Do I Need to Play Pillars of Eternity 1 Before Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire?
In a word, no, you don’t need to. However, whether you should is a completely different question. While Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, skipping the original Pillars of Eternity (PoE1) means missing out on a richer understanding of the world, its characters, and the grand narrative tapestry Obsidian Entertainment has woven. Think of it like watching the second season of a complex television show without seeing the first. You can follow along, but you’ll inevitably miss nuances, inside jokes, and the full emotional impact of certain events. Let’s delve into why playing PoE1 first, while not mandatory, is highly recommended.
The World of Eora: A Foundation of Knowledge
Lore and World-Building
Eora, the world in which both games are set, is brimming with intricate lore, diverse cultures, and a deep history. PoE1 introduces you to the core concepts of this universe: the nature of souls, the gods, the history of the Dyrwood, and the various factions vying for power. Deadfire builds upon this foundation, assuming you already have a basic grasp of these elements. Jumping straight into Deadfire without this context means you’ll be bombarded with unfamiliar terms and references, potentially hindering your immersion and enjoyment.
Understanding Characters and Factions
Many characters and factions from PoE1 reappear in Deadfire, often playing significant roles. Your choices and relationships in the first game can have tangible consequences in the sequel, influencing dialogue options, quest outcomes, and even character alliances. Starting with Deadfire means you won’t have the benefit of this established history, losing out on the personalized and reactive narrative that makes the Pillars of Eternity series so compelling.
Metaphysical Problems Posed by the Narrative
The narrative core of the Pillars of Eternity series are very deep. Both titles have profound metaphysical ideas and understanding POE1 helps to dive even deeper in Deadfire. Without the context of the first game, those deep themes might get lost and not be fully appreciated.
Enhanced Appreciation of the Sequel’s Innovations
Deadfire improves upon many aspects of its predecessor, including combat, exploration, and quest design. However, these improvements are best appreciated when viewed in contrast to PoE1. Playing the first game allows you to truly recognize and appreciate the enhancements made in the sequel, such as the expanded character customization options, the more dynamic and engaging combat system, and the vastly improved world exploration facilitated by the ship.
Bridging the Narrative Gap
While Deadfire does offer some introductory exposition and allows you to make choices reflecting your presumed actions in the first game, these are merely stopgap measures. They can’t fully replicate the experience of actually playing through PoE1 and making those decisions yourself. Starting with Deadfire risks feeling disconnected from the world and your character’s past, diminishing the overall impact of the narrative.
In conclusion, while not strictly required, playing Pillars of Eternity before diving into Deadfire significantly enhances the overall experience. It provides essential context, allows for a deeper connection to the world and characters, and enables a greater appreciation of the sequel’s innovations. If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the world of Eora and experience the Pillars of Eternity series at its best, start with the original. You might also consider looking into GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights on engaging with video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PoE2 a separate game from PoE1?
Yes, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a separate game from Pillars of Eternity. While it’s a direct sequel, it features its own story, characters, and gameplay mechanics, building upon the foundation established in the first game.
2. Is Deadfire better than PoE1?
Whether Deadfire is “better” is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Deadfire boasts improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced exploration, and a more visually stunning world. However, some players prefer the story and companions of PoE1. Both games offer unique strengths and cater to different tastes.
3. Can I play Pillars of Eternity 2 before 1 Reddit opinions seem to differ?
Yes, you can play Deadfire before PoE1, as opinions on Reddit confirm. However, as discussed above, it’s generally recommended to play PoE1 first for a better understanding of the story and lore.
4. Is PoE2 a direct sequel?
Yes, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel to Pillars of Eternity. The story picks up a few years after the events of the first game, with returning characters and consequences stemming from your choices in PoE1.
5. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 stand alone?
While the story of Deadfire can be considered somewhat standalone, its lore and overall narrative are strongly linked to the first game. Without the context of PoE1, you may struggle to fully understand the grander metaphysical themes and character motivations.
6. Are Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 connected narratively?
Yes, the Pillars of Eternity games share a continuous storyline. Some of your choices in PoE1 carry over to Deadfire, influencing dialogue, quest outcomes, and character relationships.
7. How big is Deadfire in terms of storage requirements?
The storage requirement for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is approximately 45 GB.
8. What is the max level in PoE Deadfire?
The maximum level for player characters in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is 20. Enemies can reach a level of 30.
9. What is the best class in POE2?
The “best” class in Deadfire depends on your playstyle and preferences. However, Chanters are often considered strong support classes, while classes like Cipher and Fighter can excel in damage dealing roles. Ultimately, the best class is the one that you find most enjoyable to play.
10. How long is PoE 1?
The length of Pillars of Eternity varies depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies. A main storyline playthrough typically takes around 36 hours, while a completionist run can take upwards of 109 hours.
11. Avowed, Pillars of Eternity: are they set in the same world?
Yes, Avowed is set in the same world as the Pillars of Eternity games. This ensures a continuity of lore and similar themes.
12. Do I need to understand the plot and gameplay of Path of Exile (PoE) to understand Pillars of Eternity (PoE) games?
No, the acronym PoE references Path of Exile as a game, which is unrelated to the Pillars of Eternity series.
13. Does time matter in PoE2, or is there a time limit?
There is no time limit in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. You can explore the world and complete quests at your own pace.
14. What happens to PoE 1 save data when playing PoE 2?
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire allows you to import your save data from PoE1, allowing choices and consequences to be carried over to the sequel. You can also manually set key decisions if you choose not to import a save file.
15. Is there any other source of information to enrich my game experience in Pillars of Eternity?
Absolutely. There are many websites, forums, and videos dedicated to the Pillars of Eternity games. You can find walkthroughs, character builds, lore explanations, and more. Feel free to explore communities online to elevate your game experience. The Games Learning Society can also provide resources on game design and immersive storytelling techniques that are relevant to Pillars of Eternity.