Hey fellow RPG enthusiasts! As a die-hard fan of Pillars of Eternity, I know how much this isometric, party-based RPG has captured our hearts and minds with its immersive story, complex characters, and deep tactical combat.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours journeying through the Dyrwood and Eora, and you’re now itching to find more games that can give you a similar experience. Well, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a list of 20 fantastic games that all offer something that reminds me of Pillars of Eternity, each with its own unique twist.
Full list of games like Pillars Of Eternity
Divinity: Original Sin 2
When I first played Divinity: Original Sin 2, it immediately reminded me of Pillars of Eternity. The isometric perspective, the rich lore, and the party-based mechanics all felt familiar, yet fresh. Original Sin 2 takes a more light-hearted approach to its story, which is a nice change of pace.
And while the combat in Pillars is real-time with pause, Original Sin 2 boasts a deep, turn-based combat system that allows for creative use of the environment to gain an edge in battle.
If you love Pillars’ emphasis on choice and consequence, you’ll be right at home in Divinity’s world of Rivellon, where every decision can drastically impact your adventure.
Baldur’s Gate series
Ah, the Baldur’s Gate series—often considered the spiritual predecessor to Pillars of Eternity. Based on the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, these games offer a similar isometric, party-based experience filled with memorable characters, engaging stories, and tactical combat.
The connections between the two are pretty clear: Pillars of Eternity was heavily inspired by the Baldur’s Gate games, and many of its developers were also involved in the creation of this classic series.
While the first two Baldur’s Gate games are older, Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by the same team that made Divinity: Original Sin 2, will have it’s full release soon, and it’s already out in early access. If you love the immersive world-building and complex character relationships in Pillars, then you’ll definitely want to dive into the Forgotten Realms of Baldur’s Gate.
Pathfinder Series
Pathfinder is another series of games that struck me as similar to Pillars of Eternity, especially in terms of the character progression system and party-based mechanics. Developed by Owlcat Games, Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous are based on the popular tabletop RPG with the same name.
The game features a deep character creation system, which allows you to tailor your party to your liking. The most significant difference between Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pillars, though, is the inclusion of a kingdom management system.
As you progress through the game, you’ll have the opportunity to rule and develop your own kingdom, making choices that can affect your people and the world around you.
If you’re looking for a game that combines the tactical combat and intricate storytelling of Pillars with an added layer of strategy, Pathfinder: Kingmaker and its sequel should be right up your alley.
Tyranny
Tyranny shares a lot of DNA with Pillars of Eternity, considering they were both developed by Obsidian Entertainment. This game takes a slightly darker turn, putting you in the role of a Fatebinder, an enforcer of the evil overlord Kyros.
What really sets Tyranny apart from Pillars is its focus on moral choices and branching storylines. As you navigate through the game, you’ll face difficult decisions that can drastically alter the world and your relationships with your companions.
The real-time with pause combat feels familiar but has a unique spin that sets it apart. If you’re drawn to the depth of Pillars’ characters and story, but crave a grittier, morally ambiguous experience, Tyranny is the game for you.
Wasteland Series
The Wasteland games takes the isometric, party-based RPG formula of Pillars of Eternity and transports it to a post-apocalyptic setting. Developed by inXile Entertainment, this series offers a wealth of customization options for your party of Desert Rangers, each with their own backstory and skills.
While the themes and atmosphere differ from Pillars, Wasteland’s tactical combat and focus on choice and consequence will resonate with fans of the genre. If you love the strategic depth and intricate narratives of Pillars of Eternity but want to explore a harsh, unforgiving world, then Wasteland 2 and 3 are a must-play.
Torment: Tides of Numenera
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a spiritual successor to the classic Planescape: Torment, and it shares some similarities with Pillars of Eternity in terms of its deep narrative and party-based mechanics.
Set in the bizarre Ninth World, Tides of Numenera puts a heavy emphasis on philosophical themes and exploration. The game features a unique “Tides” system that reflects your character’s personality and actions throughout the story.
