Obsidian has opened a public test that adds full controller support to Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire on PC, covering play from character creation to the end credits. The studio announced it on November 4, 2026, and you join by switching each game to its public beta.

The test runs on Steam, GOG and Xbox on PC. For Deadfire, the controller support covers Windows, macOS and Linux, and Obsidian lists Xbox and PlayStation controllers, Steam Deck and Steam Big Picture mode as supported.

What does the controller support cover?

Obsidian says both games can now be played with a controller from the first screen to the last. These are the points from the studio’s announcement:

  • Full play from character creation to the end credits in both games
  • Real-Time with Pause and Turn-Based Mode in both games
  • Switching between controller and mouse and keyboard at any time
  • Xbox and PlayStation controllers, Steam Deck and Steam Big Picture mode
  • Naval exploration and ship combat in Deadfire

PC Gamer reported that the first game’s beta is patch 1.3.10.0, which fixes minor interface bugs and issues with its recently added turn-based mode. Deadfire’s beta is patch 5.1.0.0.

What changed in Deadfire’s Turn-Based Mode?

Deadfire’s older turn-based mode has been reworked, and Obsidian’s notes list several numbers. PC Gamer described the result as characters moving as far as their initiative allows, instead of taking one turn per round, with much higher lethality.

  • Damage dealt by any source rises by 35% globally, according to Obsidian
  • Intellect’s effect on Turn-Based Mode duration goes from +/- 5% to 10% per point
  • First-turn initiative uses a default recovery of 4s
  • A character’s initiative can never be below 1
  • Prone adds an additional 3 initiative delay to the victim

How do I join the public test?

You opt in through the store where you own the game. Obsidian describes four routes:

  • Steam: right-click the game, choose Properties, open the Betas tab and pick “public_beta” from the drop-down. The page does not mention a password.
  • GOG: go to Manage Installation, then Configure, and choose Public Beta under Beta Channels.
  • Xbox on PC: open the Xbox Insider Hub, go to Previews, select Pillars of Eternity Hero Edition, choose Join, then install from the Store.
  • Steam Deck: in the controller layout settings, apply the “Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad” template, or “Gamepad” if that one is not available.

Obsidian’s own warning is short: “This is a public test, so please expect bugs.” Feedback goes through support.obsidian.net or the studio’s official Discord server.

How long does the test run?

Sources differ. Obsidian says the test will run for some time while it updates the games toward a full release and gives no end date. PC Gamer reported that it runs until November 25. Treat the longer open-ended wording as the studio’s own, and check the official page before relying on a date.

Prices

Obsidian’s announcement lists no price, because the test is a beta of games you already own on Steam, GOG or Xbox on PC. No new purchase is mentioned. For current prices of either game, check your store of choice, since the sources name no figures or currencies.

Who it suits

Steam Deck and handheld players. The test is aimed squarely at you. PC Gamer’s tester used a Steam Deck and noted a few misaligned gamepad prompts and slightly awkward analogue movement, but was impressed by how well these isometric RPGs play without a keyboard and mouse.

Couch and living room players. Controller support with Steam Big Picture mode means you can play from a sofa, and you can still switch back to mouse and keyboard at any time.

Turn-Based Mode fans. Deadfire’s reworked mode brings in the first game’s turn-based improvements, and the damage, initiative and Intellect changes will change how fights feel.

Who should wait. If you want a stable save for a long playthrough, remember that Obsidian expects bugs. The final release is the safer choice.

What is still unknown?

Obsidian has not said when the full release will arrive, and the sources give no price or availability for any new edition. Console plans are not covered in the announcement.

Next step: read the full patch notes on Obsidian’s page before you opt in, and back up your saves first.