So, you're diving into the world of Pillars of Eternity on Steam, huh? Awesome choice! This game is a classic RPG with a rich story, deep mechanics, and a ton of replayability. But let's be real, it can also be a bit overwhelming at first. That's where this guide comes in. We're going to break down the essential aspects of the game to get you started on the right foot. This is going to be so much fun guys! Let's do this!

Understanding the Basics

Alright, let's kick things off with the fundamentals. Pillars of Eternity is an isometric RPG, meaning you'll be controlling your character and party from a top-down perspective. The game uses a real-time-with-pause combat system. So, you'll be issuing commands in real-time, but you can pause the action at any moment to strategize, queue up abilities, and reposition your characters. Getting comfortable with the pause function is absolutely crucial for success, especially in tougher encounters. Seriously, you'll be hitting that spacebar (or whatever you've bound your pause key to) more often than you think!

Next up is character creation. You'll start by choosing your character's race, class, background, and attributes. Races offer different passive bonuses, classes determine your combat role and available abilities, and backgrounds provide unique dialogue options and skill bonuses. Attributes like Might, Constitution, Dexterity, Perception, Intellect, and Resolve affect various aspects of your character's performance, from damage output to dialogue checks. It’s a lot to take in, but don't worry too much about min-maxing on your first playthrough. Experiment, see what you like, and have fun with it. I really recommend trying out different combinations to see what you would enjoy the most.

Once you're in the game, you'll be exploring a vast world filled with quests, NPCs, and dangerous creatures. Pay attention to the dialogue, as it often contains valuable information about the world, its inhabitants, and the tasks you need to complete. The game features a branching dialogue system, so your choices can have a significant impact on the story and your relationships with other characters. Don't be afraid to role-play and make decisions that align with your character's personality. That's what makes the game so engaging and immersive.

Character Creation: Making Your Mark

Alright, let's deep dive into character creation, because it's super important. This is where you lay the foundation for your entire adventure. You'll be spending a lot of time with this character, so make sure you create someone you'll enjoy playing. First off, you've got your race selection. Elves, dwarves, humans, orlans, aumaua, and godsfolk, each offering unique passive bonuses. For example, elves get a bonus to Dexterity, while dwarves are naturally resistant to certain status effects. Pick a race that complements your chosen class or simply appeals to your personal preferences. It's all about creating a character you'll love. I would suggest to take the time to read each option, and go with your gut.

Next is class selection, and this is where things get really interesting. The class determines your combat role and available abilities. Fighters are your frontline tanks, rogues are your sneaky damage dealers, wizards are your spellcasters, and so on. Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. A fighter is going to be more in your face, whereas a ranger will be more on the sidelines, launching arrows. Consider your play style and what you want to do in combat. Do you like being in the thick of things, or do you prefer to support your allies from a distance? The game offers a wide range of classes, so you're sure to find one that suits you.

Backgrounds provide unique dialogue options and skill bonuses. A cipher background, for instance, might grant you bonuses to lore and insight skills, allowing you to uncover secrets and manipulate others with your words. Again, choose a background that aligns with your character's personality and desired play style. Don't underestimate the power of dialogue options, as they can often open up new quests or resolve conflicts without resorting to combat. Attributes are the foundation of your character's abilities. Might affects your raw physical power, constitution determines your health and stamina, dexterity influences your speed and reflexes, perception enhances your accuracy and awareness, intellect governs your knowledge and reasoning, and resolve impacts your willpower and social skills. Distribute your attribute points wisely, focusing on the attributes that are most important for your chosen class and play style.

Party Composition: Assembling Your Dream Team

As you progress through Pillars of Eternity, you'll encounter a variety of companions who can join your party. Building a well-rounded party is essential for tackling the game's challenges. You'll want to have a mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and support characters. A balanced party can adapt to a wide range of combat situations and overcome various obstacles. You do not want to be stuck with a bunch of characters who are all DPS, you will fall quickly, without a tank and support. You want to make sure that you have the best balance in your party, to ensure victory.

Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each companion when deciding who to include in your party. Some companions excel at dealing damage, while others are better at healing or crowd control. Some companions have unique abilities or spells that can turn the tide of battle. Don't be afraid to experiment with different party compositions to find what works best for you. You might be surprised at how effective a seemingly unorthodox party can be. Additionally, your companions have their own stories, motivations, and personalities. Take the time to get to know them and understand their goals. Building relationships with your companions can unlock new quests, dialogue options, and even romances. Your choices and actions will affect your relationships with your companions, so be mindful of your decisions.

