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Pillars of Eternity

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2015

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Quick resume

Prepare to be enchanted by a world where the choices you make and the paths you choose shape your destiny. Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of Fallout: New Vegas™ and South Park: The Stick of Truth™, together with Paradox Interactive is proud to present Pillars of Eternity.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Role-playing (RPG), Indie, Strategy, Adventure

Pros

  • Deep and immersive story with meaningful choices
  • Extensive character customization and party management
  • Rich, detailed fantasy world with lore
  • Tactical real-time-with-pause combat
  • High replayability with multiple classes and dlc

Cons

  • Steep learning curve with lots of reading required
  • Some technical issues like pathfinding and loading times
  • Combat micromanagement can be tedious
  • Lack of romance options and limited companion interactions
  • Some backer npcs break immersion

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players have extensive freedom in character creation, party composition, and decision making that affects story and quests."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat requires tactical skill, micromanagement, and strategic use of abilities; character builds and skill checks affect outcomes."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal story progression and roleplaying rather than competing against others."

  • Continuation
    5

    "High replayability with multiple classes, story branches, and DLC content encourages long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Party-based gameplay involves managing companions with unique personalities and abilities, requiring teamwork."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players can customize characters extensively and experiment with different builds and party compositions."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions emphasize mutual respect and narrative choices rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Immersive fantasy world and story provide strong escape from real life through exploration and roleplaying."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and love for classic RPGs."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying new character builds, tactics, and dialogue choices to explore different outcomes."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Rich world with many locations, secrets, and lore encourages curiosity-driven discovery."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character customization and roleplaying choices allow players to express themselves through their avatars."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly rooted in imaginative fantasy fiction with gods, magic, and mythical creatures."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Party members have distinct personalities and stories, fostering a sense of community within the group."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn game mechanics, character builds, and story nuances over time, supporting personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and micromanagement, especially in combat and exploration."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Companions have personal stories and interactions, but no romantic relationships; emotional connections are moderate."

  • Leadership
    4

    "Players lead and manage a party of companions, directing their actions and development."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on leveling up, acquiring items, upgrading weapons, and developing characters."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "While some find the story immersive and relaxing, combat difficulty and micromanagement can cause tension."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visuals, music, and sound design provide sensory enjoyment and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -4

    "Focus is on individual story and roleplaying rather than social recognition or popularity."

  • Story
    5

    "Deep narrative immersion with complex characters, branching plots, and rich lore."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires careful planning, tactical combat, and problem solving throughout gameplay."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat and story choices provide suspense and challenge, though not extreme risk or horror."

  • Value
    5

    "High perceived value due to extensive content, replayability, and quality storytelling."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves fighting and defeating enemies, but also includes non-violent options in quests."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players manage resources like camping supplies and health to survive challenging encounters."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026