Is Pillars of Eternity A D&D Game? Unpacking the Similarities and Differences

The short answer is: no, Pillars of Eternity is not a D&D game. While it draws heavy inspiration from classic tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), especially Dungeons & Dragons, it uses its own proprietary rule system. It aims to capture the feel of a traditional pen-and-paper RPG while capitalizing on the real-time capabilities of computers. This results in a game that feels familiar to D&D veterans, yet distinctly its own creation. Let’s explore this in more depth.

Pillars of Eternity: A Deep Dive into its Unique System

Heavily Inspired, But Not a Copy

Pillars of Eternity, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is a CRPG (Computer Role-Playing Game) that wears its influences on its sleeve. You’ll find elements reminiscent of classic titles like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment, many of which themselves were built on D&D foundations. However, Pillars of Eternity doesn’t directly implement any specific edition of D&D. Instead, it crafts its own system. This is key to understanding why it’s not a D&D game, despite the similarities.

While the character classes such as Fighter, Wizard, and Rogue might seem similar to their D&D counterparts, their mechanics, abilities, and progression are unique to the Pillars of Eternity universe. This includes the use of a custom attribute system, distinct combat mechanics, and a specific skill system. The game also emphasizes a branching narrative and significant character depth, rather than a pure loot-driven experience as some other RPGs do.

Real-Time with Pause: A Distinct Approach

One of the defining characteristics of Pillars of Eternity is its real-time with pause combat system. Unlike the turn-based combat found in many D&D games, here you control your party in real-time, but can pause the action to issue orders and strategize. This gives you a more active role and requires a different skill set, moving away from the discrete turns of traditional D&D battles.

Focus on Narrative and Choice

Pillars of Eternity, much like a good D&D campaign, places strong emphasis on narrative and player choice. The consequences of your decisions are often felt throughout the game, and there are multiple paths and outcomes. This element, while also prevalent in many D&D campaigns, is integrated into the Pillars of Eternity rule set and storytelling.

Pillars of Eternity vs. D&D: Key Differences

• Rule System: Pillars of Eternity uses a proprietary rule system, not any edition of D&D (like 3.5e or 5e).
• Combat: Pillars of Eternity uses real-time with pause combat, as opposed to D&D’s turn-based combat.
• Progression: The way characters level up and learn skills in Pillars of Eternity is very different from the leveling systems in D&D.
• Setting: Pillars of Eternity’s world of Eora is a unique creation, while D&D games take place in various established settings like the Forgotten Realms, or homebrew worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Pillars of Eternity based on any specific D&D edition?

No, Pillars of Eternity is not based on any specific edition of D&D. While it takes inspiration from TTRPGs, it features a distinct, custom rule system designed for the game.

2. What aspects of Pillars of Eternity are similar to D&D?

Many elements are inspired by D&D, including character classes (fighter, wizard, rogue), fantasy setting, and a focus on exploration, combat, and social interactions. These are common themes in TTRPGs, not exclusive to D&D.

3. Does Pillars of Eternity use a grid-based movement system like D&D?

No, it does not. Pillars of Eternity utilizes a free movement system during its real-time with pause gameplay, unlike the typical grid-based movement in many D&D games.

4. Is character creation in Pillars of Eternity like D&D?

While both allow you to create characters with certain attributes and skills, the specific character creation mechanics in Pillars of Eternity are distinct. They don’t use the same method, races or classes as D&D does.

5. What is the ‘real-time with pause’ combat system in Pillars of Eternity?

This system allows you to control your party in real-time but pause the game to issue commands and plan your strategy. This provides tactical depth different than turn based D&D.

6. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 more like D&D than Pillars of Eternity?

Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a much closer representation of D&D 5th edition, faithfully adapting its rules and mechanics. Pillars of Eternity uses its own unique mechanics, making it distinct from D&D.

7. What are the three pillars of gameplay in Pillars of Eternity?

While inspired by D&D, Pillars of Eternity focuses primarily on combat, exploration, and a branching narrative. The game also includes a significant focus on social interaction, but it is not formalized as pillars as D&D specifically states.

8. What kind of game is Avowed in relation to Pillars of Eternity?

Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora, from the Pillars of Eternity universe. It is created by the same developers and is considered a spiritual successor.

9. Does Pillars of Eternity have any Diablo-like elements?

While it’s a CRPG, Pillars of Eternity doesn’t prioritize loot-driven gameplay like Diablo. It is more focused on narrative, character depth and choice.

10. Can you play as a male or female character in Pillars of Eternity?

Yes, you can play as either a male or female character in the Pillars of Eternity games.

11. What makes the Staff of the Magi so powerful in D&D?

In D&D, the Staff of the Magi is a very powerful magical staff allowing its wielder to cast a variety of spells and even absorb enemy magic.

12. Is there a “golden rule” in Pillars of Eternity like the DM rule in D&D?

No, Pillars of Eternity does not have a game master or equivalent system. The rules are fixed and the game follows its own set of mechanics.

13. Are the classes in Pillars of Eternity difficult to play?

Some classes are more complex than others in Pillars of Eternity, but they are not as categorized as in D&D. The difficulty also varies based on a player’s understanding of the game mechanics.

14. What are the 4 tiers of D&D play?

D&D categorizes play into four tiers: Local Heroes (levels 1-4), Heroes of the Realm (levels 5-10), Masters of the Realm (levels 11-16), and Masters of the World (levels 17-20). This concept is not directly applicable to Pillars of Eternity.

15. What does CRPG stand for?

CRPG stands for Computer Role-Playing Game. These games allow users to move freely through the game venue, typically in a fantasy setting.

Conclusion: A Unique Experience

In conclusion, while Pillars of Eternity is deeply inspired by the spirit of D&D and classic TTRPGs, it is not a D&D game. Its use of a unique rule system, real-time with pause combat, and focus on narrative distinguish it from D&D. It successfully creates a compelling RPG experience that stands on its own merit. If you are a D&D enthusiast, you’ll likely find much to enjoy in the Pillars of Eternity series, but be prepared for a different approach to gameplay.