While the combat in Tides of Numenera may feel less tactical than that of Pillars, the game more than makes up for it with its fascinating world and thought-provoking storylines.
If you’re a fan of the narrative depth found in Pillars and eager to dive into a truly distinctive setting, then you should definitely give Torment: Tides of Numenera a shot.
Shadowrun: Dragonfall
Shadowrun: Dragonfall takes the isometric, party-based RPG elements we love from Pillars of Eternity and infuses them with a cyberpunk setting full of magic and technology.
Developed by Harebrained Schemes, Dragonfall offers a rich narrative experience, with unique characters and engaging side quests. The game’s turn-based tactical combat is both challenging and rewarding, reminiscent of Pillars’ strategic depth.
If you’re drawn to the character-driven stories and tactical gameplay of Pillars but want a taste of cyberpunk intrigue, Shadowrun: Dragonfall is a fantastic choice.
Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium stands out among RPGs for its unique approach to storytelling and character progression. While the game shares an isometric perspective with Pillars of Eternity, its focus on deep narrative and unconventional character development sets it apart.
You play as a troubled detective trying to solve a murder case while navigating your own internal turmoil. Disco Elysium ditches combat in favor of dialogue-based encounters and skill checks that are determined by your character’s traits and abilities.
If you’re drawn to the narrative and character depth of Pillars but crave a completely different RPG experience, Disco Elysium is an absolute must-play.
Icewind Dale series
The Icewind Dale series, much like Baldur’s Gate, is another classic RPG that paved the way for games like Pillars of Eternity. Set in the Forgotten Realms and using the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, these games offer a similar isometric, party-based experience with a focus on combat and dungeon crawling.
While the narrative in Icewind Dale might not be as intricate as that of Pillars, the challenging battles and atmospheric settings will surely appeal to fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a game that captures the essence of classic RPGs and the tactical combat of Pillars of Eternity, the Icewind Dale series should definitely be on your list.
Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment is a beloved classic that shares a lot in common with Pillars of Eternity when it comes to storytelling and character development. Set in the unusual and captivating Planescape multiverse, this game offers a unique setting that sets it apart from most other RPGs.
With memorable characters and a rich, philosophical narrative, Planescape: Torment will definitely scratch that itch for deep storytelling that Pillars of Eternity fans crave. Although the combat may feel a bit dated compared to Pillars, the game’s unforgettable world and narrative more than make up for it.
Neverwinter Nights series
The Neverwinter Nights series holds a special place in the hearts of many RPG fans, offering a similar isometric, party-based experience with a focus on story, character interactions, and tactical combat. As another series set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Neverwinter Nights shares a lot of similarities with Pillars of Eternity in terms of gameplay mechanics and character progression.
What sets the Neverwinter Nights series apart is the extensive modding community and the multiplayer features, which allow you to share your adventures with friends or even create your own custom campaigns. If you love the rich storytelling and deep character relationships in Pillars, then you’ll definitely want to experience the world of Neverwinter Nights.
Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is an epic fantasy RPG developed by BioWare, and it shares some similarities with Pillars of Eternity in terms of its immersive story, engaging characters, and tactical combat. While the perspective and visuals differ, the strategic depth and decision-making found in Pillars are very much present in Dragon Age: Origins.
This game puts a strong emphasis on your choices and their consequences, which can shape the world and the relationships with your companions. If you’re a fan of the character-driven storytelling and strategic combat in Pillars of Eternity, Dragon Age: Origins is a must-play that will take you on a thrilling adventure in the world of Thedas.
The Temple of Elemental Evil
The Temple of Elemental Evil is another RPG that fans of Pillars of Eternity will likely enjoy. Based on the iconic Dungeons & Dragons adventure, this game features a faithful adaptation of the D&D rules and turn-based combat, providing a different pace compared to Pillars’ real-time with a pause system.
While the story may not be as deep as that of Pillars, the game offers a solid dungeon-crawling experience with a focus on tactical combat and party customization. If you’re into classic D&D adventures and enjoy the strategic depth of Pillars of Eternity, The Temple of Elemental Evil is worth a try.
