Turn-Based Mode Beta for Pillars of Eternity Arrives

Born in 2015, Pillars of Eternity, a party-based real-time strategic RPG by Obsidian Entertainment is set to undergo one of its most major alterations since its inception. Within the next week, a turn-based mode beta is expected to be ready for players to explore.nnRecent updates on Obsidian’s official site communicate plans for the public beta version of the new mode scheduled to be available on November 5. The adoption of the real-time combat style is an inspiration drawn from its sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. To further promote the new mode, an announcement trailer offering a sneak peek of the action has been released by the studio.nnUsing feedback acquired from fans of Deadfire, several changes have been implemented to better the real-time play. One of these is the introduction of ‘Unbound Turns’, which allows a character’s overall speed to influence all turns, thereby enhancing Real-Time with Pause attributes and mechanics. Other inclusions are ‘Smarter Free Actions’ allowing for weapon swaps, potion drinking and modal activations to be performed as free actions albeit with a limitation of being one per turn type for balance. ‘Faster Pacing’ to increase combat dangers, creating a more tense and impactful battlefield experience for both enemies and players. Finally, they introduced ‘Mode Flexibility’, allowing players to choose between Turn-Based Mode or Real-Time with Pause when starting a new game, or switch freely between the two in the game options, with a direct HUD toggle under consideration for added convenience.nnIn light of these additions, players are given the freedom to decide whether they wish to use the turn-based combat or switch between real-time and turn-based modes according to preference. There is currently no defined end for the beta test, but Obsidian plans to issue further updates before finalizing the turn-based mode as a permanent feature of the game.nnIf plans for Pillars of Eternity 3 are realized, it has been hinted that it could follow in the footsteps of Baldur’s Gate 3 and shift from an isometric perspective to a 3D-style game. This suggestion came from Josh Sawyer, the same director who has been a part of both Pillars of Eternity games thus far.nnEarlier this year, Obsidian launched ‘Avowed’, an action-RPG that resonates with players as it unfolds within the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity games.