Pillars of Eternity

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2683 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,104 out of 2683
  2. Mixed: 308 out of 2683
  3. Negative: 271 out of 2683
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  1. Fruban
    Apr 9, 2015
    10
    I was hooked before finishing the tutorial area. Every aspect of the character you create oozes in every aspect of important dialogue, making this game feel as though it places even more importance on your character creation choices than the classic Infinity Engine games. All of the old mechanics that worked are either preserved, improved upon, or added to, making Pillars of Eternity anI was hooked before finishing the tutorial area. Every aspect of the character you create oozes in every aspect of important dialogue, making this game feel as though it places even more importance on your character creation choices than the classic Infinity Engine games. All of the old mechanics that worked are either preserved, improved upon, or added to, making Pillars of Eternity an excellent amalgamation of classic computer RPGs.… Expand
  2. Dattatreya
    Apr 10, 2015
    10
    I have seen numerous user reviews before me that reiterated how if you are a fan of BG2 or Planescape: Torment , you will be immediately hooked on to PoE. While I don't disagree with them, I should come out clean and say - the very first tactical RPG I played was Dragon Age: Origins. So, naturally that was the benchmark for me when it came to games like these (and I never played BG and itsI have seen numerous user reviews before me that reiterated how if you are a fan of BG2 or Planescape: Torment , you will be immediately hooked on to PoE. While I don't disagree with them, I should come out clean and say - the very first tactical RPG I played was Dragon Age: Origins. So, naturally that was the benchmark for me when it came to games like these (and I never played BG and its IE ilk). However, PoE for me trumps over DA: Origins in all almost every aspect - be it gameplay or the core lore itself (perhaps DA: Origins was only better in its sense of 'epic' scope).

    Simply put - Pillars of Eternity is a game that demands your attention in numerous ways, with a breakneck yet tactical combat system that is 'fair' as opposed to its watered-down brethren. This is complemented by one of the best writings I have ever come across in a game world, along with some (not all) nifty quests. In other words, PoE is a game that also deserves your attention.

    As an ending note, when I played DA: Origins, I thought it to be a great game that deserves a 9. To that end, PoE certainly deserves a 9.5 (a score which unfortunately cannot be given on Metacritic).    … Expand
  3. Ivan9173
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Hello from Russian fan! Прекрасная игра, низкий поклон перед разработчиками, вы лучшие!
  4. icedon
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    It's like Baldur's Gate II with modern graphics and better story. The Backgrounds are hand-drawn and beautiful, the voice acting, while sparse, is fitting. The NPC's are very memorable and each comes with a unique back-story and personal quest. The music is your classic fantasy score with a lot of different themes for combat, exploration and city background.

    I can recommend this to any    It's like Baldur's Gate II with modern graphics and better story. The Backgrounds are hand-drawn and beautiful, the voice acting, while sparse, is fitting. The NPC's are very memorable and each comes with a unique back-story and personal quest. The music is your classic fantasy score with a lot of different themes for combat, exploration and city background.

    I can recommend this to any serious cRPG player.    … Expand
  5. Vasenor
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best CRPGs I've played. It has both solid combat and excellent plot and characters. All the companions are memorable and have backstories which flesh them out as people beyond their role in the game.

    One thing I'd note is that you expect a cheerful high fantasy romp this isn't it. The game world is not a nice place and you're more likely to be faced with a corpse at    This is one of the best CRPGs I've played. It has both solid combat and excellent plot and characters. All the companions are memorable and have backstories which flesh them out as people beyond their role in the game.

    One thing I'd note is that you expect a cheerful high fantasy romp this isn't it. The game world is not a nice place and you're more likely to be faced with a corpse at the end of a missing person quest than a heroic rescue. You're often faced with having to pick the least worst alternative.    … Expand
  6. Jimomedota
    Apr 17, 2015
    10
    Awesome game never thought id like a crpg so much the game mechanics r awesome the sceneries are a joy to view it maybe a bit ready but thats fine but the only problem is the load but its negligible simply amazing
  7. Rilke21
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    I never really got into Baldur's gate. I came to it late, and the game was too dated for me to really sink my teeth into it. After finishing my first Pillars of Eternity run (clocking in at a whopping 65 hours!) I'm excited to revisit the old classics.

