A Masterclass in RPG Design That Redefines the Genre

Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, Divinity: Original Sin 2 drops you into a realm where magic users are imprisoned and ancient powers stir. As a “Sourcerer” with forbidden magical abilities, you’ll embark on a quest for divinity itself, but the journey matters far more than the destination.

This is fundamentally a cooperative RPG experience designed around meaningful player choice. Whether you’re playing solo with AI companions or with up to three friends online or locally, every decision ripples through the world in tangible ways. The game’s origin characters—pre-written protagonists with their own complex backstories—serve as both party members and potential player characters, each bringing unique perspectives to the overarching narrative.

Built for Flexibility and Beauty

Powered by Larian’s custom Divinity Engine 4.0, the game delivers stunning isometric visuals that scale beautifully across platforms. The engine was specifically designed to handle the game’s complex environmental interactions and simultaneous multiplayer decision-making without compromising performance.

Cross-platform availability is impressive, with the game running on everything from high-end PCs to the Nintendo Switch. The console versions feature intuitive controller adaptations that translate the complex PC interface through clever radial menus and context-sensitive controls, making it surprisingly accessible on gamepads.

Modding support through Steam Workshop and Nexus Mods extends the game’s lifespan significantly, with the community creating everything from quality-of-life improvements to entirely new campaigns. Larian continues to release occasional stability updates and gift bag content, though major content additions concluded with the Definitive Edition.

Tactical Depth Meets Creative Freedom

The turn-based tactical combat represents the genre’s finest achievement. Unlike traditional RPGs that limit environmental interaction, Divinity: Original Sin 2 treats every object as a potential weapon or tool. You can teleport enemies into fire, freeze water to create ice surfaces, or stack explosive barrels for devastating chain reactions.

Performance optimization is excellent across platforms. The game runs smoothly on mid-range hardware from 2018 and newer, with loading times significantly improved in the Definitive Edition. On modern systems, expect consistent 60+ FPS with all visual effects enabled. Console versions maintain stable frame rates with occasional dips during graphically intensive spell effects.

The progression system allows incredible flexibility—you can respec characters at any time and experiment with hybrid builds that traditional RPGs wouldn’t allow. Whether you want a fire-wielding warrior or a summoning archer, the game supports your creativity rather than constraining it.

Narrative Excellence That Respects Player Choice

The BAFTA-winning narrative succeeds by balancing epic scope with intimate character moments. While the overarching plot involves familiar fantasy tropes, the execution elevates familiar elements through exceptional voice acting and meaningful consequence systems.

World-building feels organic rather than exposition-heavy. Each location tells stories through environmental details, NPC interactions, and discovered lore. The branching dialogue system with cooperative decision-making creates unique narrative experiences—when playing with friends, you might find yourself arguing over moral choices with real stakes.

The Definitive Edition improvements include a rewritten third act, enhanced character arcs, and a new Story Mode difficulty for players who want to experience the narrative without tactical challenge. Full voice acting for major characters brings emotional weight to crucial story moments.

Redefining Cooperative RPG Design

The game’s split-screen cooperative mode remains unmatched in the genre. Players can separate to explore different areas simultaneously, with the screen dynamically splitting and rejoining based on proximity. Independent dialogue systems mean each player can engage in separate conversations, potentially leading to conflicting party decisions that must be resolved through the game’s persuasion mechanics.

Environmental storytelling reaches unprecedented depth. NPCs follow daily schedules, react to your reputation and past actions, and remember previous interactions across multiple play sessions. The pet pal talent allows communication with animals, adding entirely new quest lines and world-building elements.

The Arena Mode provides tactical combat playground separate from the main campaign, supporting up to four teams in various configurations. This mode serves as both a training ground for new players and an endless source of tactical experimentation for veterans.

Compared to the Competition

Where The Witcher 3 excels at cinematic storytelling and Skyrim offers open-world exploration, Divinity: Original Sin 2 prioritizes systemic interaction and player agency. Unlike Baldur’s Gate 3 (ironically also by Larian Studios), DOS2 offers more environmental manipulation and cooperative flexibility, though BG3 features more polished presentation and broader appeal.

Against Pillars of Eternity or Pathfinder, Divinity: Original Sin 2 trades some traditional CRPG complexity for accessibility and creative problem-solving. Where those games emphasize character builds and rules mastery, DOS2 encourages experimental approaches and environmental creativity.