Pillars Of Eternity Turn-Based Mode Beta Begins November 5

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The critically acclaimed role-playing game, Pillars of Eternity, is receiving an unexpected update a decade after its release, promising a major change to how players enjoy the game. Pillars of Eternity uses a real-time combat system that lets you pause and issue commands, but the developers at Obsidian Entertainment had previously revealed plans to add a turn-based combat option. Until now, it wasn’t clear when this new mode would be available for players to try.

I’m so excited! Obsidian just announced on their website that the public beta for the turn-based mode is starting November 5th! It’ll be available for those of us on Steam and Xbox PC. We’re finally going to get our hands on what they’ve been working on for months, and see how different it feels from the old real-time system. Plus, it’s all built on the foundation of Deadfire, but even better!

Pillars Of Eternity Is Getting A Turn-Based RPG Mode

Turn-Based Mode Will Improve Upon Pillars Of Eternity II: Deadfire

The upcoming update will feature a new turn-based combat system inspired by Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, but improved based on player feedback. A key feature will be turn order determined by each character’s speed, preserving the feel of the game’s existing real-time-with-pause system.

Obsidian has clarified that using minor actions will be more efficient. For instance, you’ll be able to switch weapons or use potions without spending a full turn, though you’ll only be able to do one of these things per turn to keep things balanced. As shown in their YouTube trailer, this limit is in place to prevent players from exploiting the system.

The turn-based combat in Pillars of Eternity is getting an update to feel quicker and more impactful. Battles will be more dangerous, but shouldn’t slow down your overall progress. Plus, you can now easily switch between real-time and turn-based modes in the game’s settings.

Turn-Based Mode Can Make Pillars Of Eternity An Alternative To Baldur’s Gate 3

Obsidian’s RPG Could Please Fans Of Larian’s Game With The New Update

Obsidian Entertainment announced that they’ll be running beta tests for an unspecified amount of time. They want to gather player feedback and refine the game before its official launch. Despite being a decade old, this is a significant update. Interestingly, the turn-based mode works really well and positions Pillars of Eternity as a strong choice for fans of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Although Pillars of Eternity came out over a decade ago, some players don’t enjoy its real-time-with-pause combat style. Even Deadfire, a fantastic RPG, has some issues with its turn-based combat that keep it from feeling as polished as Larian’s most recent game.

I’m really looking forward to how Pillars of Eternity will play with its improved turn-based mode. Seeing the success of games like BG3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has me excited about both the finished version of this update and the possibility of a Pillars of Eternity 3 in the future. The new mode builds on the existing system from Deadfire.

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2025-11-03 23:09