    This game is exceptional. The attention to detail is pretty much unprecedented. The story is compelling, the characters are interesting,    I never really got into Baldur's gate. I came to it late, and the game was too dated for me to really sink my teeth into it. After finishing my first Pillars of Eternity run (clocking in at a whopping 65 hours!) I'm excited to revisit the old classics.

    This game is exceptional. The attention to detail is pretty much unprecedented. The story is compelling, the characters are interesting, the writing is (mostly) excellent and combat is a fun challenge.

    The challenge with this game is this: it isn't flashy. There is plenty of text to read. Combat is hard and the learning curve is high. In other words, you need to accept a much slower pace then in most games. You need to let your imagination take over for what other games accomplish with flashy cinematics and motion capture.

    This is a game to be imagined as much as played, and that is by no means a bad thing. But, if you aren't willing to settle into the slower pace, you will probably think of this game as a waste of money. You've been warned.

    For those who give this game a chance, it is an experience you will remember!

    PS: At first I was overwhelmed by the walls of seemingly pointless text from the Gold Names NPCs...and then I realized this was the backer developed content, and I could ignore it entirely! The pace of the game picked up considerably :)    … Expand
  8. AceroSolo
    May 5, 2015
    10
    Simply the best RPG since Baldur’s Gate. It has the same feeling of the Infinity Engine games, but it is not only nostalgia, the current multiplatform way to make "RPGs in 1st person" may be useful to Action-RPGs (I still prefer isometric view like Torchlight or Grim Dawn), but for RPGs isometric view is irreplaceable, as real board games. Also Obsidian was able to made whatever theySimply the best RPG since Baldur’s Gate. It has the same feeling of the Infinity Engine games, but it is not only nostalgia, the current multiplatform way to make "RPGs in 1st person" may be useful to Action-RPGs (I still prefer isometric view like Torchlight or Grim Dawn), but for RPGs isometric view is irreplaceable, as real board games. Also Obsidian was able to made whatever they wanted thanks the independence of a publisher: an isometric game with handmade backgrounds, lovely fantasy soundtracks, a deep way to develop our character since stats to the background through dialogue, is simply mindblowing. This game will be a reference for the next generations like Baldur's Gate was since 1988, a real must have.… Expand
  9. Poddmeister
    May 9, 2015
    10
    Being an old-school gamer growing up with games like Planescape:Torment, Baldurs gate and Daggerfall this game really takes me back to those days when I was truly exited to sit down and play for a few hours.

    Wonderful story, gorgeous areas, nice plot twists and really fun gameplay and combat. This is the game I have been waiting for for the better part of 20 years. Best game since    Being an old-school gamer growing up with games like Planescape:Torment, Baldurs gate and Daggerfall this game really takes me back to those days when I was truly exited to sit down and play for a few hours.

    Wonderful story, gorgeous areas, nice plot twists and really fun gameplay and combat.

    This is the game I have been waiting for for the better part of 20 years. Best game since Planescape:Torment with much better combat.

    I can't recommend this game enough. If you like a dialog-heavy, story-driven CRPG with exciting combat you owe yourself to try this game.

