Get ready, RPG enthusiasts! Obsidian Entertainment is shaking things up with the beloved classic, Pillars of Eternity (PoE). As the game celebrates its 10th anniversary, news has erupted that a new turn-based combat feature is on its way, promising to breathe fresh life into the experience.

Having recently immersed myself in Obsidian’s much-anticipated title, Avowed, I couldn’t help but be drawn back to the vast lore and storytelling that defines its Eora universe. While Avowed delivers an engaging narrative with the freedom to bypass extensive lore, it sparked a nostalgic curiosity regarding its predecessors in the Pillars of Eternity series—a series I had previously overlooked.

Interestingly, my experience mirrors many fans' journeys, similar to how Baldur's Gate 3 captivated players and made them yearn for its predecessor games. However, the real-time-with-pause combat mechanics can be quite daunting for those used to modern turn-based systems. This particular combat style, touted as “real-time-with-pause,” has often left gamers feeling frustrated. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not the clicking-machine you once were, making tactical decision-making challenging amidst chaotic battles.

But fear not! The upcoming patch promises to change all that, introducing turn-based combat to PoE. This addition follows the successful implementation in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, and fans can expect detailed information on how to participate in the testing phase later this year. You'll want to keep an eye on Obsidian's social media and Discord for updates!

The transition to turn-based combat isn’t just about rolling dice and waiting your turn—it's about enhancing strategic gameplay. Josh Sawyer, the designer behind both Pillars of Eternity games and a contributor to Baldur's Gate II, openly expressed his preference for turn-based systems in a recent interview. He noted that designing intricate combat scenarios is far easier in turn-based gameplay, allowing players to fully grasp the stats and tactical options. Many players reported a higher understanding of game mechanics like affliction and inspiration systems when experiencing them in a turn-based format.

However, the original Pillars of Eternity was structured primarily around real-time combat. Even with the introduction of turn-based gameplay, Sawyer acknowledges that it may not seamlessly integrate into a game originally designed with a different combat philosophy. But there are bound to be valuable lessons learned from the transition, and who knows? This might just pave the way for other classic titles to incorporate similar features.

While the turn-based feature is a headline-grabber, the anniversary patch will address several other enhancements, too. Mac and Linux users can look forward to easier access to updates and bug fixes, while GOG and Epic players will finally obtain their promised Kickstarter rewards and achievements. Moreover, an array of audio and visual upgrades, along with fixes to various gameplay mechanics and combat functions, will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all players.

In summary, Pillars of Eternity is ready for a revival, and with the turn-based combat feature on the horizon, there's never been a better time to plunge back into the world of Eora. Could this be the perfect excuse for a replay? Stay tuned for more updates, as we follow this fantastic transformation of a classic RPG!