How to Start Turn-Based Mode in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Turn-based combat is part of Deadfire

Turn-based mode is a free addition for all editions of Deadfire. Obsidian introduced it as a beta with patch 4.1, then took it out of beta in update 5.0. You do not need to treat the old invitation to provide beta feedback as the present release status of the feature. [1] [2]

Choose the mode when beginning a campaign

Steps

1. Start a new Deadfire game. The developer places the combat-mode selection in the new-game procedure rather than describing a switch for an ongoing campaign. [1]
2. Choose Turn-Based Mode in that selection. This begins the alternative combat format for the new adventure. Keep the selected format in mind when reading build or ability instructions that were written for Real-Time with Pause. [1]

Use the turn-based rules when planning actions

Turn-based combat has mode-specific behaviour. For example, patch 4.1.2 documents automatic reload completion when a character’s turn starts, and gives Dexterity a four-percent Stride increase per point in this mode. Those named rules help explain why an ability or attribute discussion may differ from a Real-Time with Pause guide. [3]

The same patch describes Berath’s Challenge killing an unconscious character after three consecutive rounds, rather than three accumulated rounds. Apply that rule only if the challenge is enabled; it is not a general instruction that every unconscious party member dies after that interval. [3]

Keep the game and release context together

Deadfire’s 5.0 release announcement describes the feature as a full release after changes informed by beta feedback. When following older instructions, check whether the text is describing beta testing or the released mode. Likewise, use sources that name Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire when following this procedure. [2]