    10/10 and i would give it a 12 if I could!    … Expand
  10. KJSharp
    May 23, 2015
    10
    An immersive game that demands strategy and tactical play. You will like this game if you're looking for a Medieval fantasy game that will present a challenge.
  11. Demonscream
    Jun 30, 2015
    10
    The game mechanics are really good and the story is unbelievably great. Your companions really make the game fun, talk to them and listen to them. Don’t read any more reviews! Just go buy this game. Yes it is that good!
  12. manukosta
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    Im sorry, but this isnt just another Baldurs Gate....its a vastly improved one, with better mechanics, visuals, great fast pace option toggled with s or d for exploring, and it is the comeback of a genre. THIS is why the game is so special, because these types of games have a market, and its big! Its why people still play tabletop RPGs and Dungeons and Dragons, we dont need the bestIm sorry, but this isnt just another Baldurs Gate....its a vastly improved one, with better mechanics, visuals, great fast pace option toggled with s or d for exploring, and it is the comeback of a genre. THIS is why the game is so special, because these types of games have a market, and its big! Its why people still play tabletop RPGs and Dungeons and Dragons, we dont need the best graphics in 3D to have a great gaming experience. I love Witcher 3 and I love this game. And we definitely need more of these types of games. Strategic, fun CRPG at its best!… Expand
  13. Furipe
    Jul 31, 2015
    10
    It's too easy to review this game. It brought back the true face of RPGs of IE and showed how an oldschool game can easily beat the newest ones. In my opinion, it's so far the best RPG of 2015. Those who love genre must buy it; and Baldur's Gate (1 and 2) too.
  14. Goldenface
    Aug 11, 2015
    10
    Pillars of Eternity is nothing less than a product of those in love with a genre, to be played by like-minded people. No longer will you be aimlessly grinding enemies who barely fit into the context of environment, but instead having unique and memorable encounters that cannot be overcome by simple brute force. No longer will you have to experience patronizingly obvious dialogue trees, butPillars of Eternity is nothing less than a product of those in love with a genre, to be played by like-minded people. No longer will you be aimlessly grinding enemies who barely fit into the context of environment, but instead having unique and memorable encounters that cannot be overcome by simple brute force. No longer will you have to experience patronizingly obvious dialogue trees, but instead ambiguous (yet malleable to be more obvious) and interesting choices that give the player the freedom to role play beyond the stale-cracker "good", "evil", and "uninspired" archetypes. No longer will you be flying through the levels in hopes of level cap with a slew of minuscule passive points to make you feel like you're doing is important along the way; NO! AWAY WITH THAT RUBBISH! Now you hold each level up like a precious, fragile metal that can be wasted as easily as it can be utilized. Wrap these table-top oriented design choices into an intriguing story that gracefully unfolds without dragging you through it against your will and you have one the of the finest crafted titles in the genre that I will recommend for years to come.… Expand
  15. SkySlam
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    Great, immersive and fun RPG experience. It really felt like playing Baldur's Gate for the first time again.
    I enjoyed a good part of the story, the gameplay is smooth and the companions are interesting and definitely feel alive. Did not disappoint the long wait.
  16. mishkoff
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    Excellent game if you like games like BG or Icewind Dale. Main strengths are: dialogues, story and beautiful locations. It is a proof a good game does not need a massive budget and all that 3D graphics to be a good game.
  17. SuperGlare
    Oct 31, 2016
    10
    Body and mind cant handle the amazingness of this game.
    At last obsidian created a true rpg in this dark era of gaming which everything is simplified ****
    The art is spectacular and graphics feels like magic.To hell with 3d nothing can match the 2d art design for enviroments. Music and sound is oldschool and amazing and the voice overs when casting a spell are just superb. There is so    Body and mind cant handle the amazingness of this game.
    At last obsidian created a true rpg in this dark era of gaming which everything is simplified ****
    The art is spectacular and graphics feels like magic.To hell with 3d nothing can match the 2d art design for enviroments.
    Music and sound is oldschool and amazing and the voice overs when casting a spell are just superb.
    There is so much stuff and so many thing to mix and match that you will explode from happiness.
    From an Icewind dale fan this game is superb.It combines baldurs gate and Icewind dale together and its amazing.Not only has the story character that you can hire but you can hire mercenaries as well that you create.I mean how awesome is that.Dont you like the characters that the game gives you?Go make your own party.
    10/10 True oldschool RPG waiting for tyranny and Pillars of eternity 2
    Screw bioware and their simplified piece of trash rpgs    … Expand
  18. floredon
    Jan 24, 2017
    10
    I created a Metacritic account in order to write this review. If you are a fan of RPGs that were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and are interested in playing a game that is a modern adaptation of that experience, you owe it to yourself to play Pillars of Eternity and The White March expansions. This is a game that you need to immerse yourself in to get the most out of, althoughI created a Metacritic account in order to write this review. If you are a fan of RPGs that were made in the late 1990s and early 2000s and are interested in playing a game that is a modern adaptation of that experience, you owe it to yourself to play Pillars of Eternity and The White March expansions. This is a game that you need to immerse yourself in to get the most out of, although there is an alternative way to play that focuses more on the combat gameplay (triple crown solo, no companions, no deaths, hardest difficulty). The lore is inspired by history and it shows. Reading the Cyclopedia and the quests reveals a detailed history that rivals the Elder Scrolls in scope and depth. There is a sequel in development, and since Obsidian owns this IP, expect more content in this series (I'm hoping for a trilogy). I've gone back and played Planescape Torment and Baldur's Gate and while I enjoy those games, Pillars of Eternity has spoiled me to the point where if I am craving a CRPG experience, I come back to this game. I would say that this is my favorite fantasy CRPG. The expansions further enhance the experience, and do not feel like the typical filler DLC that you see in AAA titles these days. The high quality of the game reflects the high quality of the team, and solidifies Obsidian as the master of the CRPG.… Expand
  19. ThatUDLegacy
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    Let's start with, should you buy this game? Yes, it is well worth the price.

