PGC NEWS

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire received its 2.0 update three months after its initial release, addressing numerous bugs and introducing new difficulty-tuning features. However, the main attraction is the first installment of a DLC trilogy promised by Obsidian Entertainment during their Fig crowdfunding campaign. Drawing inspiration from Icewind Dale’s Heart of Winter expansion, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – Beast of Winter doesn’t extend the main game’s narrative but offers a self-contained adventure on a remote island south of the Deadfire Archipelago.

Beast of Winter

A Frozen Wasteland

Beast of Winter begins with an invitation for the Watcher to visit Harbinger’s Watch, a small island perched atop a massive iceberg south of the Deadfire Archipelago. A meeting with a small sect of Endings Godlike is quickly interrupted by the arrival of Neriscyrlas, a dragon trapped in the White Void for centuries after failing to achieve immortality. Now returned, Neriscyrlas seeks to plunge the Deadfire into an icy abyss.

The narrative remains a strong point in Beast of Winter, particularly with the introduction of Vatnir, a new Endings Godlike companion. Vatnir’s deceptive nature hides a potentially righteous agenda, although his dialogue options and impact on the main plot are limited. The DLC also further explores the loathing directed towards Rymrgand, the God of Decay.

The expansion sends players on a pursuit of Neriscyrlas, revealing surprising details for those invested in the Pillars of Eternity lore. The search for allies provides insights into the rise and fall of the Ukaizo empire and the final moments of St. Waidwen as Eothas abandoned his mortal vessel after the Godhammer ended the Saint’s War. The story of High Priestess Naxiva ix Kirent also offers a glimpse into the White Void’s influence on trapped souls.

Beast of Winter

Beast of Winter

Gameplay and Challenges

Beast of Winter presents a few environmental puzzles involving manipulating waterfalls and time, but these are straightforward with easily discernible solutions. Consequently, the gameplay outside of combat feels somewhat lacking.

The new companion, Vatnir, offers two unique multiclass combinations: Zealot (Priest + Rogue) and Celebrant (Priest + Chanter), with functionalities that are fairly self-explanatory. Regardless of the chosen build, Vatnir remains a potent debuffer.

Since neither the 2.0 update nor the DLC increases the level cap, Beast of Winter’s gameplay focuses on encounters with new enemy types possessing varied resistances and trap-laden areas. Restocking supplies before leaving Harbinger’s Watch is crucial, as the Temple of Decline offers no opportunities to trade with merchants.

Beast of Winter

A Chilling Addition

Aside from a few new Soulbound items and two challenging boss fights, Beast of Winter doesn’t significantly alter the core gameplay loop. Those expecting innovative mechanics integrated into the base game might be disappointed. However, for fans eager to delve deeper into the lore and confront new challenges in a unique environment, Beast of Winter offers a chillingly engaging experience.

Conclusion

Beast of Winter provides a compelling narrative experience and challenging encounters, but its limited impact on core gameplay and straightforward puzzles may leave some players wanting more. While it may not revolutionize the Deadfire experience, the DLC’s exploration of lore and introduction of a new companion offer a worthwhile diversion for those seeking more adventures in the world of Eora.