Table of Contents

Is Pillars of Eternity 2 Based on D&D? Unveiling the Truth Behind Obsidian’s RPG

The short answer is no, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is not directly based on the D&D ruleset or any D&D settings. While the game shares some surface-level similarities with classic D&D-inspired CRPGs, it boasts its own unique system and lore. This distinction is crucial for understanding the game’s mechanics and thematic underpinnings. Though familiarity with D&D can ease your transition into the world of Eora, Pillars of Eternity 2 is a completely separate entity. The game draws more from the spirit and legacy of classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment than it does from the direct mechanics of D&D. This allows Obsidian Entertainment to explore its own unique narrative and gameplay designs, untethered by established rules.

The Inspiration, Not the Foundation

While Pillars of Eternity 2 doesn’t use D&D rules, its design is heavily inspired by the classic isometric CRPG genre that was popularized by D&D-based games. You’ll recognize elements like:

Real-time combat with tactical pause: Similar to games like Baldur’s Gate, you manage your party in real-time, pausing to issue commands. However, the combat system itself is unique to Pillars.
Party-based gameplay: You control a party of adventurers, each with unique skills and abilities, a cornerstone of many D&D-based adventures.
Deep character customization: You can develop your character’s skills and abilities through a complex system of choices, a core aspect of tabletop RPGs.
Rich lore and world-building: Both games offer immersive worlds with their own unique histories, cultures, and mythologies.

However, these surface similarities are where the connection ends. Pillars introduces its own mechanics, such as a unique skill system, a separate fatigue mechanic, and distinct spell and ability options not directly lifted from D&D. The game focuses on exploration, story, and strategic party management more than a direct rules-based recreation of D&D. Obsidian has created a completely fresh world with its own history, gods, and societal structures that deviate significantly from traditional D&D settings.

Unique Pillars of Eternity Mechanics

Pillars of Eternity 2 boasts several specific mechanics that distinguish it from a D&D-based system:

Custom Combat System: The game uses a custom-built real-time-with-pause system, quite different from any D&D edition, even though some aspects might seem familiar to those who’ve played 4th Edition D&D.
Fatigue System: Characters in Pillars experience fatigue, which affects their performance. This adds a layer of strategy to resource management.
The Soul Mechanic: In the world of Eora, the soul plays a crucial role. This is a mechanic entirely unique to the setting of Pillars, with ramifications on combat, magic, and lore.
No Dice Rolls on Screen: While dice rolls are simulated behind the scenes, the results aren’t directly visible on the screen, unlike many other CRPGs with D&D roots. The game emphasizes outcomes instead of pure statistics.
Turn-Based Mode (Optional): Pillars of Eternity 2 also offers an optional turn-based mode for players who prefer more methodical gameplay, a system that completely reshapes how combat is played. This is a major departure from the real-time combat of most D&D based titles.

The Legacy of Classic CRPGs

Instead of relying on D&D, Pillars of Eternity 2 firmly positions itself as a spiritual successor to classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. Obsidian’s intent was to recapture the essence of those titles by crafting a rich, character-driven narrative and a deep, engaging world, drawing influence from those classics rather than the D&D rule system itself. This means that:

The game emphasizes player choice and consequence, where decisions have meaningful impacts on the story and world, a common theme of those classics.
It features a nuanced narrative with morally grey characters and situations, drawing inspiration from the complex themes of Planescape: Torment.
It boasts challenging tactical combat that requires careful party management and strategic decision-making, similar to what was found in the Infinity Engine titles like Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pillars of Eternity 2 to provide a more comprehensive understanding:

1. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 a direct sequel?

Yes, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a direct sequel to the first game. While you can start fresh, the game’s narrative and many characters directly connect to the events of the first game and its expansions.

2. Can I play Pillars of Eternity 2 without playing the first one?

Yes, you can. The game allows you to make major decisions at the start as if you had played through Pillars of Eternity and provides enough contextual information to understand the world and narrative without having played the first game. However, your enjoyment might be enhanced by playing the first game.

3. Is Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire turn-based?

The original combat system is real-time with pause, but Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire offers a turn-based mode that fundamentally alters the combat system. This optional mode offers an entirely different gameplay experience.

4. What inspired Pillars of Eternity?

Pillars of Eternity is primarily inspired by classic CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. It aims to recapture the feel and gameplay of those beloved titles.

5. 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. While it is not strictly necessary to play the first to play the second, the stories are interconnected.

6. Is there a time limit in Pillars of Eternity 2 Deadfire?

No, there is no time limit in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. You can freely explore the game world at your own pace, despite the plot implying urgency.

7. What is better, Pillars of Eternity 1 or 2?

Both games have their strengths. Pillars 1 has stronger world-building and story, while Pillars 2 has improved gameplay and a more flexible character building system. This makes it a matter of personal preference.

8. Should I play the first Pillars of Eternity before Deadfire?

If you care about the story and want to fully understand the lore and references, it is highly recommended that you play the first game before Deadfire. The story continues directly from the events of the first game.

9. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 successful?

Critically, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire was successful, garnering praise for its narrative and RPG design. However, it experienced lower than expected sales, impacting the likelihood of a sequel.

10. Is Tyranny a sequel to Pillars of Eternity?

No, Tyranny is not a sequel to Pillars of Eternity. It uses the same engine and gameplay mechanics but is a separate game with its own setting and story, where the player plays as the bad guys.

11. Is Pillars of Eternity 2 2D or 3D?

Pillars of Eternity uses 3D models for characters, while backgrounds are 2D. The game makes use of orthographic cameras and sprites to create its world, which gives it a classic isometric look.

12. Is there death in Pillars of Eternity?

Yes, death is permanent in Pillars of Eternity, unless you have a specific option turned on. This setting can reduce a death to a maimed state, but otherwise dead characters are lost for good.

13. How long is Pillars of Eternity 2?

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire takes around 61.5 hours to complete for the main story, while a completionist playthrough can take up to 132 hours.

14. What world is Pillars in Eternity set in?

The game takes place in the fantasy world of Eora, mainly in the nation of Dyrwood in the first game, and the Deadfire Archipelago in the second game.

15. Is there a level cap in Pillars of Eternity?

The level cap is 16 in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. It was raised over the course of both games and their expansions.

Conclusion

While the spirit of classic RPGs that may have inspired D&D is present in Pillars of Eternity 2, the game itself is not based on the D&D rule system. It stands proudly on its own, offering a unique and rich experience with its own lore and mechanics. Understanding this distinction allows you to appreciate the game’s design choices and the unique approach Obsidian has taken to the CRPG genre. Rather than asking if it is D&D, consider the game in the context of its lineage as a spiritual successor to classic RPGs. So if you are a fan of engaging narratives, complex character development and a deep world to explore, Pillars of Eternity 2 is certainly a worthwhile title for your time.

Is Pillars of Eternity 2 based on D&D?