    Pros: Dragons Interesting characters, Interesting Stories, Extensive spells(so many that i didn't use all of them), Fort Building, Fun Combat, Friendly Banter, Lot's of Bounties, Lot's of choices, Imprisoning people, Companion Stories & quest lines, An in Depth biography/journal that writes of your    Let's start with, should you buy this game? Yes, it is well worth the price.

    Pros:
    Dragons
    Interesting characters,
    Interesting Stories,
    Extensive spells(so many that i didn't use all of them),
    Fort Building,
    Fun Combat,
    Friendly Banter,
    Lot's of Bounties,
    Lot's of choices,
    Imprisoning people,
    Companion Stories & quest lines,
    An in Depth biography/journal that writes of your deeds,
    Dragons.

    A Few Cons:
    After the Boss fight the game just ends (apparently it autosaves just before you jump)
    Can't change decisions once they are made, for example, you can destroy and object or stop it, yet if you stop it, you cant come back and destroy it later, because.... reasons?
    Need's More Dragons,
    Banter it seems is only limited to 3 lines, maybe rarely 4,
    You can ask your jailor to whip your prisoners but not treat them well? :L & prisoners barely say anything! a person who asked to be put in jail asked to be released, after 1 day!!!
    I feel that companions don't talk enough?
    Important vistors personalies, are often Non- exxistant in your Fort,
    I couldn't find anything to make my screen follow my character, having to constantly click ahead, maybe i missed it.

    It is said people complain more about things they love.    … Expand
  20. minusfive
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    As a huge fan of the Infinity Engine games, I must say that Pillars of Eternity is simply amazing in every way. It's a true spiritual successor - not only a faithful tribute to the grand legacy of BIS and BioWare but also a new chapter in the isometric CRPGs evolution, an important milestone for the whole genre.

    Particularly, the character classes are very impressive. To all who    As a huge fan of the Infinity Engine games, I must say that Pillars of Eternity is simply amazing in every way. It's a true spiritual successor - not only a faithful tribute to the grand legacy of BIS and BioWare but also a new chapter in the isometric CRPGs evolution, an important milestone for the whole genre.

    Particularly, the character classes are very impressive. To all who critcize PoE (for whatever reason) I can say this: name any other RTwP CRPG from the past decade featuring eleven distinct classes ("distinct" meaning that each class has its own mechanics and is vastly different from all other classes) or shut up. I'm dead tired of subpar RPGs and their warrior-rogue-mage repertoire.

    The game was already great on release but now with the the White March expansion and improvements brought by patches it's nearly perfect.

