November 5. The real-time combat was influenced by the mechanics used in the sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. The studio also published an announcement trailer for the new mode to showcase its functionality.
According to Obsidian, the subsequent real-time enhancements were implemented following fan feedback from Deadfire.
- Unbound Turns: All turns are now impacted by a character’s overall velocity, enhancing the significance of Real-Time with Pause attributes and systems.
- Smarter Free Actions: Actions such as switching weapons, consuming potions, or activating modals are now categorized as free actions. Each free action is restricted to one per turn per type for balance reasons.
- Accelerated Pacing: The lethality of combat has been markedly boosted for both adversaries and players to maintain the intensity and significance of battles.
- Mode Flexibility: You can opt for Turn-Based Mode alongside difficulty when initiating a new game — or alternate freely between Real-Time with Pause and Turn-Based Mode in the game settings. We’re also exploring a direct HUD toggle for added convenience.
As mentioned above, players can choose whether to adopt turn-based combat or switch between real-time and turn-based modes at their convenience. The beta test currently lacks a designated end date, but Obsidian notes that they will issue future updates in support of this before incorporating turn-based mode into the game as a permanent feature.
Josh Sawyer—who directed both Pillars of Eternity titles—has indicated that if Pillars of Eternity 3 ever comes to fruition, it will adopt the influences of Baldur’s Gate 3 and transition from an isometric viewpoint to a 3D-style format.
Earlier this year, Obsidian launched Avowed, an action-RPG set within the same realm as the Pillars of Eternity series.
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