Obsidian Entertainment has announced that Pillars of Eternity, its acclaimed role-playing game first released in 2015, will soon receive a major gameplay update introducing a turn-based combat mode. The new feature is set to begin testing on PC from 5 November, with plans to roll it out in a future patch.
A new tactical approach to classic gameplay
The upcoming update will offer players an alternative to the game’s traditional “real-time with pause” system, aiming to provide a more strategic and accessible experience. Game director Josh Sawyer described the project as a significant undertaking, revealing the news in a recent video blog.
According to Sawyer, the idea to bring turn-based combat to the original Pillars of Eternity was inspired by the positive reception of a similar feature added to Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire in 2019. However, this new version will incorporate lessons learned from player feedback.
“One of the major changes is that action economy is a lot more accurate to the real-time with pause game,” Sawyer explained. “It’s not a one-to-one translation of time because we did try that. However, it does align with the spirit of what dexterity should do, what recovery time should do, and so on. The number of turns you get to take per round is no longer tied to the round, but to your speed and recovery. That feels like it has much greater parity with the real-time with pause mode.”
Faster, deadlier battles ahead
To prevent battles from becoming sluggish, Obsidian has adjusted combat balance to make encounters faster and more lethal. The team is also exploring a new HUD toggle, allowing players to switch between combat modes mid-battle. Alternatively, players can change modes freely through the game’s settings menu.
Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the announcement, with many expressing renewed interest in revisiting the game or calling for a sequel. One comment on YouTube captured the excitement: “Please give this man the budget of BG3 to make the next Pillars.”
Renewed interest in the world of Eora
Though Pillars of Eternity is now a decade old, its rich universe continues to influence Obsidian’s future projects. The fantasy world of Eora, first established in this title, has been carried forward into the studio’s upcoming first-person action RPG Avowed, scheduled for release in 2025.
With the introduction of turn-based combat, Obsidian hopes to attract both longtime fans and newcomers who may find the slower, tactical pace more intuitive. The update may also serve as a gateway for players eager to explore how the Pillars of Eternity series began before delving into the next chapter of the saga.
Although no details have been confirmed for a console version of the update, players are hopeful that the feature will eventually be made available on other platforms.
