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About Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity invites players into a classic‑style fantasy RPG where every decision influences the unfolding tale. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published with Paradox Interactive, the game blends deep exploration with party‑based adventure.
Choose from six races and eleven classes, master five core skills, and navigate a world of pre‑rendered environments. Switch freely between real‑time with pause and turn‑based combat, and watch your reputation with factions shape the story’s direction.
01 / THE GUIDE
Playable Races
The game offers six distinct races: Human, Aumaua, Dwarf, Elf, Godlike, and Orlan. Each race provides a unique cultural backdrop that can affect dialogue and interactions.
While the description does not detail mechanical differences, the variety encourages players to select a race that fits their role‑playing vision, adding flavor to the party composition.
- Consider the lore of each race to enhance immersion.
- Mix races to create diverse party dynamics.
02 / THE GUIDE
Character Classes
Eleven classes are available, ranging from melee‑focused Barbarian and Fighter to magical Wizard and Cipher. Each class defines a set of abilities and combat roles.
The breadth of options allows players to tailor their party’s capabilities, ensuring that challenges can be approached from multiple angles.
- Pair a frontline class with a support class for balanced encounters.
- Experiment with unconventional class combos for fresh strategies.

03 / THE GUIDE
Core Skills
Five core skills—Stealth, Athletics, Lore, Mechanics, and Survival—are presented as tools to overcome obstacles. They cover both combat and non‑combat situations.
Skill checks are tied to narrative moments, encouraging players to invest in the abilities that match their preferred play style.
- Focus on Lore for puzzle solving and world knowledge.
- Use Stealth to bypass dangerous encounters when possible.
04 / THE GUIDE
Combat Modes
Pillars of Eternity supports both real‑time with pause and turn‑based combat. Players may switch between these modes at any point during the adventure.
This flexibility grants full control over encounter pacing, allowing tactical planning or faster action depending on preference.
- Use pause mode to plan complex party actions.
- Switch to turn‑based when facing tough boss fights.
05 / THE GUIDE
Faction Reputation
A reputation system tracks player actions across various factions. Choices have far‑reaching consequences, influencing story outcomes and character interactions.
Aligning with or opposing groups can open or close quest lines, making moral decisions a central gameplay element.
- Save often before major faction decisions.
- Read faction dialogue carefully to gauge impact.





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