Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2 Get Full Gamepad Support for PC

Full Gamepad Support Arrives for Pillars of Eternity

Obsidian Entertainment has released a substantial patch that finally brings native gamepad compatibility to both Pillars of Eternity and its sequel. The update replaces the earlier, limited controller options with a comprehensive system that mirrors the experience found on consoles. Players on Windows can now navigate menus, issue commands and explore the world using a single controller, without relying on keyboard shortcuts.

What the Update Changes

Controller Mapping

The new mapping scheme assigns every major action to a button or stick direction. Combat abilities, party selection, and dialogue choices are all reachable through the controller. The patch also respects the default Xbox layout while allowing users to reassign any function through an in‑game menu.

Custom Profiles

Players can save multiple profiles, making it easy to switch between setups for different playstyles or for Pillars of Eternity 1 versus the sequel. Profiles are stored locally and can be exported, which is useful for sharing configurations with friends.

Cross‑title Consistency

Both games now share the same controller logic, meaning that once a player masters the controls in one title, the transition to the other feels natural. This consistency was a frequent request on community forums, and the update addresses it directly.

How to Enable the Feature

Launch the game and open the Settings menu.
Select Controls and then choose Gamepad as the active input method.
Adjust the sensitivity sliders to suit personal preference.
If needed, click Customize Mapping to reassign any button.
Save the changes and return to the main menu to test the new layout.

The process mirrors the steps used in other modern PC titles, and the interface includes tooltips that explain each option.

Community Response

Reaction on forums and social media has been overwhelmingly positive. A thread on the official PC Gamer site notes that the patch “feels like a long‑awaited gift for anyone who prefers a controller.” Streamers have already begun showcasing gameplay with the new setup, highlighting smoother combat and more immersive dialogue interactions.

Joshua Wolens, a senior writer at PC Gamer, called the update “a game‑changing moment for the series on PC.” He praised the decision to provide full controller support rather than a limited overlay, emphasizing that it respects the depth of the games’ mechanics.

Implications for PC RPGs

Historically, deep role‑playing games have leaned heavily on keyboard and mouse inputs. The Pillars of Eternity update signals a shift toward broader accessibility, encouraging developers to consider controller‑first designs even for complex systems. It also aligns the titles with the growing trend of hybrid gaming, where players expect seamless transitions between console and PC experiences.

Other studios may look to this example when planning patches for legacy titles. The inclusion of custom profiles and cross‑title consistency demonstrates that retrofitting a controller scheme does not have to be a superficial add‑on; it can be an integrated feature that enhances the core gameplay loop.

Where to Get the Update

The patch is available through the standard update channels on Steam, GOG and the Microsoft Store. Users on the Steam platform can simply restart the client to trigger the download, while GOG users will see a notification in the library. The Microsoft Store version receives the update automatically for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

For a detailed list of changes, consult the official patch notes on the Steam store page. The documentation includes a full breakdown of the controller mapping table and instructions for troubleshooting common issues.

With the new controller support in place, both Pillars of Eternity and its sequel are poised to attract a wider audience, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to experience the rich narrative and strategic combat without the barrier of a keyboard.