GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Pillars of Eternity session
Our independent guide breaks down Pillars of Eternity’s core systems, offering observations that help new players make informed choices without relying on hidden mechanics or paid upgrades. Use these exercises to refine your approach and enjoy the game’s rich narrative and tactical depth.
01 / THE GUIDE
Race‑Flavor Alignment
Compare the cultural descriptions of each race with the story’s factions. Note which races naturally align with certain groups, then plan your reputation path accordingly.
- Consider the lore of each race to enhance immersion.
- Mix races to create diverse party dynamics.
02 / THE GUIDE
Class Synergy Mapping
List each class’s typical role and pair it with complementary classes. Observe how frontline, support, and magic roles interact during combat to identify effective party builds.
- Pair a frontline class with a support class for balanced encounters.
- Experiment with unconventional class combos for fresh strategies.
03 / THE GUIDE
Skill Utilization Audit
Track which core skills trigger the most dialogue or puzzle solutions in early chapters. Adjust skill investment to cover gaps you encounter.
- Focus on Lore for puzzle solving and world knowledge.
- Use Stealth to bypass dangerous encounters when possible.
04 / THE GUIDE
Combat Mode Experimentation
Play a single encounter in real‑time with pause, then repeat it in turn‑based. Compare decision speed, damage output, and satisfaction to decide your preferred default.
- Use pause mode to plan complex party actions.
- Switch to turn‑based when facing tough boss fights.
05 / THE GUIDE
Reputation Impact Log
After each major faction choice, record the immediate narrative shift and any new quest options. Over time, this log reveals patterns in how reputation shapes the story.
- Save often before major faction decisions.
- Read faction dialogue carefully to gauge impact.
