Pillars of Eternity Series Gets Full Gamepad Support for PC, Now in Public Test

A long-awaited enhancement is finally making its way to the PC versions of Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire: comprehensive gamepad support. Obsidian Entertainment recently announced the launch of a public test for this feature, allowing players to experience the acclaimed isometric RPGs with full controller integration. This initiative directly addresses the desires of many fans, particularly those who prefer playing on handheld devices like the Steam Deck, where existing control schemes have often fallen short.

Players eager to try out the new controller support can opt into the ongoing Steam betas for both titles. Accessing this is straightforward: simply navigate to each game's properties in Steam and select the respective 'November 4' beta versions. While it's important to remember that these are beta builds—and Obsidian has explicitly warned to "expect bugs"—initial feedback indicates a promising adaptation. Minor issues, such as misaligned prompts and subtle analogue movement awkwardness, are present but do not overshadow the overall effectiveness of the controller integration. This marks a significant step towards making these deep RPG experiences more accessible and comfortable for a broader range of PC gamers.

Beyond the highly anticipated gamepad support, Obsidian is also rolling out significant patches for both games. Pillars of Eternity I receives patch 1.3.10.0, primarily focusing on refining UI elements and enhancing its recently introduced turn-based mode. Meanwhile, Deadfire's patch 5.1.0.0 brings more substantial changes to its older turn-based combat system. These updates integrate improvements from the first game's turn-based mode, allowing characters to act based on their initiative rather than a single turn per round, and significantly increasing lethality. These adjustments aim to enrich the tactical depth of combat, a move that will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans of the series' turn-based mechanics. The public test for controller support will continue until November 25, with the collected data being crucial for ironing out any remaining issues before a full release.

This commitment to enhancing beloved titles showcases a dedication to player experience, extending the life and accessibility of these rich narrative worlds. By integrating modern control schemes and refining existing mechanics, Obsidian ensures that both veteran fans and new players can immerse themselves fully in the intricate lore and challenging gameplay of the Pillars of Eternity saga. Such updates reinforce the idea that classic games can continue to evolve, offering new ways to engage with their enduring brilliance and fostering a more inclusive gaming environment for everyone.