Turn-Based Mode Public Beta is Live!

Hello Watchers,

The wait is over — the Turn-Based Mode Public Beta for the original Pillars of Eternity is now live on Steam and Xbox PC.

This new feature lets you experience Pillars in a whole new way, with combat fully reimagined around turn-based pacing and flexibility. If you enjoyed experimenting with the system in Deadfire, we hope you’ll find this version both familiar and improved — and we can’t wait to hear what you think.

As a reminder:

  • This is a public beta, so please expect bugs.
  • The beta will run for some time as we continue to incrementally update it in preparation for a full release.
  • We’ll be collecting your reports, issues, and suggestions throughout the beta and doing our best to integrate that feedback into the final version.

To opt in to this current update, use the Public Beta branch in Steam.

  1. In your Steam Library Right click on Pillars of Eternity, and select "Properties"
  2. Select the "Beta" Tab, and click the Drop Down for labeled "NONE" - Select "public_beta"

Close the Window, and you should have a download ready. Attempting to play the game should automatically trigger the download.

We’re thrilled to bring this beta to the community and look forward to seeing your feedback. Dive in, test it out, and let us know how Turn-Based Mode feels in Pillars of Eternity.

We'd love to hear your feedback, please join our official Discord Server (discord.gg/obsidian) and help us shape the update together.

Thank you for helping us make the game even better.

Patch Notes

Major Features

  • Turn-Based Mode has been added to Pillars of Eternity.
    • Turns are now influenced by character speed, combat pacing has been adjusted for increased lethality, and certain actions (such as swapping weapons, drinking potions, or enabling modals) are now classified as free actions with per-turn limits. Players can select Turn-Based Mode when starting a game or swap between real-time with pause and turn-based combat in the options menu.

General

  • Added support to change to the original Pillars of Eternity main menu art by clicking base game and DLC icons.

Visual and Audio

  • Fixed characters sometimes being stuck in a running animation during cutscenes.
  • The title screen background should no longer appear with a delay.

User Interface and Interaction

  • Fixed Player-controlled characters sometimes being unable to attack if any Class Behavior is active.
  • Fixed an issue that allowed summoned Concelhaut to be looted after death.
  • Fixed cursor changing to the default one while hovering over party members outside of combat.
  • Fast mode now can now be enabled without toggling off slow mode first.