Pillars of Eternity: Explore a Rich World and Engage in Tactical Combat!

Delving into the world of isometric RPGs often feels like stepping back in time, revisiting classics that defined a generation. Pillars of Eternity (PoE), developed by Obsidian Entertainment and released in 2015, is one such game that masterfully blends nostalgia with modern design sensibilities. Inspired by titans like Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale, PoE carves its own unique path with a captivating story, intricate character customization, and deeply satisfying tactical combat.

A World Teetering on the Edge: Unveiling the Narrative Tapestry

The narrative tapestry of Pillars of Eternity unfolds in Eora, a world steeped in lore and brimming with intriguing factions. Players are thrust into the role of a “Watcher,” an individual blessed (or cursed) with the ability to see and interact with souls. This unique power draws them into a conflict threatening to shatter the delicate balance of the land.

The story revolves around a mysterious affliction known as the Hollowborn, individuals devoid of souls who spread chaos and suffering. As a Watcher, you must unravel the mystery behind the Hollowborn while navigating complex political alliances, facing formidable foes, and making choices that shape the destiny of Eora.

Crafting Your Destiny: The Depth of Character Customization

Pillars of Eternity offers an unparalleled depth of character customization, allowing players to meticulously sculpt their heroes from a multitude of options.

• Races: Choose from diverse races like human, elf, dwarf, godlike (humans imbued with the powers of deities), and the enigmatic Aumaua (aquatic humanoids). Each race possesses unique racial bonuses and penalties that influence gameplay.
• Classes: The game boasts eleven distinct classes, each catering to different playstyles. From the nimble rogue who strikes from the shadows to the formidable paladin who cleaves through enemies with righteous fury, there’s a class for every preference.
• Subclasses and Talents: Within each class lie subclasses offering further specialization. A Fighter could choose to become a Stalwart Defender specializing in protecting allies or a Battlemage wielding both blade and arcane power. Talents allow for further customization, granting bonuses to specific skills or abilities.

This intricate system ensures that every character feels unique, capable of fulfilling diverse roles within the party.

The Dance of Strategy: Mastering the Combat System

Pillars of Eternity’s combat is a thrilling dance of strategy and tactical thinking. Unlike real-time RPGs where reflexes reign supreme, PoE employs a pause-and-play system reminiscent of classic Dungeons & Dragons experiences. This allows players to meticulously plan their moves, positioning their characters for maximum advantage and utilizing abilities with pinpoint accuracy.

• Real-Time With Pauses: Engage in real-time combat punctuated by strategic pauses that allow for careful planning and execution.

Beyond the Battlefield: Exploring the Rich World

Pillars of Eternity isn’t solely about combat. Its world is ripe for exploration, offering numerous side quests, hidden areas, and intriguing characters to interact with.

• Explore Eora: Traverse a vast and detailed world filled with vibrant cities, ancient ruins, treacherous dungeons, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Engage in Dialogue: PoE features extensive dialogue trees with meaningful choices that can influence relationships and the course of events.
• Unravel Lore: Delve into the rich history of Eora through scattered journals, ancient texts, and conversations with knowledgeable NPCs.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Expanding the Adventure

Obsidian Entertainment continued the saga with Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire in 2018. This sequel expands upon the original’s strengths while introducing fresh elements like ship-based exploration and naval combat. The story follows the Watcher as they pursue a renegade god, Eothas, across a vast archipelago filled with new islands to discover and challenges to overcome.

A Timeless Classic: Pillars of Eternity’s Enduring Appeal

Pillars of Eternity stands as a testament to the enduring power of classic RPG design. Its captivating narrative, intricate character customization, and deeply satisfying tactical combat create an experience that will resonate with both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the genre.

Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure filled with strategic depth or a world rich in lore and intrigue, Pillars of Eternity is a journey well worth embarking upon.