    Absolutely 10/10, can't wait for PoE 2.    … Expand
  21. Alexyaaay
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Great game. So much to depth to this game to explore whether it be the combat, character builds, lore or even just play the story which is FANTASTIC! This is really a game i can draw the curtains for and just sink into its world for a couple of hours. Can't wait to get home and play through again!!!!
  22. Kunray
    Feb 17, 2019
    10
    It's a great game, a long game though! Took 90+ hours to complete! One of the best RPGS i have played.
  23. MicLes
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    I have just recently finished my first play-through, with both DLCs, and really took my time to explore and do everything. After over 300 hours, a part of me wanted to end, but I also did not want it to end. The moral depths of the story and characters are touching and memorable and this game is really one of those rare few that I will always remember. Hats down to the story writers andI have just recently finished my first play-through, with both DLCs, and really took my time to explore and do everything. After over 300 hours, a part of me wanted to end, but I also did not want it to end. The moral depths of the story and characters are touching and memorable and this game is really one of those rare few that I will always remember. Hats down to the story writers and also to the voice actors. Of course, the whole crew at Obsidian deserves my thanks, but my point is to convey that this game has soul. Long live Obsidian.

    NOTE for new players :

    * Read the preferences/settings and select pauses if you want to play it as an almost turn-based game (I took my time).

    * Story and character feel is the strong point of the game. There is plenty of combat, but if you dislike role-play (RPG) or reading a book, you will not like it as much as I did.

    * I will contradict myself here : with so many classes, weapon choices, trying solo or with a small party (1 to 5 companions at a given time in a party)), difficulty settings (you can change some of it midway), hardcore Steam achievements, etc., some people enjoy the combat challenges you can face. Personally, my party was overpowered near the end (you know, level 16 party, after over 300 hours :P), so I just never rested to make it a bit challenging on the last sprint.

    nb: I am also watching the documentary The Road to Eternity about the development of the game.    … Expand
  24. almax
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    Wonderful classic rpg with interesting story, huge world and enjoyable combat.
    Do not miss it
  25. razorwind
    Mar 29, 2021
    10
    I'd say it's too difficult for the casual player, but the writing is unparalleled. Josh Sawyer is a legend of storytelling, and it shows. The plot is rich with nuance, detail, horror, and grief - but not without a faint ray of hope. I hope this genre will become more popular in the future, and Obisidan will continue to make games like this one.
  26. jani7
    Jul 20, 2021
    10
    This is how RPG should look like. After 5 years still the top! Many studios could learn from this one how to make a storylines and whole living world. Good job guys!
  27. seriousboris
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest rpg's of all time! Honestly, every rpg lover must play this if he didnt yet!
  28. IloveCookies
    Sep 6, 2021
    10
    One of my favourite games! Especially with the White March DLC. Love the characters, especially Aloth, Eder and Kana. So happy I backed it on Kickstarter.
  29. RafaelgFaria
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    It's a great game, with so many contents, a rich story, and a beautiful world. It's a dense game in terms of dialogue and quests, so, the lovers of an enjoyable reading will enjoy the game and its contents.
  30. DankNemes
    Jul 25, 2022
    10
    I've read the story of the game in Blood, Sweat and Pixels (great book that you should definitely read) and it shows that the hard work that the developers went through with crafting this game has paid off, good game.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2015
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
25
#25 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 71 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 71
  3. Negative: 0 out of 71
  1. RPGamer
    Jul 7, 2015
    70
    Pillars is a title that should make old-schoolers happy while still offering a solid core game, story, and a rich setting for new-schoolers.
    Read full review
  2. LevelUp
    May 25, 2015
    93
    Pillars of Eternity stands on its own merits without resorting to nostalgia too much. Truly a CRPG masterpiece, the game offers old school, real-time strategic combat, and a vivid world to explore. Not only do you get an overall well-made experience, but also a challenge you haven't seen since the 90's.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    May 24, 2015
    82
    A sprawling game in a familiar setting, and a clever tune-up for the cRPG. Just what the backers hoped for. [June 2015, p.74]
See all critic reviews »