Divinity: Original Sin 2

Larian Studios

Rank: #1 / 6
Released: 2017
Studio: Larian Studios
Genre: video game with LGBT character, role-playing video game

At a glance

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a role-playing game from Larian Studios, set in Rivellon as the Void approaches and dormant powers awaken. Build a character from one of six origin stories or create one as a Human, Lizard, Elf, Dwarf or Undead. Choices affect how the world responds. Gather companions, develop relationships and fight in tactical, turn-based battles where the environment, height and elements can shape your approach. Explore alone or in a party of up to four, with drop-in/drop-out cooperative play. The listed modes also include PvP and Game Master modes. Steam features include single-player, multiplayer, online PvP and co-op, shared-screen PvP and co-op, shared-screen play, and achievements. Divinity: Original Sin 2 released on Steam on September 14, 2017, for Windows and macOS. Its genres include Adventure, RPG and Strategy.

Who it is for

It suits players looking for a tactical RPG with character creation, companion relationships and a party of up to four. Cooperative and PvP modes are also listed.

What is good

Party play supports up to four players
Drop-in/drop-out cooperative play
Tactical combat uses environment and height
Character choices affect world reactions

What to know first

Steam platform listing is Windows and macOS
Only one party member can become a God

VGSources review

Divinity: Original Sin 2: the full review

Divinity: Original Sin 2 combines turn-based tactics with character choices and cooperative exploration. The multiple PvP and co-op options make it relevant to players looking to play with others as well as alone.

Overview

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a role-playing, adventure and strategy game developed and published by Larian Studios. Released in 2017, it is set in Rivellon, where the Divine is dead and the Void is approaching. The story puts the struggle for Divinity at the center, with the player facing choices that shape who they become and how the world responds.

Character creation offers Human, Lizard, Elf, Dwarf and Undead choices, while six origin characters bring their own backgrounds and quests. The game emphasizes consequential decisions and freedom to explore: players can speak with animals, interact with the world in varied ways, and pursue different approaches to its inhabitants. Companions and party relationships are also part of the journey.

Combat is turn-based and tactical, built around environmental interactions, elemental effects and positioning. Height can provide an advantage, and the surroundings can become part of an encounter rather than just a backdrop. Players can explore alone or in a party of up to four, with drop-in/drop-out cooperative play. PvP and Game Master modes offer further ways to play beyond the main adventure.

Steam lists single-player, multiplayer, online and shared-screen PvP, co-op, online and shared-screen co-op, shared/split screen, and Steam Achievements. The game has a Metacritic score of 93.

Key features

Distinct character choices: Create a character from five listed races, including Undead, or choose among six origin characters with individual backgrounds and quests.
Consequential role-playing: Decisions affect the journey, and the world responds to the character you choose to be.
Tactical turn-based combat: Use elemental effects, environmental interactions and elevation to shape battles.
Flexible party play: Explore alone or with up to four players in drop-in/drop-out co-op.
Additional modes: PvP and Game Master modes extend play beyond the Rivellon adventure.
Multiple play formats: Steam lists online and shared/split-screen PvP and co-op options.

Platforms

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is listed for Microsoft Windows and macOS. Steam also lists shared/split-screen play, but the available platform information does not specify which formats apply to each platform.

Who it's for

The game is suited to players who want a choice-driven RPG with tactical turn-based battles, character and companion development, and room to experiment with the environment. Its solo option supports playing independently, while parties of up to four and drop-in/drop-out co-op give friends a way to explore together. PvP and Game Master modes may appeal to groups looking for options beyond cooperative adventuring.

For VGSources readers interested in shared play, the listed online and split-screen co-op and PvP modes are relevant details. The available facts do not specify dedicated servers, hosting requirements, mod support, streaming tools or recording features, so those should not be assumed.

Pros and cons

Pros

Solo and cooperative play, including parties of up to four.
Turn-based combat that makes use of positioning, elements and the environment.
Several character origins and race choices, with consequences for decisions.
PvP and Game Master modes alongside the main adventure.

Cons

The listed platforms are limited to Windows and macOS.
The available details do not establish dedicated server hosting or mod support.

Alternatives

For another game in Larian Studios' catalog, consider Divinity: Original Sin. Other listed series entries include Divinity: Dragon Commander, Divinity II, Beyond Divinity and Divine Divinity. See Games by Larian Studios for the broader list.

Verdict

Divinity: Original Sin 2 brings together a consequential role-playing adventure, tactical turn-based combat and several ways to play with others. Its party limit of four, drop-in/drop-out co-op, split-screen options, PvP and Game Master modes make its multiplayer range a notable part of the package, while solo play remains available. Players looking specifically for server-hosting or mod-management capabilities should note that those details are not established here.