How Long to Beat Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for any prospective adventurer setting sail into the Deadfire Archipelago is: how long will this epic RPG consume my life? The answer, as with most sprawling games, depends largely on your playstyle. For those focused solely on the main narrative path, you’re looking at around 42 hours of playtime. However, if you’re the type of player who feels compelled to explore every nook and cranny, complete every side quest, and witness every facet of the world, your journey could stretch closer to 96 hours to achieve 100% completion. Let’s break down what contributes to this variation and explore other aspects of the game’s length.
Factors Influencing Playtime
The discrepancy between the main story completion time and a completionist run arises from the sheer volume of content Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers.
Main Story vs. Side Quests
A direct run focused solely on the main questline will propel you through the central narrative about the god Eothas. However, ignoring side quests means bypassing fascinating stories, valuable character development, and critical experience that might make future challenges easier. The game world is rich with opportunities for exploration that enrich the experience but significantly add to playtime.
Exploration and Discovery
The Deadfire Archipelago is a vast and beautiful region to traverse. Whether by foot or sea on your ship, the “Defiant,” there is much to discover. Optional islands, hidden locations, and secret encounters add considerable time for the diligent explorer.
Combat and Difficulty
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a highly customizable difficulty system. Players opting for a lower difficulty setting will typically progress through combat encounters much faster. Conversely, higher difficulties may lead to more tactical decision-making, frequent reloads, and, thus, increased playtime. The game offers many levels of difficulty, from story mode through path of the damned.
Character Optimization
Taking the time to experiment with different character builds, optimizing your party, and learning the combat system is crucial for success. However, this process requires time and research. The more you delve into the intricacies of the game’s systems, the longer your overall playtime will become.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Pillars of Eternity 2 before 1?
While Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel, you can absolutely start with it. The game allows you to make major decisions at the start that are analogous to choices made in the first game. However, playing the first game and its expansions will enhance your enjoyment by providing crucial context and understanding of the world and characters.
2. How big is Pillars of Eternity 2?
The game requires approximately 45 GB of available storage on your system.
3. What is the max level in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire?
The player level cap is 20. However, creatures and NPCs can reach a maximum level of 30.
4. What is the best rogue subclass in Pillars of Eternity 2?
The Trickster is often considered one of the best subclasses for single-class Rogues. While they deal slightly less Sneak Attack damage, the Trickster’s ability to guarantee Sneak Attacks through self-inflicted debuffs is incredibly valuable.
5. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 based on D&D?
The Pillars of Eternity series is not explicitly based on any specific D&D ruleset. However, they draw inspiration from elements of 4th edition D&D. The first game has a more pronounced D&D influence compared to the second.
6. Was Pillars of Eternity 2 successful?
Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire experienced lower-than-expected sales. This has unfortunately reduced the likelihood of a potential sequel.
7. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 a good game?
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is considered by many to be a fantastic RPG. It is praised for its deep mechanics, engaging narrative, and rich character development. However, it might not appeal to everyone because it has a steep learning curve. The web of intertwining features and mechanics are as deep as they are complicated, which may make it daunting to beginners in the genre.
8. What is the level cap in Pillars of Eternity 1?
The level cap in Pillars of Eternity 1 was raised from 12 to 14 in Part I, and was further increased to level 16 in Part II.
9. What is the max party size in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire?
The maximum party size in Deadfire is five: the Watcher (your main character) and four companions.
10. What is the best class in Pillars of Eternity 2?
There is no single “best” class as each has its strengths and weaknesses. However, Ghost Heart Druid is often lauded for its consistent performance, although it can be slower at casting and susceptible to interruptions. A no-subclass wizard is another very strong option.
11. What is the strongest wizard build in Pillars of Eternity 2?
A no-subclass Wizard is considered one of the strongest single-class builds due to its versatility and access to every spell on its expansive list. The ability to use unique spells from the many Grimoires in Deadfire also helps.
12. What is the best pure class in Pillars of Eternity 2?
The Barbarian is often considered one of the best pure melee tanking classes due to its powerful passives and buffs to Criticals and Attack Speed.
13. Are Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 related?
Yes, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel to the first game. While you can jump directly into the second game, playing the first will give you essential context and background information to the story and characters.
14. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 2D or 3D?
Pillars of Eternity and Tyranny use 3D models for characters. However, the backgrounds are 2-dimensional. This is created by using orthographic cameras, with artwork placed as sprites or similar.
15. Does Pillars of Eternity 2 have DLC?
Yes, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire has several DLCs that add to the story and world. Some notable DLCs extend playtime by a considerable amount, though some may have certain flaws like the need for frequent, unnecessary battles.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the question of how long to beat Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is subjective. It hinges on your personal playstyle, your desire to explore the game’s intricate world, and your commitment to completing all its content. While a focused run through the main story may take around 42 hours, a completionist playthrough could easily take over 96 hours. This makes it a fantastic investment for those seeking a deep, challenging, and rewarding RPG experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the genre, prepare for an epic journey of exploration and discovery in the captivating world of Deadfire.