Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition stands out as a turn-based RPG with strong strategy and adventure elements, set in the fantasy world of Rivellon where players take on the role of a Sourcerer awakening to latent powers amid a looming threat from the Void.
Gameplay
In this game, combat unfolds in tactical, turn-based sequences where positioning matters greatly. Players can leverage environmental factors, such as combining elements like fire and water to create steam clouds or electrified surfaces that affect battles. Height advantages allow for better ranged attacks or to avoid ground-based hazards. Character development involves mastering over 200 skills across 12 different schools, including options like Warfare for physical boosts or elemental magic for area effects.
Exploration encourages interaction with nearly everything in the environment. You can speak with animals using specific abilities, manipulate objects to solve puzzles, or even kill non-player characters without derailing the main story, though choices lead to consequences. The game's AI adapts to player tactics, making encounters challenging and replayable.
Game Modes
The core experience supports single-player campaigns where you control a party of up to four characters, each with customizable builds. Cooperative multiplayer allows up to four players to join in drop-in, drop-out sessions, either online or via local split-screen.
Beyond the main story, PvP mode lets players compete against each other in structured arenas. Game Master Mode enables one player to act as a dungeon master, creating custom scenarios for others using tools to design encounters and narratives.
World and Mechanics
Rivellon offers a layered open world filled with quests that branch based on your choices. Players select from races like Human, Elf, Lizard, Dwarf, or Undead, each influencing how NPCs react and unlocking unique abilities, such as an Elf consuming flesh for memories or an Undead healing from poison.
Origin characters come with predefined backstories and personal quests, adding depth to party dynamics. Mechanics emphasize freedom, with systems for crafting, stealth, and elemental manipulation integrated into both combat and exploration.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a Metacritic score of 93 from its release and ongoing positive user reviews on platforms like Steam, where it holds a "Very Positive" rating from over 100,000 reviews, this game remains a strong choice for those who enjoy deep tactical RPGs. It receives praise for its replayability and cooperative features, though it requires patience for its complexity.
If you prefer strategic combat and story-driven adventures with meaningful choices, it's worth picking up, especially since the Definitive Edition includes all updates and refinements from the 2018 release, ensuring a polished experience even in 2026.
