RPG is a genre that just never gets outdated, and by time, it only gets better and better. Such as in tabletop games and in virtual games, the fan base still keeps growing and more fun and diverse things can get. Here is the first part on how to start the path to Divinity well!
So, today, we are bringing you a tutorial on “Divinity Original Sin 2“, an incredible game from “Larian Studios”, which is currently best known for producing the gorgeous game “Baldur’s Gate 3”, which is, unfortunately, in early access. But worry not, my fellow D&D fans, as we are not able to explore Faerun fully yet, we can easily (especially because of the so many discounts on Steam and on Epic Games) explore the world of Rivellon on definitive edition. So prepare yourselves, for this holidays, you are getting to Divinity!
1. A brief summary
Just to let everyone in, the overall plot is pretty simple. The world is in chaos because every time a Sourcerer uses Source (a catalyst to use powerful magic), Voidwokens (creatures from the Void, another dimension) are attracted to Rivellon and end up causing destruction everywhere they go. However, in addition to these powerful enemies, they must also deal with the Magisters, people who deal, often in horrible ways, with Sourcerers. And yes, my friend, you are one of those unlucky Sourcerers, so good luck with that.
But wait, there is one good new! You were chosen by one of the Seven Gods of this world. You are Godwoken, someone who is on their way to divinity to clean all this mess once and for all… Or are you? Unfortunately, or fortunately, I won’t give any more spoilers, because the best part of this game is seeing it all happening firsthand, and trust me, it is worth it.
Although, the beginning of Divinity can be quite alarming to newcomers, so this is where I come in, to help you get started and get started well and wealthy.
2. Character Creation
In your party, you can play as a lone wolf or with other members, having 4 characters to play with in total. Is up to you to choose on how many you are willing to handle.
Well, to start, let’s make a quick review of the playable races:
Human
Humans are the most common race and are the least bullied by NPCs, unless you are mean to them, of course.
They are also the simplest ones to play as, no catch.
Special Abilities:
- 1. Humans can Encourage everyone in the group, if they are by a certain distance. Encourage buffs all members’ attributes.
- 2. They get a free civil ability point on Bartering, being useful to save some gold.
- 3. They also get more chances on critical attacks and bonus on initiative.
Dwarf
Dwarves are the second most common race and maybe the easiest one to play as.
Because of their size, they are able to dodge enemies’ attacks more easily and also pass through small places, where other races cannot.
Special Abilities:
- 1. Dwarves get the racial ability of Petrifying Touch, which can turn a target enemy to stone.
- 2. They get one free civil ability point on Sneaking, a great skill for thievery.
- 3. They also get bonus on vitality, gaining more HP, and on dodging because of their size.
Elf
Elves are… the weirdest race here. Not only they sacrifice their blood for buffs in combat, but they also eat humanoid’s flesh to gain their memories and sometimes special skills.
Overall, they are also simple to play as.
Special Abilities:
- 1. Elves get the racial ability of Flesh Sacrifice. When used in combat, they can get one extra AP and more attack damage.
- 2. They get one free civil ability point in Loremaster, which is used to identify enemies and items.
- 3. They also get the ability of Corpse Eater, which they are able to eat body parts in order to gain memories of the dead or to gain some spells.
Lizard
Lizards are not a common race, since they used to live reclusively on their original land, The Ancient Empire.
They are pretty fun to play as, since they can dig hidden loot without a shovel, while other races need it, and they can also spit fire.
However, because of that, they are kind of difficult to play with as well, since controlling the terrain is hard to get right in the beginning, especially with so many oil and poison barrels on the map that can easily explode.
Special Abilities:
- 1. Lizards get the racial ability of Dragon’s Blaze. They are able to breath fire in a cone area, burning and dealing fire damage on enemies and on objects. A great ability to control terrain.
- 2. They get one free civil ability point in Persuasion, simply the best social skill in the game. This skill is used to interact better with NPCs, by gaining their trust, and even with enemies, by avoiding combat.
- 3. They also get some Fire Resistance and some Poison Resistance, being able to deal well in a chaotic terrain.
Undead
Undeads are the hardest race to play as, no doubt.
While other races heal with healing potions, healing spells and regular food, Undeads actually take damage by those.
The only way to heal an undead, apart from taking a nap, are through poison flasks, poison spells and poisoned food. So yeah, they are immune to poison damage, at least.
Another important thing is that people are afraid of Undeads, so they always have to cover their faces with a hat or helmet. If not, they will have to deal with unnecessary combats.
Special Abilities:
- 1. Undeads get the racial ability of Play Dead. When used in combat, enemies are fooled by thinking they have already killed you, and so, they leave you alone, ending the combat.
- 2. Depending on which kind of Undead you choose (Human, Dwarf, Elf or Lizard), you are able to gain their main racial trait as well.
- 3. They can also use their bone fingers to try and open locked doors and treasure chests, while other races need a lock pick to do so. And, as mentioned, you can heal from poison, but regular healing damages you.
Oh yeah, if you don’t want to trouble yourself by creating a character, you can also use the ones that already exist, which are Ifan Ben-Mezd, Lohse, Beast, Sebille, The Red Prince, and Fane. Each one of them have their own plots, dialogues, and special skills. A great way to follow the game story is by creating your own character and, later, invite the characters you’d like to know more about. That way, you are able to appreciate your own story and see their plots as well… and maybe even have a bit of romance.
3. Classes and Skills to pick
Like any other classical RPG, the combat is turn based, so you can have plenty of time to think about your actions. Even still, there are classes which are easier than others, and in Divinity, is the same thing. These are the default classes you can choose in the character creation part.
- Combatant classes are simpler to play and are the best for starters, such as Fighter, Knight, Rogue and Ranger.
- There are also classes that mix combatant skills with magic skills, such as Battlemage, Cleric, Inquisitor, Shadowblade and Wayfarer. These classes are more difficult to play, since you have to distribute well each attribute, talent and skills to compensate both sides.
- And lastly, there are the users of magic, and these are the most difficult ones to handle in the beginning, since, normally, they have less physical defense, the most common type of damage, and, yeah, the terrain can always change, making it harder for enemies, but also for yourself if made a mistake. The classes are Conjurer, Enchanter, Metamorph, Witch and Wizard.
Although, you are able to change your default class however you’d like, even still on the character creation session (by choosing other attributes, skills and talents), throughout the game session, (by buying and taking other classes’ skills and spells and using it), and lastly, after unlocking the Lady Vengeance ship, (after escaping Fort Joy, the first place you get to explore in game) you get to unlock a mirror that is located on the lowest deck of the ship and change both character’s appearance and the points already distributed in attribute, skill, and even talents, completely changing everything every time you want.
So yeah, you can start your gameplay as a Fighter and end up as a Metamorph with necromancer skills no problem. Just try to explore different settings and discover which one is the best suited for you, and trust me, it is pretty fun!
Finally I got to explain the starting tips! This article is getting too long though, so I will end up part 1 here. In part 2, I wil give more important tips you also need to know after entering the game!
Stay tuned for more and have a great adventure, Godwoken!
Check out more guides about Divinity Original Sin 2!
