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Baldur's Gate vs Pillars of Eternity

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Baldur's Gate
Baldur's GateEmbark on an epic Dungeons & Dragons tactical RPG adventure along the iconic Sword Coast.
Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of EternityRecapture the deep sense of exploration and classic RPG adventure in a new fantasy realm.
Overview
Description

Baldur's Gate is a seminal isometric role-playing game set in the Forgotten Realms universe of Dungeons & Dragons. Players control a custom protagonist venturing across the Sword Coast to uncover a dangerous political conspiracy and unravel the mystery surrounding their own sinister lineage. Featuring an expansive world filled with intricate lore, mysterious dungeons, and vibrant cities, the game established a new standard for computer RPGs. Combat combines real-time action with a tactical pause feature, enabling precise party control during intense encounters against fantastical beasts and hostile factions. Players can recruit up to six companions, balance party alignment, and navigate moral choices while enjoying rich storytelling across Linux, PC, iOS, and Mac platforms.

Prepare to be enchanted by a world where the choices you make and the paths you choose shape your destiny. Recapture the deep sense of exploration, the joy of a pulsating adventure, and the thrill of leading your own band of companions across a new fantasy realm and into the depths of monster-infested dungeons in search of lost treasures and ancient mysteries. So gather your party, venture forth, and embrace adventure as you delve into a realm of wonder, nostalgia, and the excitement of classic RPGs with Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity. Experience tactical real-time-with-pause combat and a rich, reactive story penned by veteran role-playing game creators.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
CRPG
CRPG
Best for
Fans of classic isometric RPGs and Dungeons & Dragons
Fans of classic isometric RPGs and deep fantasy stories
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.9933%
$29.99
release date
1998-12-21
2015-03-26
Specifications
developer
BioWare, BioWare Edmonton
Obsidian Entertainment
publisher
Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios
Obsidian Entertainment, Paradox Interactive
age rating
ESRB T, PEGI 12
ESRB M, PEGI 16+33%
multiplayer
Single player, Co-operative
Single player
critic score
91/100+12%
81/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Deep tactical combat system using real-time-with-pause controls.
  • Expansive fantasy narrative with rich companion banter and alignment dynamics.
  • Authentic implementation of Dungeons & Dragons rules and lore.
  • Flexible cross-platform support across Linux, PC, Mac, and iOS.
  • Deep, reactive narrative with memorable companions
  • Tactical and rewarding real-time-with-pause combat system
  • Rich atmospheric world reminiscent of classic isometric RPGs
  • Extensive character customization and build variety
Cons
  • Steep initial learning curve for players unfamiliar with AD&D 2nd Edition rules.
  • Pathfinding AI can occasionally cause party members to get stuck in tight corridors.
  • Retro 1998 graphics and UI may feel dated to modern audiences.
  • Heavy amounts of reading and exposition may deter casual players
  • Steep learning curve for newcomers to classic tactical CRPGs
  • Inventory and micro-management can occasionally feel cumbersome
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
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Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
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Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

Continue the epic saga with new companions and darker choices

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Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast

Epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure on the Sword Coast

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Baldur's Gate

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Baldur's Gate offers better value, higher critic scores, and co‑op play, while Pillars of Eternity provides a newer, solo‑focused narrative experience.

Key differences

  • Combat is similar (real‑time with pause) but Pillars adds stronghold management.
  • Multiplayer: Baldur's Gate includes co‑op; Pillars of Eternity is single‑player only.
  • Price: Baldur's Gate is $19.99 versus Pillars of Eternity at $29.99.
  • Graphics era: Pillars (2015) has modern visuals; Baldur's Gate (1998) uses retro graphics.
  • Narrative impact: Pillars' choices permanently alter the world, while Baldur's focuses on alignment/reputation.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Both feature deep tactical real‑time‑with‑pause combat and extensive companion systems.

Tie

Platform availability

Baldur's Gate supports Linux, PC, Mac, and iOS; Pillars' platforms not specified.

Baldur's Gate

Price & value

Baldur's Gate costs $19.99, ten dollars cheaper than Pillars' $29.99.

Baldur's Gate

Multiplayer / co‑op

Baldur's Gate offers single‑player and co‑op; Pillars of Eternity is single‑player only.

Baldur's Gate

Content & replayability

Pillars adds a stronghold system and permanent world changes, increasing replay hooks.

Pillars of Eternity

Difficulty & accessibility

Both have steep learning curves for newcomers to classic tactical CRPGs.

Tie

Graphics & performance

Pillars of Eternity (2015) features modern graphics; Baldur's Gate (1998) uses dated visuals.

Pillars of Eternity

Choose Baldur's Gate if…

Players seeking classic D&D gameplay, co‑op options, and the best price/value.

Choose Pillars of Eternity if…

Players who want a modern, solo‑focused RPG with deep narrative and world interaction.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Baldur's Gate costs $19.99; Pillars of Eternity costs $29.99.

Do either of the games support multiplayer?

Baldur's Gate includes single‑player and co‑op; Pillars of Eternity is single‑player only.

Which title has a higher critic score?

Baldur's Gate has a critic score of 91/100, while Pillars of Eternity has 81/100.