Pillars of Eternity: The White March - Part II serves as the epic, high-stakes conclusion to Obsidian Entertainment’s grand expansion saga for the critically acclaimed RPG Pillars of Eternity. Returning to the frozen, unforgiving landscapes of the north, players must navigate a world on the brink of catastrophe. This expansion moves away from the mystery and preparation found in Part I, instead thrusting your party into a period of intense confrontation where ancient threats and rising shadows demand immediate action.

A Climactic Conclusion to the White March Saga

As the final chapter of the White March storyline, Part II focuses heavily on the consequences of the events that unfolded in the previous installment. The narrative centers on the awakening of a forgotten evil within the earth—a threat so massive it threatens to sweep away civilization like sand from a beachside castle. Players will witness the aftermath of improved fortunes at the hamlet of Stalwart and engage with a plot that feels appropriately momentous, even as it pushes the boundaries of the established lore.

The expansion is notable for its deep world-building, specifically regarding the deities of Eora. While the base game established much of the setting, Part II fills critical gaps in the lore surrounding the gods and their followers, such as the monkish devotees of the goddess Ondra. This narrative depth is matched by breathtaking new locations, including a temple built around the massive bones of a fallen giant, providing a haunting backdrop for the expansion's most intense battles.

Expanded Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Pillars of Eternity: The White March - Part II is more than just a story update; it introduces several mechanical overhauls designed to enhance the RPG experience:

  • Increased Level Cap: The level cap has been raised from 14 to 16, introducing two new character levels and dozens of unique abilities to further customize your party.
  • New Companion: Meet Maneha the Barbarian. Her arrival completes the roster of named NPC companions, ensuring that all 11 playable classes are represented with a unique ally possessing their own personality and questline.
  • Story Mode: A new difficulty setting designed for players who wish to focus on the rich, poetic narrative. This mode biases the math heavily in the player's favor, allowing for much faster combat progression.
  • Stronghold Improvements: Your player stronghold has been updated with new challenges, richer stories, and special rewards.
  • Refined Systems: The expansion features an improved UI with a streamlined character action bar and better combat feedback. Additionally, the Athletics and Survival skills have been expanded to offer more meaningful tactical choices.
  • Knockout Injuries: An optional difficulty feature that inflicts long-term penalties on characters when they are knocked out during battle.

Challenging Combat and New Adversaries

For fans of tactical, cerebral combat, Part II offers some of the most memorable encounters in the franchise. The expansion introduces terrifying new enemies, ranging from imposing, half-metallic giants wielding massive hammers to the unpredictable followers of Ondra. Whether you are facing off against swarms of foes or engaging in large-scale skirmishes and daunting boss fights, the combat demands careful planning and strategic use of your party's abilities.

Technical Details and Availability

This expansion is designed for fans of deep, isometric RPGs who crave high-stakes storytelling and complex character customization. Please note that Pillars of Eternity: The White March - Part II requires both the base game, Pillars of Eternity, and the first expansion, The White March - Part I, to play.

  • Genre: Adventure, RPG
  • Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux
  • Release Date: February 15, 2016