Pillars of Eternity Adds Official Controller Support for Steam Deck Players

Good news for isometric RPG fans: Obsidian Entertainment has officially launched a public beta for Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, which introduces native gamepad support to the PC versions. If you have been struggling with finicky Steam Input templates while trying to play on your Steam Deck, your prayers for a more seamless experience have finally been answered.

How to Enable Pillars of Eternity Controller Support

The new controller integration is currently available as an opt-in beta. Because this feature is still in the testing phase, you may encounter minor UI glitches or slight navigation quirks, but early reports suggest the experience is incredibly intuitive for a CRPG. To get started, follow these steps:

• Open your Steam Library and right-click on Pillars of Eternity or Deadfire.
• Select Properties from the menu.
• Navigate to the Betas tab.
• Opt into the specific beta version dated November 4.

The public test is scheduled to run until November 25. During this window, Obsidian will be collecting player feedback to polish the controller layout before rolling it out as a full, permanent release.

More Than Just Gamepad Tweaks

While the controller implementation is the headline act, these updates come with additional refinements to keep your playthroughs running smoothly. These patches are designed to modernize the experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike:

• Pillars of Eternity (Patch 1.3.10.0): Focused on squashing minor UI bugs and improving the stability of the turn-based mode.
• Deadfire (Patch 5.1.0.0): Features a more substantial update to the game’s existing turn-based mode mechanics.

Playing these classic-style RPGs with a gamepad is a game-changer for handheld devices, proving that complex tactical combat doesn’t require a mouse and keyboard to feel right at home on the couch.

The Impact on Steam Deck Gaming

The move to add native Pillars of Eternity controller support is a massive win for the Steam Deck community. While CRPGs were traditionally designed for desktop setups, the ability to control movement and menus with analog sticks and triggers removes the biggest barrier to entry for handheld play. If you have been waiting for the perfect excuse to dive back into the world of Eora or start your journey for the first time, now is the ideal moment to jump into the beta.

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