How Long to Beat Pillars of Eternity 1? A Deep Dive into Eora’s Length
So, you’re diving into the world of Eora and wondering just how much time you’ll be investing? The answer, like any good RPG, depends heavily on your playstyle. For a focused playthrough concentrating on the main storyline, you’re looking at roughly 36 hours. However, if you’re the kind of player who likes to explore every nook and cranny, complete every quest, and truly immerse yourself in the world, expect to spend upwards of 109 hours achieving 100% completion. This includes tackling all side quests, exploring optional dungeons, and truly understanding the rich lore Pillars of Eternity offers. Factors affecting playtime include difficulty setting, party composition, and your willingness to engage with the game’s complex combat system.
Pillars of Eternity: A Time Investment Worth Making
Pillars of Eternity isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a deep, intricate RPG that rewards players who take their time and explore its world. The hours you invest are more than just time spent; they are an investment in a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and a world brimming with secrets.
The Allure of Completionism
The allure of achieving 100% completion is strong for many RPG enthusiasts. In Pillars of Eternity, this means not just finishing the main questline, but also:
- Completing every side quest available.
- Discovering all hidden locations and dungeons.
- Mastering the combat system and experimenting with different character builds.
- Unlocking all achievements.
- Engaging deeply with the game’s lore through dialogues and exploration.
This completionist path is a rewarding one, offering a comprehensive understanding of Eora and its inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pillars of Eternity Playtime
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the time investment required for Pillars of Eternity:
1. How long is Pillars of Eternity: The White March – Part I?
When focusing on the main objectives of the first part of the expansion, expect to spend around 8 hours. Completing everything in The White March – Part I will take considerably longer.
2. How long is Pillars of Eternity: The White March – Part II?
Similar to Part I, The White March – Part II also clocks in at around 8 hours for a main objective-focused playthrough, but expect to double or triple that time for a completionist run. The White March adds more time to overall play through and is a great DLC.
3. Is it better to play Pillars of Eternity 1 before 2?
Absolutely. While Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a standalone experience, it’s a direct sequel. Understanding the events, characters, and lore of the first game significantly enhances your appreciation and comprehension of the second.
4. How does difficulty level affect playtime?
A higher difficulty setting will undoubtedly increase your playtime. You’ll need to be more strategic in combat, experiment with different tactics, and potentially grind for levels or better equipment, all of which add to the overall time.
5. Does party composition impact the length of the game?
Yes. A well-balanced party will make combat encounters smoother and faster. Experimenting with different party compositions to find one that suits your playstyle might add some time initially, but ultimately streamlines the experience.
6. What is the max level in Pillars of Eternity?
The maximum level in the base game is 12. The White March expansions increase this further to level 16.
7. Should I finish Pillars of Eternity 1 before starting Pillars of Eternity 2?
If you care about the story and lore, the answer is a resounding yes. Playing the first game and its expansions provides crucial context for the second game’s narrative.
8. What background is best for Pillars of Eternity 1 for a beginner?
There isn’t a single “best” background, but the aristocrat, mystic, drifter, and hunter are all solid choices. The mystic’s bonus to Lore can be particularly helpful for understanding the game’s world.
9. Are Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 related?
Yes, they are directly related. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel to the first game, continuing the story and building upon the world established in the original. Your choices in the first game can even influence events in the second.
10. Can I import my Pillars of Eternity 1 save into Pillars of Eternity 2?
Yes, you can! Importing your save allows your decisions and character’s history to carry over, influencing the story and relationships in Deadfire.
11. Will there be a Pillars of Eternity 3?
While there are no concrete plans currently, Josh Sawyer, a key figure in the development of the Pillars of Eternity series, has expressed interest in making a third game if given the necessary budget.
12. What makes Pillars of Eternity worth playing?
Pillars of Eternity stands out for its deep and engaging story, its complex and strategic combat system, its rich and detailed world, and its memorable characters. It’s a true love letter to classic RPGs. In addition to this, you can learn more about game education by going to Games Learning Society website.
13. Is Pillars of Eternity an open-world game?
While Pillars of Eternity isn’t a fully open-world game in the traditional sense, it features large, interconnected areas that you can freely explore. However, certain areas are level-gated, meaning you’ll likely get overwhelmed if you venture there too early.
14. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 better than Pillars of Eternity 1?
That’s a matter of personal preference! Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire refines the gameplay and adds new features, but some players prefer the story and atmosphere of the original. Both are excellent games.
15. Does White March increase the level cap in Pillars of Eternity?
Yes. The White March – Part I increases the level cap from 12 to 14, and Part II further increases it to level 16.
Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Pace
Ultimately, how long it takes to beat Pillars of Eternity depends on you. Whether you’re a speedrunner focused on the main quest, or a completionist determined to uncover every secret, Eora offers a compelling and rewarding experience that is worth every hour spent. So, grab your party, sharpen your swords, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure. You can also continue your learning journey about gaming by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.