Obsidian Entertainment is introducing a turn-based combat mode to the 2015 RPG Pillars of Eternity, with a public beta launching on November 5, 2025, for PC. The update draws inspiration from the turn-based addition in the game's 2018 sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, and includes enhancements to the original real-time with pause system based on fan feedback. Players will be able to switch freely between combat modes during gameplay.
Announcement Details
Obsidian Entertainment announced the turn-based mode for Pillars of Eternity on November 3, 2025, via the game's official site and an accompanying trailer. The beta test begins November 5 and has no specified end date, allowing players to test the feature ahead of its permanent integration in a future patch. Game director Josh Sawyer described the update as a significant undertaking in a video blog, noting it addresses criticisms of the turn-based system added to Deadfire in 2019.
Combat Improvements
Alongside the new mode, Obsidian detailed enhancements to the real-time with pause combat, informed by feedback from Deadfire:
- Unbound Turns: Turns are now based on character speed, enhancing the role of Real-Time with Pause attributes.
- Smarter Free Actions: Actions like swapping weapons or drinking potions are free but limited to one per type per turn.
- Faster Pacing: Increased lethality for both enemies and players to make battles more tense.
- Mode Flexibility: Select turn-based mode at new game start or switch via options; a HUD toggle is under investigation.
This update aims to make the tactical RPG more accessible and intuitive, potentially drawing in players familiar with modern titles like Baldur's Gate 3. Sawyer has hinted that a hypothetical Pillars of Eternity 3 might adopt a 3D perspective influenced by such games. Earlier in 2025, Obsidian released Avowed, an action-RPG in the same universe.