Obsidian Adds Full Controller Support to Pillars of Eternity PC Games
Players can now experience the entire RPG series using controllers via a new update.
1Full Controller Integration
Obsidian Entertainment has introduced full controller support for both Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. This update allows players to navigate the entire experience, from initial character creation to the final end credits, using either Xbox or PlayStation controllers, including full compatibility with the Steam Deck device.
2Seamless Input Switching
The new update ensures that players are not locked into a single control scheme during their playthrough. Users can switch between a mouse and keyboard and a controller at any time, with the game interface automatically adjusting to the input method. This flexibility supports both real-time with pause and turn-based combat modes.
3Enhanced Radial Menus
To facilitate complex gameplay on a controller, the developers have implemented radial menus. These menus allow for the rapid execution of spells, abilities, and party commands, ensuring that tactical depth is maintained despite the change in hardware. The interface dynamically updates to display the correct button prompts for the specific controller being used.
4Deadfire Combat Refinements
The turn-based mode in Deadfire has received significant mechanical updates, mirroring improvements previously made to the original game. Turns now scale according to individual character speed, and combat encounters are designed to be more lethal. Additionally, swapping weapons or consuming potions no longer consumes a character's action, streamlining the overall tactical flow.
5Dynamic Mode Toggling
Players now have the freedom to toggle turn-based mode on or off during an active playthrough. This change provides greater control over the pacing of the game, allowing users to adapt their preferred style of play without needing to restart their campaign or commit to a single combat system for the entire duration.
6Patch 1.3.10.0 Scope
These features are part of the new Patch 1.3.10.0, which is currently available in a public test branch. Beyond input changes, the update includes a comprehensive list of fixes addressing bugs in combat, quest progression, audio systems, and the user interface, such as correcting fragmented item descriptions like those for Fulvano's Boots.
7Public Testing Phase
Obsidian has not yet announced a concrete end date for the public test, stating it will run for some time to allow for further refinements. Because the update is currently in a testing state, the studio warns that players may encounter bugs or unexpected performance issues while exploring the new controller-based control schemes.
8Strategic Studio Commitment
This update follows the tenth anniversary of the original Pillars of Eternity, which previously received a turn-based mode. By bringing console-style controller schemes to the PC versions, Obsidian is prioritizing accessibility for a wider audience. The studio continues to monitor feedback during the test period in preparation for a final, stable release.