Table of Contents

Unlocking Rivellon: Choosing the Right Difficulty in Divinity: Original Sin 2

The “best” difficulty for Divinity: Original Sin 2 is Classic Mode. It provides a balanced and engaging experience, allowing players to appreciate the game’s strategic depth without feeling overly punished or excessively coddled. It’s a great starting point for most players, offering a fair challenge that showcases the intricacies of the combat system, narrative complexity, and environmental interactions. However, the ideal difficulty depends entirely on your gaming experience, playstyle, and desired level of challenge. Ultimately, the ‘best’ difficulty is the one that allows you to have the most fun.

Understanding the Difficulty Levels

Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a range of difficulty levels, each tailored to different player preferences. Understanding these levels is crucial for selecting the one that best suits your needs:

Story Mode: This is the easiest difficulty, designed for players who primarily want to experience the narrative and explore the world without being heavily challenged by combat. Players receive significant bonuses, and enemies are significantly weakened. This is perfect for newcomers to the RPG genre or those who simply want a relaxing playthrough.
Explorer Mode: A step up from Story Mode, Explorer offers a more moderate challenge. Players still receive some bonuses, and enemies are slightly nerfed, but the combat requires a bit more strategic thinking. This is an excellent choice for players new to isometric RPGs who don’t shy away from combat but are still learning the ropes.
Classic Mode: This is the default and most commonly recommended difficulty. It offers a balanced experience, providing a fair challenge without feeling overwhelming. Enemies are neither significantly weakened nor excessively powerful, and players must utilize strategy and teamwork to succeed. It’s a great starting point for most players.
Tactician Mode: This is the hardest standard difficulty level. Enemies are significantly stronger, more intelligent, and utilize advanced tactics. Players need to meticulously plan their builds, utilize environmental advantages, and exploit enemy weaknesses to survive. Tactician Mode demands a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Honour Mode: This is a permadeath version of Tactician Mode. If your entire party is defeated at any point, the game ends. This mode is only for the most hardcore players seeking the ultimate challenge.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Difficulty

Several factors should influence your choice of difficulty:

Your Experience with RPGs: If you’re new to RPGs, especially isometric ones, Story or Explorer mode are recommended. Experienced RPG players may find Classic or Tactician more engaging.
Your Preferred Playstyle: Do you enjoy meticulously planning every encounter and optimizing your builds? Tactician Mode might be for you. If you prefer a more relaxed experience focused on the narrative, Story or Explorer might be better.
Your Tolerance for Failure: Divinity: Original Sin 2 can be challenging, even on lower difficulties. If you’re easily frustrated by repeated failures, consider starting on Story or Explorer mode.
Your Time Commitment: Tactician Mode requires significantly more time and effort due to the increased difficulty of encounters. Consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate to the game.
Do you want to learn more about video game learning? If yes, consider to visit the Games Learning Society. You can find it at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Your Desire for Co-op Play: The experience can also vary significantly depending on your experience of co-op.

Why Classic Mode Is a Great Starting Point

Classic Mode provides a good balance between challenge and accessibility. It allows players to learn the game’s mechanics, experiment with different builds, and explore the world without feeling overly pressured. It also rewards strategic thinking and teamwork, encouraging players to utilize the game’s diverse combat options. This makes Classic the ideal difficulty for most first-time players.

Difficulty and Experience Points (XP)

Difficulty does affect the amount of XP you earn in Divinity: Original Sin 2. While the XP gained per kill remains the same across all difficulties, activities like completing quests and discovering new areas award significantly more XP on higher difficulties. This means that players on Tactician Mode will level up faster than players on Classic or Explorer Mode. Remember this when you are deciding which difficulty is right for you.

Tips for Adapting to Different Difficulties

Regardless of the difficulty you choose, here are some general tips for succeeding in Divinity: Original Sin 2:

Experiment with Different Builds: Don’t be afraid to try out different class combinations and skill sets.
Utilize Environmental Advantages: Take advantage of high ground, create choke points, and use elemental surfaces to your advantage.
Craft and Utilize Consumables: Potions, scrolls, and grenades can be invaluable in challenging encounters.
Pay Attention to Dialogue: Dialogue choices can have significant consequences, both in terms of the narrative and combat.
Don’t Be Afraid to Respec: The game allows you to respec your characters from Act 2 onwards, so you’re not locked into your initial choices.
Engage With the Community: The Divinity: Original Sin 2 community is a valuable resource for tips, strategies, and build ideas.
Don’t forget that GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resources!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change the difficulty mid-game?

No, you cannot change the difficulty setting once you’ve started a playthrough. You would need to start a new game to play on a different difficulty.

2. Does difficulty affect the story or quests?

No, the difficulty setting does not affect the story, quests, or available dialogue options. Only the combat encounters and experience points given for completing various activities in the world.

3. Is Honour Mode really that difficult?

Yes, Honour Mode is extremely challenging due to the permadeath mechanic. A single mistake can end your entire playthrough.

4. What’s the best starting class for beginners?

The Conjurer or Ranger are often recommended for beginners due to their relatively straightforward playstyles and strong early-game abilities.

5. Is Divinity: Original Sin 2 overwhelming for new players?

It can be overwhelming initially due to the game’s complexity, but starting on Story or Explorer Mode and gradually learning the mechanics can make it more manageable.

6. Does race matter in Divinity: Original Sin 2?

Yes, race affects your character’s starting attributes, racial skills, and dialogue options. Some races are better suited to certain builds.

7. What are some common mistakes new players make?

Common mistakes include neglecting crafting, ignoring environmental advantages, and failing to diversify their party’s skills.

8. How important is party composition?

Party composition is crucial for success, especially on higher difficulties. A balanced party with different damage types and support abilities is essential.

9. Is it better to create my own character or play as an Origin character?

Both options have their advantages. Creating your own character allows for greater customization, while Origin characters offer unique storylines and perspectives.

10. How many hours does it take to beat Divinity: Original Sin 2?

The main story takes around 60 hours to complete, while a completionist playthrough can take upwards of 150 hours.

11. Is there romance in Divinity: Original Sin 2?

Yes, Divinity: Original Sin 2 features romance options with both Origin characters and custom characters.

12. What are Gift Bag items, and should I use them?

Gift Bag items are optional gameplay modifications added by the developers. Some players prefer to avoid them for a more authentic experience.

13. What are some of the worst choices I can make in Divinity: Original Sin 2?

Some of the worst choices include making deals with dangerous entities, betraying allies, and releasing hazardous substances.

14. How often can I respec my characters?

You can respec your characters an unlimited number of times from Act 2 onwards using a magic mirror on the Lady o’ War.

15. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 better than Divinity: Original Sin 2?

Both games are excellent RPGs but offer different experiences. Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, while Divinity: Original Sin 2 features a unique combat system. Your preference will depend on your individual tastes.

Choosing the right difficulty is essential for enjoying Divinity: Original Sin 2. Consider your experience, playstyle, and desired level of challenge when making your decision. With the right difficulty and a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Rivellon.

What is the best difficulty for Divinity Original Sin 2?