How Long to Beat Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of “how long to beat” a game is a common one, especially for sprawling RPGs like Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (PoE 2). The answer isn’t a simple number; it largely depends on your playstyle and what you hope to achieve within the game. If your goal is to experience the core story, expect to spend around 42 hours. However, for players who strive to explore every nook and cranny, complete all side quests, and achieve full 100% completion, the journey will likely extend to about 96 hours. These numbers are estimates and can fluctuate based on individual play speed, difficulty settings, and how much time you spend crafting or managing your ship. This guide will break down these timelines and answer other related questions about the game to help you plan your adventure.
Main Story vs. Completionist Run
The Core Narrative
Focusing solely on the main storyline of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a relatively streamlined experience. The primary quests will guide you through the major areas of the Deadfire Archipelago, introducing key characters and progressing the central narrative. Playing through just the main objectives can be done in approximately 42 hours. This is a good option for players who are primarily interested in the core narrative without getting bogged down in side content.
The Completionist Path
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Deadfire, a completionist playthrough is the way to go. This entails not only completing the main quest but also exploring every island, taking on every side quest, finding all hidden secrets, and upgrading your ship to its full potential. Reaching 100% completion in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire typically takes around 96 hours. This involves much more than just combat, requiring you to engage with the rich lore, master the crafting system, and manage your ship effectively.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several factors can impact your playtime significantly. These include:
- Difficulty Setting: Higher difficulty settings can increase the time it takes to complete combat encounters, which in turn impacts overall playtime. Hard and Path of the Damned difficulties not only feature stronger enemies but also increase the number of enemies in encounters, demanding more strategic planning and execution.
- Exploration Style: If you meticulously explore every map and interact with every NPC, your playtime will be extended. Conversely, players who focus solely on objectives might finish the game faster.
- Side Quest Completion: Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a multitude of engaging side quests that add substantial playtime and provide valuable items and experience. Ignoring these will drastically shorten your playtime, while completing them all will significantly increase it.
- Ship Management: Managing and upgrading your ship, and engaging in ship-to-ship combat, adds another layer to the game, and the time spent on this element will be added to your overall playtime.
- Experience with Similar Games: Players familiar with isometric RPGs like the original Pillars of Eternity, or Baldur’s Gate, may be able to navigate the game more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more details about Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire:
1. Is there a time limit in PoE 2?
No, there is no time limit in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. You are free to explore and complete the game at your own pace.
2. What are the difficulty settings in PoE 2?
The game offers five difficulty settings: Story Time, Easy, Normal, Hard, and Path of the Damned. Higher difficulties introduce more powerful and numerous enemies.
3. What is the best class in PoE 2?
Despite some nerfs, the Monk remains a top-tier melee class in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Its mobility and fast attacks make it a formidable force in close-quarters combat.
4. Is Path of Exile 2 a sequel to PoE 1?
No, Path of Exile 2 (also referred to as PoE 2) is a separate game from Path of Exile 1. While they share some elements, they are distinct experiences with unique mechanics, balances, endgames and leagues.
5. Is Path of Exile 2 better than Diablo 4?
This is subjective, but Path of Exile 2 boasts greater class diversity and replayability compared to Diablo 4. The addition of Ascendancy classes further enhances character customization.
6. Will Path of Exile 2 replace Path of Exile 1?
No, Path of Exile 1 and 2 will be separate games, each with their own distinct mechanics, balance, endgames, and leagues. Both games will have microtransactions, but not all items will be compatible across both.
7. What is the best solo class in PoE (referring to Path of Exile)?
In Path of Exile (not Pillars of Eternity), the Elementalist, specifically with the Elemental Hit Slayer build, is considered excellent for solo play, utilizing a randomly chosen elemental attack for high damage.
8. What race is best for a Cipher in PoE 2?
For a Cipher in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, the Elf, Orlan, and Godlike races are excellent choices due to their inherent stat bonuses. Elves gain a bonus to dexterity and perception.
9. What is the best class for beginners in PoE 2?
The Fighter class is an excellent starting point for newcomers in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. It’s a versatile and durable class that is easy to understand.
10. Should I play Pillars of Eternity 1 before Pillars of Eternity 2?
Yes, if you care about the story, it is highly recommended to play Pillars of Eternity 1 and its two-part expansion first. Pillars of Eternity 2 builds upon the first game and contains spoilers.
11. What is the hardest class to play in PoE (referring to Path of Exile)?
In Path of Exile, the Shadow is considered the most challenging class due to its complex mechanics and requiring a strategic approach.
12. Are the ships in PoE 2 infinite?
Yes, ships will respawn infinitely in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. However, only the first generation will have unique captains; subsequent spawns will feature generic captains.
13. Will Path of Exile microtransactions carry over to PoE 2?
Yes, microtransactions on your account will be available across both Path of Exile 1 and 2, with some exceptions for compatibility issues.
14. What background is best for a Cipher in PoE 2?
The Aristocrat, Drifter, Hunter, and Raider backgrounds are well-suited for a Cipher in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. The Aristocrat gains lore, the Drifter gains stealth and mechanics, and the Hunter gains stealth and survival.
15. Is Path of Exile 2 going to have new classes?
Yes, Path of Exile 2 will have 6 new classes: the Monk, Huntress, Mercenary, Sorceress, Warrior, and Druid. Combined with the original 6 classes, this will bring the total number of classes to 12. Each new class will also have 3 new ascendancies, totaling 26 in the game.
Conclusion
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a rich and engaging RPG experience that can last from approximately 42 hours for a streamlined playthrough focused on the main story to 96+ hours for dedicated completionists. The actual time will vary depending on your playstyle, chosen difficulty, and level of exploration. Whether you’re looking to quickly experience the story or delve deep into every corner of the Deadfire, planning your time accordingly will ensure you get the most out of this fantastic game. Remember, there’s no rush to finish and you can enjoy the adventure at your own pace. Happy gaming!