Obsidian Entertainment is testing major updates for Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, with both Steam versions now open for players to opt in. This update will provide full-process controller support, and the second game will feature a redesigned turn-based combat system.
After the update, players can use a controller for all operations from character creation to watching the end credits, and naval combat in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is also supported. Both paused real-time combat and turn-based modes can be played with a controller, and you can switch to mouse and keyboard at any time during gameplay; the game will automatically switch based on the current input method.
The controller scheme for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is based on the console control layout and incorporates improvements from the first game's turn-based mode. The adjusted character action order is determined by speed, and combat lethality will be increased; switching weapons and drinking potions no longer consume actions, and players can also toggle turn-based mode on or off within the same playthrough.
The patch will also fix various issues related to combat, quests, audio, and the interface. Full controller support is expected to improve the operational experience of both games on Steam Deck and other handheld devices. The update is currently in testing, and the team hopes to officially release it to all players before the end of the year.