Should I Play Pillars of Eternity 1 Before 2?
The wait is over, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire has finally arrived. For those new to the series, it’s natural to wonder if you should play the original Pillars of Eternity before diving into the sequel. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Direct Answer:
While it’s not necessary to play Pillars of Eternity 1 before Pillars of Eternity 2, playing the original game will enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the world, characters, and lore. We recommend playing Pillars of Eternity before Pillars of Eternity 2 to get the most out of the sequel.
Why Play the Original?
Here are some reasons why playing Pillars of Eternity before Pillars of Eternity 2 is beneficial:
Established Setting and Lore
The original Pillars of Eternity sets the stage for the world of Eora, introducing key locations, characters, and factions. By playing the first game, you’ll have a better understanding of the world’s history, politics, and cultures, making it easier to appreciate the sequel’s new content and references.
Character Connection
Pillars of Eternity focuses on the protagonist, Watcher, and their personal journey. The game’s story explores themes of identity, morality, and redemption, which are crucial to the overall narrative. Playing the original will allow you to develop a deeper connection with the characters and their motivations, making the sequel’s storyline more impactful.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Pillars of Eternity introduces the game’s unique combat mechanics, character customization options, and party-based gameplay. Familiarizing yourself with these systems will make it easier to adjust to the sequel’s changes and additions.
Similarities and Differences
Here’s a table highlighting the similarities and differences between Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity 2:
| Pillars of Eternity | Pillars of Eternity 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Near the Deadfire Archipelago | The Deadfire Archipelago |
| Story | Focuses on the Watcher’s personal journey | Expands on the original’s story, introducing new characters and plotlines |
| Gameplay | Classic party-based RPG | Improved combat mechanics, new exploration features, and a focus on naval combat |
| Characters | Limited character selection | More character options, including pre-made characters and companions |
| Lore | Introduces the world of Eora | Expands on the original’s lore, providing more depth and complexity |
Pillars of Eternity 2: What’s New?
If you decide to jump straight into Pillars of Eternity 2, here are some key changes and additions you can expect:
- New Combat Mechanics: Improved combat AI, new abilities, and a focus on positioning and timing.
- Naval Combat: Explore the high seas, engage in ship-to-ship combat, and discover new locations.
- Character Customization: More options for creating unique characters, including pre-made companions and a deeper character customization system.
- Exploration: Discover new islands, cities, and hidden locations, each with their own stories and secrets.
- Lore and Story: A deeper dive into the world of Eora, with new characters, plotlines, and lore.
Conclusion
While Pillars of Eternity 2 is designed to be enjoyable for both new and veteran players, playing the original game will enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the world, characters, and lore. If you have the time and desire, we highly recommend playing Pillars of Eternity before diving into Pillars of Eternity 2. If you’re short on time or new to the series, Pillars of Eternity 2 is still a great starting point, with a built-in tutorial and introduction to the world of Eora. Ultimately, the choice is yours.