Importing Your Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Transferring Your Pillars of Eternity Save to Deadfire
Importing your save from Pillars of Eternity (PoE1) into Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (PoE2) is a crucial step for players wanting a truly personalized and continuous experience within the Pillars universe. It’s not merely about transferring a character; it’s about bringing your pivotal choices and their consequences into the sequel. This article will guide you through the process and address frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth transition.
The Import Process: Step-by-Step
The core of importing your PoE1 save involves a straightforward process within PoE2’s initial setup. Here’s how you do it:
- Start a New Game in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire: Launch PoE2 and select “New Game.”
- Progress Through the Prologue: Play through the initial introductory section until you encounter the Pallid Knight.
- Engage in Dialogue: Interact with the Pallid Knight. This interaction will trigger a pivotal window.
- Find the Import Button: Within this dialogue window, you’ll find a button labeled “Import PoE1 Save” located on the bottom left.
- Click the Button: Click the “Import PoE1 Save” button. The game will then locate any valid save files from your first game.
- Select Your Save: Choose the final save file from your Pillars of Eternity 1 playthrough. This save must represent your final decisions to accurately carry them over.
- Character Customization (Optional): While the game imports your choices, you are still given the option to customize your character’s appearance and class in Pillars of Eternity 2.
- Continue Your Adventure: With your save imported, you can begin your adventure in the Deadfire archipelago, carrying the weight of your past decisions.
It is crucial that you use your final save from PoE1. The game doesn’t transfer your character per se, but rather all the significant decisions you made across the game, influencing the world and how it reacts to your Watcher in the second game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need to Play Pillars of Eternity 1 Before Pillars of Eternity 2?
Yes, it is highly recommended to play the first Pillars of Eternity before diving into Deadfire. While it’s possible to play PoE2 without having played the first, you’ll miss significant narrative context, world-building details, and references to your past choices. Many players and critics agree that playing PoE1 enriches the experience of PoE2.
What Exactly Carries Over from PoE1 to PoE2?
Primarily, your decisions from Pillars of Eternity 1 carry over, including those from companion quests, side quests, and the main quest line. These choices influence the state of the world and how characters in Deadfire react to you. Your character’s class and race in PoE1 do not force the same in PoE2. You are given the option to customize your character for the second game.
Can I Import My Character’s Stats or Inventory?
No, you cannot directly transfer your character’s stats, levels, or inventory. Your choices and their impact on the game’s world are what’s imported. You will be able to tailor your character to your desired class and specifications in PoE2.
Do I Need My Final Save From the First Game?
Yes, you absolutely need your final save from Pillars of Eternity 1 to import your game state correctly. Intermediate saves won’t reflect the ending and the total impact of your decisions. Ensure you have this final save ready before starting PoE2.
Where Are the Save Files Located for Pillars of Eternity?
Save file locations vary by platform. Typically, they are found within your user profile’s “Saved Games” or “Documents” folder. Check your operating system’s specific file path for the game’s save folder. Specifically, for GOG users, your save game may be located in the C:Users[YOUR USERNAME]Saved GamesPillars of Eternity folder.
What if I Don’t Have a PoE1 Save? Can I Still Play PoE2?
You can still play Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire without an imported save. If you don’t import a save, the game will default to a “generic” world state where key decisions are considered to have taken a default outcome. It’s still enjoyable, but you’ll miss out on the more personal and continuous narrative experience.
Will My Purchases From PoE1 Carry Over?
No, purchases made in the first Pillars of Eternity do not carry over to Deadfire. These are separate games. However, the Path of Exile games do have a shared purchase system.
Does Gender or Race from PoE1 Impact PoE2 Import?
While these can be changed when starting PoE2, gender and race choices in PoE1 do not restrict your gameplay in PoE2. There are very few race-specific dialogue options, and quests aren’t locked based on these characteristics.
How Does the Imported Save Affect the Story in PoE2?
The imported save significantly influences the story in PoE2. Key non-player characters (NPCs) will acknowledge past actions, and the state of locations and factions will reflect your choices. Your decisions from companion quests in PoE1 also shape your relationships with them in Deadfire.
Is Pillars of Eternity II Based on D&D?
The Pillars of Eternity series, including PoE2, is not explicitly based on any D&D ruleset. However, it draws inspiration from various tabletop RPG systems, with some elements reminiscent of 4th edition D&D, especially in PoE1. It is a CRPG which has a different system to D&D while sharing some roots.
Is PoE2 Better Than PoE1? Which Should I Play First?
Pillars of Eternity 2 is often considered to have better gameplay mechanics than the first game, but the original game offers more extensive world-building and background details. Playing PoE1 before PoE2 is strongly advised to fully grasp the lore and significance of the events in Deadfire. You will also get the most out of references to characters and events if you have played the first game.
Is There a Time Limit in Pillars of Eternity 2?
There is no time limit in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. You can explore and play at your own pace without worrying about failing due to time constraints.
Can I Farm in Pillars of Eternity?
There is no dedicated farming system in Pillars of Eternity. Instead, focus on completing quests, exploring areas, and defeating enemies to gain experience and resources. Dungeons with human enemies tend to provide more loot.
What is the “A Matter of Import” quest in Pillars of Eternity 2?
“A Matter of Import” is a side quest within Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. This specific quest is not related to importing your save. It’s one of the Royal Deadfire Company missions and becomes available after completing the “Dim Prospects” quest.
Will There Be a Pillars of Eternity 3?
Currently, there are no concrete plans for a Pillars of Eternity 3. According to the game director, any further installments would require the development team to be very enthusiastic about the project. Sales of Deadfire were lower than expected and a third game is considered unlikely at this point.
Importing your Pillars of Eternity 1 save into Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is an essential step for a richer, more connected gaming experience. By following the simple steps and understanding the nuances of how your choices carry over, you’ll be able to continue your Watcher’s story in the Deadfire Archipelago with a sense of continuity and consequence.