Imagine revisiting a beloved game only to discover it’s about to get a major overhaul that could change how you experience it—sounds exciting, right? Well, that’s exactly what Obsidian Entertainment has in store for fans of the classic RPG Pillars of Eternity. Known for their work on titles like Fallout: New Vegas and the upcoming The Outer Worlds 2, this studio is surprising players with a new update that introduces a highly requested feature: a turn-based combat mode. But here’s where it gets controversial—does this new mode truly enhance the game, or does it risk diluting the original’s real-time strategy feel?
Obsidian’s latest announcement reveals that Pillars of Eternity, a nostalgic isometric role-playing game, will soon offer a fully functional turn-based mode through a public beta exclusively on PC. This addition aims to slow down the game's traditional 'real-time with pause' combat system, giving players a more tactical and deliberate experience. The move builds upon a previous optional turn-based feature included in Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire, released in 2018, but now it’s set to become a core option.
The development team, led by game director Josh Sawyer, has shared insights into the thinking behind this update in a detailed trailer. One of the key goals was to faithfully adapt character stats and abilities to fit the turn-based format, ensuring that gameplay remains balanced and engaging. At the same time, the update is designed to be flexible—players will be able to switch seamlessly between real-time and turn-based modes during gameplay, catering to different play styles.
Obsidian’s creative scope goes beyond Pillars of Eternity, with recent ventures like Avowed—an immersive first-person RPG set in the same universe—showcasing their ability to translate the series' rich world and complex combat systems into new formats, such as the Skyrim-like experience of a first-person adventure. Additionally, the studio is actively working on Grounded 2, a sequel to their popular small-world survival game, now in early access.
For fans eager to try out the new turn-based mode, the beta will launch on November 5 for PC players. Obsidian is eagerly seeking feedback from the community to refine the feature before a broader release, promising future updates based on player input.
And this is the part most people might miss—does the addition of a turn-based option represent a meaningful evolution for Pillars of Eternity, or does it risk alienating longtime fans who prefer the original combat style? Is this a brilliant way to modernize a classic, or could it shift the game’s identity in unexpected ways? What do you think—should more RPGs embrace this blend of real-time and turn-based gameplay, or is sticking to tradition better? Drop your thoughts below—this could be a game-changing debate.