Fallout 1 & 2
The original Fallout games are classic RPGs that take the isometric, party-based formula found in Pillars of Eternity and transport it to a post-apocalyptic world. These games feature a rich, branching narrative, where your choices can have significant consequences on the story and the world around you.
While the setting and tone are quite different from Pillars, the strategic, turn-based combat and engaging storylines will resonate with fans of the genre. If you enjoy the depth and freedom of choice offered by Pillars of Eternity and want to experience it in a completely different setting, the first two Fallout games are a must-play.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura is a unique RPG that combines a steampunk setting with classic fantasy elements. While the game shares an isometric perspective and party-based mechanics with Pillars of Eternity, it stands out with its rich world-building and engaging story. The game offers an extensive character creation system, allowing you to tailor your protagonist to your liking.
The real-time with pause combat might feel a bit clunky compared to Pillars, but the fascinating setting and intriguing narrative make it a worthwhile experience. If you’re a fan of Pillars and want to explore an RPG with a blend of technology and magic, Arcanum is the perfect choice.
Drakensang: The Dark Eye
Drakensang: The Dark Eye is a European-style RPG that offers a fresh take on the isometric, party-based formula found in Pillars of Eternity. Based on the popular German tabletop RPG, The Dark Eye, Drakensang features a deep character creation system and a rich, immersive world.
The game’s combat is real-time with pause, similar to Pillars, but with a distinct tactical flavor that sets it apart. If you’re a fan of the character progression and strategic depth in Pillars of Eternity and want to experience a different RPG setting, Drakensang: The Dark Eye is an excellent choice.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Solasta: Crown of the Magister is another RPG that captures the essence of classic tabletop gaming with a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons rules. Like Pillars of Eternity, Solasta offers an isometric perspective, party-based gameplay, and a rich narrative.
However, the game sets itself apart with its turn-based combat system and a focus on verticality in exploration and battle tactics. If you enjoy the strategic combat and in-depth character progression of Pillars and want to experience a game that stays true to its tabletop roots, Solasta: Crown of the Magister is a perfect choice.
Knights of the Chalice
Knights of the Chalice is a 2D isometric RPG that harkens back to the classic era of computer role-playing games. Despite its simpler graphics, the game offers a deep, turn-based combat system that will appeal to fans of Pillars of Eternity’s strategic depth.
The game is based on the Open Game License version of the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, ensuring a familiar experience for fans of tabletop RPGs. While the story may not be as intricate as Pillars’, the game’s focus on tactical combat and dungeon exploration makes it a worthy addition to any RPG fan’s library.
If you’re into the strategic battles and character progression of Pillars of Eternity but want a more old-school experience, Knights of the Chalice is worth checking out.
ATOM RPG
ATOM RPG is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game that draws inspiration from classic titles like Fallout. This game offers an isometric, party-based experience that will resonate with Pillars of Eternity fans.
While the setting and tone are quite different, the deep character customization and strategic, turn-based combat provide a familiar feeling. ATOM RPG also features a branching narrative with meaningful choices, ensuring that your decisions shape the world around you.
If you’re a fan of Pillars’ gameplay mechanics but want to explore a post-apocalyptic world with a Soviet twist, ATOM RPG is a fantastic option.
Underrail
Underrail is an isometric, turn-based RPG set in a post-apocalyptic, underground world. The game puts a strong emphasis on exploration, character development, and tactical combat, providing a gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of Pillars of Eternity.
While Underrail’s story may not be as deep as Pillars’, the game’s extensive character customization and challenging combat more than make up for it. If you’re looking for a game that captures the strategic depth and character progression of Pillars of Eternity but takes place in a unique, underground setting, Underrail is a must-play.
There you have it — 20 fantastic games like Pillars of Eternity. Each of these games offers a unique take on the isometric, party-based RPG formula, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving more of the strategic combat, intricate narratives, or immersive world-building that Pillars has to offer, you’re sure to find a new favorite in this list.
