Should I Play Pillars Of Eternity 1 Before 2?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: If you enjoy deep, character‑driven storytelling and want to experience the full arc of the Exiled King saga, starting with Pillars of Eternity 1 lets you absorb the lore, meet early companions, and notice the subtle foreshadowing that enriches Pillars 2.
• Good fit: When you have ample time and prefer a slower, more methodical CRPG experience, the turn‑based‑like pause‑and‑plan combat of the first game provides a comfortable learning curve before tackling the faster, more intricate combat system in Pillars 2.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: If your primary goal is to explore the latest graphics, UI improvements, and expanded world design, beginning with the older engine may feel dated and could reduce enjoyment.
• Warning sign: When you have limited gaming sessions (e.g., only weekends) and cannot commit to another 30‑plus‑hour adventure, jumping straight to Pillars 2—which builds on the core concepts without requiring a full replay—may be a more practical choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Story continuity: Playing the first game reveals character backstories, world‑building details, and thematic threads that payoff in the sequel, making key moments in Pillars 2 more emotionally resonant.
• Mechanics foundation: The original’s slower combat and clearer UI serve as an excellent tutorial for the series’ underlying systems, reducing the learning curve when you transition to the more complex encounters in Pillars 2.

Cons

• Time investment: Pillars of Eternity 1 is a full‑scale RPG that typically requires 30‑40 hours to complete, which may feel redundant if you are mainly interested in the newer content.
• Technical aging: The first title runs on an older version of the Obsidian engine, which can result in longer load times, occasional UI quirks, and graphics that feel less polished compared with the sequel.

Decision Checklist

• Do I value narrative depth and character development enough to spend an additional 30‑plus hours before the sequel?
• Am I comfortable with older graphics and a slower combat pacing, or do I prefer the refined mechanics introduced in Pillars 2?
• Is my schedule flexible enough to accommodate a long single‑player experience without feeling rushed?

Alternatives to Consider

If you are uncertain, you could start Pillars of Eternity 2 and then play the first game later as a “retro‑gaming” side quest, allowing you to evaluate the sequel’s mechanics and decide whether the story payoff justifies the extra time. Another option is to watch comprehensive story‑summary videos or read detailed plot guides for the first game, which can provide most of the narrative context without the full playthrough. Finally, you might explore other modern CRPGs with similar themes (e.g., Divinity: Original Sin 2 or Torment: Tides of Numenera) to gauge if you prefer the genre before committing to both Pillars titles.

Final Recommendation

For players who cherish story continuity, enjoy a measured learning curve, and have the time to invest, starting with Pillars of Eternity 1 before tackling Pillars of Eternity 2 is the most rewarding path. Conversely, gamers primarily interested in updated graphics, streamlined combat, or who face tight scheduling constraints may find it more practical to begin with Pillars 2 and supplement the narrative gaps through summaries or a later playthrough of the first game. As always, consider your personal gaming priorities and, if you encounter technical or accessibility concerns, consult community forums or support resources for tailored assistance.