Pillars of Eternity Marks 10 Years with New Patch and Turn-Based Combat Test

Obsidian Entertainment is celebrating a decade since the release of Pillars of Eternity with a fresh update and an unexpected announcement: turn-based combat is coming to the acclaimed RPG. While details are still scarce, the studio has confirmed that players will get a chance to test the new mode later this year.

A Decade Later, Pillars of Eternity Gets a New Battle Mode

Ten years after its initial release, Pillars of Eternity continues to hold a special place among RPG enthusiasts. To mark the occasion, Obsidian has unveiled a surprising addition—turn-based combat, a shift from the game’s classic real-time with pause system.

“Watchers will be able to help us test a brand-new feature: turn-based combat,” the developer announced in a forum post. The studio plans to collect player feedback before finalizing the system. More details on how to participate in the test will be shared in the coming months.

While the full launch of this mode is still some way off, expectations are high. A similar system introduced in Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire in 2019 was well received, giving hope that its predecessor will benefit from a similar treatment.

A Patch to Keep the Adventure Running Smoothly

Alongside the turn-based mode reveal, Obsidian rolled out Patch 1.3.8.0.87535, bringing numerous fixes and improvements across platforms. The update addresses visual glitches, combat mechanics, quest progression issues, and even restores missing voice lines for characters like Eder.

Some key highlights from the patch include:

• Mac users now have full access to updates and bug fixes.
• Steam Linux support is officially live.
• Visual enhancements for 4K resolutions and spell effects.
• Quest fixes preventing duplicate rewards and unintended progression blockers.
• AI improvements ensuring smarter party behavior in combat.

The full list of changes is extensive, covering everything from UI tweaks to localization fixes. Fans eager for a smoother experience can now dive in with these refinements in place.

Why Now? The Significance of This Update

At first glance, adding turn-based combat to a ten-year-old game might seem unusual. However, this move signals that Pillars of Eternity still has a dedicated player base that Obsidian is keen to support. The studio’s decision also follows a broader trend of revamping classic RPGs with modernized features to keep them relevant for new and returning players.

Moreover, Pillars of Eternity was a landmark title for Obsidian. Launched through a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, the game revitalized interest in isometric RPGs and laid the groundwork for future projects, including Deadfire and Avowed. This latest update keeps the legacy alive.

What’s Next for Pillars of Eternity?

With the turn-based combat test on the horizon, the game’s community will be watching closely to see how Obsidian implements the new system. The studio has promised additional details “in the near future,” so it’s likely that a beta phase will roll out before the end of the year.

For now, fans can revisit Pillars of Eternity with the new patch in place, enjoying the refined experience while waiting for the next big update. Whether this marks the final chapter for the game or hints at even more to come, one thing is clear: a decade later, Pillars of Eternity is still evolving.