Pillars of Eternity is still a strong choice if you want a substantial, single-player fantasy CRPG built around party tactics, exploration, and lore-heavy storytelling. It is a weaker fit if you want brisk action, minimal reading, or a simple interface. Its historically favorable PC reviews are useful context, but they do not guarantee that its pace or presentation will suit you.
What kind of game is Pillars of Eternity?
Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity is a single-player, party-based fantasy role-playing game, originally released on March 26, 2015. It centers on character creation, exploration, choices, factions, and tactical fights. The official game page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam, Epic, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms: Obsidian’s game page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (PS4) | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - PlayStation 4 | $53.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pillars of Eternity (PS4) | $36.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![ps4 - Pillars Of Eternity - Complete Edition - [PAL EU - NO NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61dIRjRUFsL._SL160_.jpg)
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ps4 - Pillars Of Eternity - Complete Edition - [PAL EU - NO NTSC] | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Steam classifies it as an isometric CRPG with real-time-with-pause combat. That means you watch the party fight in real time, then pause to issue orders and use abilities. The result is more about managing several characters and their abilities than controlling one hero through continuous action.
What do the reviews say?
The original PC release earned a favorable critical reputation. The PC listing on Metacritic displays an 89/100 score, and GameSpot’s original review rated it 8/10, or “Great.” These are historical reviews of the original game, not a platform-by-platform verdict on every release or a guarantee of how the game will feel today.
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#1 Best Overall
- Immerse yourself in a deeper single player RPG game experience - enriched with cutting edge technology and features, Deadfire builds on the foundation of classic D&D gameplay with vastly improved graphics, deeper game mechanics and a whole new hand-crafted adventure where choices truly matter
- Discover the new region of the Deadfire - plot your own course by ship and explore the rich and exotic islands of the archipelago region, discovering new places interacting with their inhabitants and engaging in a variety of quests at every port
- Build your party and customize your companions - choose from 7 different companions to join you on your quest and assign multiple classes and deeper abilities for each. Witness their personal relationships and interactions unfold with the addition of the new companion system
- Captain your ship across the seas - as your stronghold on the seas, your ship is much more than simply a vessel for exploring. Upgrade your ship and crew and choose what skills you improve in order to survive dangerous encounters along the way
Steam’s listing, accessed October 8, 2026, showed 87% positive from 10,871 English-language reviews overall and 92% positive from 54 recent reviews. These live user-review totals can change; they are not a fixed survey. Steam also displays the Metacritic 89. Steam listing · GameSpot review · Metacritic original-game page
Why do players disagree about it?
The same qualities that make the game rewarding for one player can make it a chore for another. Its setting and systems invite close attention, but the amount of lore and exposition can slow the story down. Metacritic user reviews illustrate the divide: one dated March 30, 2023 criticizes exposition, interface complexity, writing, and repetitive encounters; another praises the core game and setting for both old-school and newer RPG players. These are examples of individual reactions, not representative polling.
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in a deeper single player RPG game experience
- Discover the new region of the Dead Fire - plot your own course by ship and explore the rich and exotic islands of the archipelago region
- Build your party and customize your companions - choose from 7 different companions to join you on your quest and assign multiple classes and deeper abilities for each
- Captain your ship across the seas - as your stronghold on the seas, your ship is much more than simply a vessel for exploring
- You may enjoy it if you like learning a setting, building a party, and making tactical decisions in a classic isometric interface.
- You may not if you prefer direct action, a fast-moving plot, little reading, or encounters that rarely repeat their tactical patterns.
How do the combat options differ?
Real-time with pause
This is the game’s original combat format. Battles unfold continuously until you pause to select actions, reposition party members, or use abilities. It suits players who like tactical planning but want fights to retain a sense of flow.
Turn-based mode
Obsidian announced on April 6, 2026, that a turn-based mode for the original game was live on Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Xbox PC. In turn-based combat, actions resolve in turns rather than unfolding continuously, giving you a different pace for considering party choices. The announcement establishes availability for those listed PC storefronts; it does not establish that the mode is available in console editions. Obsidian news
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- Award-winning writing, story and artwork of Pillars of Eternity
- The White March Parts I & II
- Countless character creation options, from races and classes to character backgrounds
- An epic universe to explore, filled with intriguing party members and companions
- A variety of in-game factions, and a lovingly rendered world to traverse
Which edition should you look for?
| Edition or listing | What is established | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam base game and Definitive Edition bundle | Steam’s displayed bundle includes the base game, Deadfire Pack, Royal Edition Upgrade Pack, and The White March Parts I and II. | Store bundle names and contents can change; confirm the listing contents before buying. |
| Definitive Edition | Metacritic has a separate Definitive Edition page, where critic reviews are unavailable. | Do not treat the original PC game’s 89/100 Metacritic score as a score for this separately listed edition. |
| Nintendo Switch Complete Edition | Obsidian announced its eShop availability on August 8, 2019. Nintendo UK describes it as download software containing additional content and expansions, with controller and handheld play. | The official listing describes a digital download, not a cartridge. |
| Physical console listings | MobyGames’ third-party store catalog lists Amazon physical listings for Complete Edition on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. | That catalog does not confirm current stock or the Switch copy’s format. For PS4, search “Pillars of Eternity Complete Edition PS4” and verify platform, region, seller, condition, and included content on the actual listing. |
Sources: Steam · Metacritic Definitive Edition page · Obsidian news · Nintendo UK · MobyGames catalog
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Pillars of Eternity worth playing?
For players who want a party-focused RPG with tactical combat, character choices, and a richly described fantasy setting, its favorable historical reviews are a good reason to consider it. Choose your edition based on whether you want the expansions, and check the current platform listing rather than assuming that a score or bundle applies to every version. If long stretches of lore and a classic interface sound like friction rather than appeal, the game’s reputation alone may not make it the right fit.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Countless character creation options, races, classes and cultural baggage that define personal story
- An epic universe to explore, full of interesting companions
- A variety of factions and a fascinating world to cross, created with passion
- New interface and controls programmed specifically for console gaming and TV screen
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
