Navigating the expansive catalog of Xbox Game Pass can often feel overwhelming. With its constant influx of both triple-A blockbusters and indie gems, it's a challenge to decide where to focus your attention. However, one game developer that stands out in the Game Pass library is Obsidian Entertainment. Since its acquisition by Microsoft in 2018, many of Obsidian’s renowned RPG titles have found their way to the service. One of the most exciting upcoming releases is Avowed, an RPG set to launch in February. With this being Obsidian's first RPG in nearly five years, there’s no better time to dive into Pillars of Eternity, the two-game series that laid the foundation for the world of Avowed.
These games draw heavy inspiration from classic Infinity Engine CRPGs like Planescape: Torment and Baldur’s Gate. CRPGs, a subgenre of traditional RPGs, were largely shaped by tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. They often feature real-time combat, complex narratives, and rich, immersive worlds. Pillars of Eternity and its sequel are both a tribute to and a modern take on this classic formula, offering a compelling experience that no RPG fan should miss. If you’re looking forward to Avowed or just want to enjoy some of the finest CRPGs ever made, now’s the perfect time to revisit Pillars of Eternity.
Pillars of Eternity: A Modern Classic
At its core, Pillars of Eternity is a masterclass in RPG design. The game’s combat system is deeply rooted in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons rules, featuring a stat-based system where every decision can drastically affect your character’s abilities. Unlike more streamlined RPGs, Pillars doesn’t rely on ‘dump stats’ (the term used for stats that are ignored in favor of others), which adds a layer of depth and strategy. Even if real-time, pausable combat isn’t your preferred style, the game’s intricate world-building, gripping story, and well-developed companions will keep you hooked. While the absence of full voice acting and the dated, yet charming, art style might be off-putting to some, the fantastic core systems and story more than make up for it.
The sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, builds on its predecessor’s foundations while introducing exciting new features. The addition of ship exploration, a coastal setting, and a refined combat system are just a few of the improvements. Most notably, the game introduces subclasses and multi-classing, giving players unprecedented flexibility in character creation. Additionally, for those who prefer a more tactical approach to combat, Deadfire includes a fully functional turn-based mode, a feature that’s become a staple in recent CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3. Overall, Deadfire maintains the exceptional writing, world-building, and storytelling that made the original such a success, while adding more depth and replayability.
How Pillars of Eternity Sets the Stage for Avowed
Avowed takes place several years after the events of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire within the same world, Eora. The player takes on the role of a member of the Aedyr Empire, a powerful colonial power made up mostly of humans and elves. One of the most intriguing aspects of this empire is its complicated relationship with gods and souls—two of the most distinctive features of Eora's lore. The themes of animancy (the study of souls) and divine influence, which played a pivotal role in the events of the first two games, are likely to be central to Avowed's plot.
In the world of Pillars, Aedyr’s control over colonies is a major theme, and Avowed will likely explore the consequences of their empire’s loss of a colony, a loss that plays a significant role in the political turmoil of Pillars of Eternity II. Players will likely uncover more about how the Aedyr Empire is coping with these changes, providing an engaging backdrop to the upcoming title.
The Immense Replay Value of Pillars of Eternity
Both Pillars of Eternity games offer a wealth of content that can easily extend well over 100 hours, especially if you’re keen on exploring side quests, building relationships with companions, and uncovering every corner of the world. While it's possible to rush through the main story, doing so would mean missing out on the nuanced narrative and world-building that make these games truly remarkable. The decisions you make throughout the game can lead to multiple endings, encouraging replayability to explore the different paths you can take.
Moreover, Pillars of Eternity II allows you to import your save data from the first game, ensuring that your choices carry over and influence the sequel's story. This interconnectedness between the two titles adds a layer of continuity that few games manage to achieve.

Wrapping Up Before Avowed Arrives
With Avowed scheduled to launch in February, now is the perfect time to dive into Pillars of Eternity and Deadfire. These two games are rich with depth, complexity, and memorable characters that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Whether you're playing to prepare for Avowed or simply looking for some of the best CRPGs out there, these games are a must-play.
The world of Eora is waiting, and Pillars of Eternity offers a fantastic way to experience it in all its glory before the next chapter begins in Avowed.
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