Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Pillars of Eternity.
What is Pillars of Eternity?
Pillars of Eternity is an isometric role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment that revitalized the classic CRPG genre with deep narrative choices and tactical combat. Set in a fantasy world called the World of Eora, players assume the role of the Dead Walking, a leader capable of seeing souls, to investigate a mysterious plague affecting children.
Who is the main character?
The protagonist is known as the Dead Walking, an unnamed hero whose backstory and motivations are entirely shaped by player choices during creation. Unlike traditional RPGs with fixed heroes, this character's journey involves uncovering their own past connection to the soulless plague while uniting a diverse group of companions.
Who created the game?
The game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment under the leadership of Feargus Urquhart and Chris Avellone, many of whom were veterans from Black Isle Studios. It was funded through a highly successful Kickstarter campaign that proved there was still a dedicated audience for traditional isometric RPGs.
Where should new players start?
Newcomers should begin with the original Pillars of Eternity to experience the foundational story and world-building before tackling its sequels or expansions. The game includes a tutorial area called the Deadlands that introduces core mechanics without requiring prior knowledge of the genre.
What is the central conflict of the first game?
The primary plot revolves around stopping a cult known as the Children of the Eternal Flame, who believe that killing children will liberate their souls from reincarnation. The player must navigate political intrigue across various factions to prevent this ritual while discovering the truth about their own unique ability.
How does the combat system work?
Combat is real-time with pause functionality, allowing players to issue commands and strategize without stopping time completely. Success relies on positioning, elemental resistances, and managing a party of characters who can be customized through skill trees and equipment.
What are the main companions like?
Each companion possesses a distinct personality, personal questline, and specific worldview that influences how they react to the player's decisions. Characters like Durance the Unyielding or Lannus offer deep lore insights and dynamic relationships that evolve based on dialogue choices.
Is there more than one game in the series?
Yes, the franchise includes two direct sequels, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and Pillars of Eternity III: The Waking Kingdom, which continue the story years later. There are also several standalone expansions like 'The White March' that explore different regions of Eora.
What makes the lore unique?
The world features a religion based on the concept of souls as physical entities that can be manipulated, stolen, or extinguished by specific deities and rituals. This metaphysical framework drives every major conflict, from political wars to personal character arcs, distinguishing it from standard fantasy tropes.
Can I play this game today?
The series is available on all modern platforms including PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Players can purchase the complete editions which bundle the base games with all their respective expansions for a full experience.