Remember that party management extends beyond just combat. Different companions have different skill sets that can be useful for solving puzzles, disarming traps, or navigating social situations. A companion with high lore skill can decipher ancient texts, while a companion with high mechanics skill can pick locks and disarm traps. Having a diverse party with a variety of skills can make your life much easier. Moreover, pay attention to your companions' equipment. Make sure they have the best gear available and that their weapons and armor are appropriate for their combat roles. A well-equipped party is a powerful party.

Combat Strategies: Mastering the Battlefield

Combat in Pillars of Eternity can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Mastering the game's combat system is essential for surviving its many dangers. The key to success is understanding the game's mechanics and developing effective strategies. The real-time-with-pause system allows you to control the flow of battle. Use the pause function to assess the situation, issue commands, and reposition your characters. Don't just let the game run on autopilot, or you'll end up getting wiped out quickly. Remember to pause frequently, especially during chaotic encounters.

Positioning is crucial in combat. Keep your squishy characters (like wizards and rogues) in the back, protected by your tanks (like fighters and paladins). Flank your enemies whenever possible to gain a damage bonus. Use terrain to your advantage, such as choke points to funnel enemies into a kill zone. Pay attention to enemy types and their weaknesses. Some enemies are resistant to certain types of damage, while others are vulnerable to specific status effects. Use the appropriate weapons and abilities to exploit their weaknesses. For example, use fire spells against trolls, as they are highly vulnerable to fire damage. Some enemies have special abilities or attacks that can devastate your party. Identify these threats and prioritize them. Use crowd control abilities like stuns, paralyzes, and knockdowns to disable them.

Don't forget about buffs and debuffs. Buffs increase your party's stats and resistances, while debuffs weaken your enemies. Use buffs like Prayer Against Fear to protect your party from fear effects, and use debuffs like Weakened to reduce your enemies' damage output. Consumables like potions and scrolls can provide temporary buffs or healing. Keep a supply of these items on hand and use them when needed. A timely potion can save your life in a tough encounter. Also, learn to manage your resources effectively. Spells and abilities often have cooldowns or limited uses. Don't waste them on trivial encounters. Save them for when you really need them. If you find yourself struggling with a particular encounter, don't be afraid to retreat and regroup. Sometimes, the best strategy is to come back later when you're better equipped or have gained a few levels.

Exploration and Questing: Unveiling the World

Pillars of Eternity features a vast and richly detailed world to explore. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny, as you never know what secrets you might uncover. Talk to everyone you meet, as they might have quests for you or provide valuable information. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Some of the game's most rewarding experiences can be found in hidden areas. Be thorough in your exploration, and you'll be rewarded with valuable loot, experience, and lore. Quests are the heart of Pillars of Eternity's narrative.

Pay close attention to the quest objectives and dialogue, as they often provide clues about where to go or what to do. Some quests have multiple solutions, so choose the option that best aligns with your character's values. Keep a quest log to keep track of your active quests and their objectives. This will help you stay organized and avoid getting lost. Some quests are time-sensitive, so prioritize them accordingly. If you wait too long, you might fail the quest or miss out on rewards. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're stuck on a quest. The game's community is generally friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of online resources available.

Make sure you take the time to appreciate the world around you. Pillars of Eternity is a beautiful game with stunning environments and captivating lore. Take a moment to soak it all in. The world is full of secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered, so keep your eyes peeled. And if you get lost, don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Just consult your map and retrace your steps. The world of Eora is waiting to be explored, so get out there and start your adventure!

Tips and Tricks for Beginners

To wrap things up, here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you on your Pillars of Eternity journey. Save often. The game doesn't autosave frequently enough, so it's a good idea to manually save your progress regularly. This will prevent you from losing progress if you die or make a mistake. Experiment with different classes and builds. The game offers a wide range of options, so don't be afraid to try new things. You might discover a play style that you really enjoy. Don't be afraid to adjust the difficulty level. If you're finding the game too challenging, lower the difficulty. If you're finding it too easy, raise the difficulty. There's no shame in playing on a lower difficulty, especially on your first playthrough.

Read the tooltips. The game provides a lot of information in its tooltips, so take the time to read them. They can help you understand the game's mechanics and make informed decisions. Don't neglect your crafting skills. Crafting allows you to create valuable items, such as potions, scrolls, and weapons. Invest in your crafting skills early on and you'll be rewarded throughout the game. And lastly, have fun! Pillars of Eternity is a challenging but rewarding game. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes or get stuck. Just keep learning and experimenting, and you'll eventually master the game. Good luck on your adventure in Eora!

I hope this guide has been helpful. Now get out there and explore the world of Pillars of Eternity! Have fun, and may the gods be with you!