Fans of Obsidian Entertainment’s critically acclaimed role-playing game, Pillars of Eternity, have patiently awaited a significant gameplay addition, which has now arrived.
In early April 2026, Obsidian Entertainment released a substantial update for the original Pillars of Eternity, finally integrating a long-desired turn-based combat system into the game.
This new mode introduces dynamic turn management: characters with higher speed — those boasting high dexterity, light armor, or active speed-boosting effects — will gain the advantage of performing multiple actions within a single combat round.
Conversely, slower characters, or those burdened with significant speed penalties, may find themselves acting less frequently or potentially skipping an entire round, adding a crucial layer of tactical depth to party composition and gear choices.
Players now have the flexibility to activate the turn-based mode either when commencing a brand new game or by switching to it at any point during an existing playthrough.
The battles in turn-based mode have been carefully rebalanced to “emphasize the importance of careful tactical decision-making,” promising a fresh and challenging experience for both veteran players and newcomers alike.