Trending
Xbox studio Obsidian Entertainment is bringing fan-favourite turn-based combat to the original Pillars of Eternity game with a public beta launching November 5th on both Steam and the Xbox app. The new mode follows the turn-based system introduced in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, but incorporates community feedback with significant mechanical improvements.
What's New in Turn-Based Mode
Players familiar with Deadfire's turn-based option will recognise the foundation, but Obsidian are adamant that they've refined the experience based on years of player feedback. The updated system introduces unbound turns influenced by character speed, making Real-Time with Pause attributes like Dexterity and movement speed meaningful in turn-based combat. Previously, these stats felt somewhat redundant when rounds operated on fixed initiative.
Free actions now include weapon swapping, potion drinking, and modal ability toggling, with each type limited to once per turn for balance. This prevents the tedious menu diving that plagued earlier implementations whilst maintaining tactical depth.
Faster, Deadlier Combat
Obsidian has significantly increased combat lethality for both players and enemies, addressing common complaints about turn-based encounters dragging on. Battles should feel tense and consequential rather than wars of attrition where characters chip away at health pools for twenty minutes. Praise, Magran!
Flexible Mode Switching
Once the update is live, Turn-Based Mode will appear as an option alongside difficulty selection when starting new games, but players won't be locked into their choice. The mode can be toggled freely in game options, allowing players to switch between Real-Time with Pause and turn-based combat depending on encounter preference. Obsidian is investigating adding a direct HUD toggle for even quicker transitions, which is a great idea.
Beta Expectations and Feedback
As an active beta, players should expect bugs and ongoing balance adjustments throughout the testing period. Game Director Josh Sawyer shared thoughts on the mode's development in a special message accompanying the announcement, highlighting how community suggestions shaped the final implementation.
Obsidian will collect bug reports, balance feedback, and gameplay suggestions throughout the beta before the mode's full release. The public beta runs for an extended period whilst the development team continues refinements.
The Turn-Based Mode beta launches November 5th for Steam and Xbox PC versions of Pillars of Eternity.
DON'T MISS:
- Avowed Update 1.5 Rolls Out, Adds New Abilities, Items, Steam Deck Support and Big Quality of Life Changes
- The Outer Worlds 2: How to Recruit All Companions
- The Outer Worlds 2 Review - An Action RPG With Plenty of Flavour
- Avowed Review - Vibrant, Visceral and Undeniably Fun Action RPG
- Avowed—All collectibles on the Shatterscarp map
