Obsidian brings full controller support to Pillars of Eternity on PC

PC players can finally ditch the mouse and keyboard for the entire Pillars of Eternity series. According to a report by Rock Paper Shotgun, developer Obsidian has rolled out full controller support for both the original Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. This new feature is currently available for players to experience as part of a public test.

How the controller integration works

Whether you prefer real-time with pause or the turn-based mode, you can now experience both titles from character creation through the end credits using a controller. Obsidian notes that the scheme for Deadfire builds upon the existing controller setup from the console versions. The implementation includes radial menus for quick access to spells, abilities, and party commands, with the game dynamically updating button prompts based on whether you are using an Xbox or PlayStation controller.

If you prefer flexibility, the game allows for a seamless hybrid experience. You can switch between your controller and your mouse and keyboard at any time, and the game will adjust accordingly. The support is also designed to work with the Steam Deck and Steam’s Big Picture mode.

Updates to turn-based combat

Alongside controller support, Patch 1.3.10.0 brings significant changes to Deadfire’s turn-based mode. Obsidian has incorporated improvements originally developed for the first game, making combat more lethal and adjusting turns to follow each character’s speed. Additionally, drinking potions and swapping weapons no longer consume your action. You can now toggle turn-based mode on or off during an active playthrough, offering more freedom in how you tackle encounters.

Why it matters

For fans of classic CRPGs, this update removes a long-standing barrier to entry for those who prefer playing from the couch or on a handheld like the Steam Deck. By ensuring that every aspect of the game—including naval combat in the sequel—is fully playable with a controller, Obsidian is significantly expanding the accessibility and comfort of these complex titles.

Since this is currently a public test, Obsidian warns that players may encounter bugs as the studio continues to iterate. There is no concrete end date for this testing phase yet, as the developers intend to keep it running while they refine the experience for a full release. If you choose to jump in now, expect some “funkiness” while the team polishes the final build.