It's been a few years since the Definitive Edition for Divinity: Original Sin 2 was released on the Switch and on Steam. Considered one of the best turn-based RPGs of the decade, it continues to draw in new players due to its complex lore, skillful world-building, unique mechanics, and intriguing characters.

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Like any open-world game, though, Divinity can be a little daunting for players coming in blind. Freedom of choice can mean freedom to muck up quests, ruin essential relationships, and close certain doors forever. What are some common mistakes among new players? How can they be avoided?

Updated on May 3, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: Players who love Dungeons & Dragons can wait for Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 to enter early access in 2023 to get the closest experience to gamified D&D 5e. However, fans who just can’t wait for an epic fantasy experience could play Larian Studios’ other RPG masterpiece, Divinity: Original Sin 2. Fans of the game say that Original Sin 2 is perhaps the closest experience they have to a D&D campaign translated into its own mechanics, and Original Sin 2 truly delivers both a compelling story and vastly interactive gameplay. For first-timers, this can mean quite the overwhelming first playthrough, especially with the number of opportunities in the game. However, there are actually ways to make the experience much more bearable for newcomers to Original Sin 2.

18 Not Exploring The Whole Map

The Map of an Act  in Divinity Original Sin 2

When players enter Act 1’s area, Fort Joy, for the first time, they might feel overwhelmed with just how large the overall area could be. After all, Fort Joy proper is already teeming with NPCs with their own interests, sidequests, and gameplay choices to have players panicking about what to do first. As such, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed seeing that Fort Joy is easily just around 20-percent of the overall Act 1 map. In fact, each Act’s “hub” area is just around a fifth the size of its surrounding map, giving players a ton of ground to cover if they want to explore the world.

Despite the overwhelming nature of these maps, players shouldn’t neglect to explore the map as they finish the game’s chapters. In fact, even if players finish the Act without exploring the map, the game will confirm if they want to move on - as sometimes, certain areas in an Act contain hidden knick-knacks and quest lines, particularly towards rare items.

17 Killing Everyone Just Because

FIghting an opponent in Divinity Original Sin 2

Similar to other open-world RPGs, Original Sin 2 does offer a lot of flexibility for players to approach their dealings with NPCs. In fact, most - if not all - NPCs are practically killable by the players, except for scripted events. And even then, some players can find themselves “breaking” the game by finding a way to circumvent scripted cutscenes and killing relevant NPCs anyway, possibly including other main characters.

While it’s perfectly possible to kill major NPCs and progress throughout the game, it helps to remember that NPCs take their dialogue seriously. As such, when an NPC makes another NPC feel like a major character in the story, chances are they’re right. And killing certain characters in Original Sin 2 can cut specific storylines entirely, with the game prompting players when it’s too late. Unless it’s a player’s second or third playthrough, they shouldn’t kill NPCs haphazardly.

16 Trying To Please Everybody

Dialogue in Divinity Original Sin 2

While it’s perfectly possible for players to pursue the game without making a lot of enemies, the game will inevitably force players to make tough decisions throughout the game. Remember, Original Sin 2 talks about the quest for Divinity, and the quest towards godhood will force the player’s main character to become enemies with the rest of their allies.

Instead of treating the game from the lens of a neutral observer, players are advised to fully immerse themselves in the game and its consequences. Players should take sides as long as it makes sense with the backstory of their character, and relish in both the rewards and consequences of these actions. After all, starting a second or third playthrough with a new main character will have them experience the same dilemmas, with different choices giving players a fresh perspective.

15 Making Too Many Save Files

Magic Mirror in Divinity Original Sin 2

Given the nature of Original Sin 2 as a game of tough choices and consequences, it makes sense or players to want to make multiple save files whenever they’re presented with a choice or want to do something dumb - such as choosing a starting Class. However, while it’s perfectly plausible to play the game this way, players evidently cut themselves from the immersion if they always have a “reset” button whenever they do something wrong.

In order for players to completely immerse in the world of Rivellon, it helps for them to keep their save files at a minimum - possibly before mini-bosses and major bosses - and not make new saves whenever they make choices within the game. This adds a layer of intrigue about which choices actually affected the outcome of the main story, which makes a second or third playthrough more exciting.

14 Killing Stingtail Too Soon

Divinity Original Sin 2 Stingtail

Stingtail is a valuable merchant, but ratting him out to Griff or letting Sebille have at him will result in his untimely end. Considering he's essential to Sebille and the Red Prince's quests, as well as making it easier to free Amyro, it's best to keep him alive until the right moment.

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Be warned that Sebille immediately kills Stingtail after her quest dialogue with him. If she's in the party, make sure any trade is done and any quests involving him are wrapped up before she has her little chat.

13 Escaping Fort Joy Right Away

Divinity Original Sin 2 Perception

There's more than one way out of the Magisters' prison, and it can be tempting to make a break for it at the first opportunity. Often, though, this results in more bloodshed than necessary and can create gaps in the main storylines, since players may miss out on meetings with important NPCs.

It is possible to return to Fort Joy after escaping, to do some trade or finish up quests; however, be warned that the Magisters may not be thrilled. Be prepared to fight them should the party return.

12 Skimming Dialogue

Divinity Original Sin 2 Lohar dialogue

For all its complex tactical elements, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is, at its core, a story-driven RPG. Its many subplots interconnect, linking the main characters together and ultimately leading to clever reveals and twists. However, these story beats feel much less satisfying if players don't pay attention to the plot.

It's important to talk to everyone and to pay attention to what important characters have to say. From Dwarven political intrigue to whispers of the Black Ring, even seemingly minor subplots tie into the main storyline.

11 Not Interacting With Party Members

Divinity Original Sin 2 lohse dialogue

On a similar note, some players eager to get through the game will often forget that the Origin characters may have helpful hints, insightful opinions, or just interesting details about their story and the world of the game. It's worth taking a moment every once in a while to chat with one's party and get to know them better.

Doing so not only provides details on that character's personal quest but adds to the players' bonds with their companions. The Godwoken can learn from Ifan what their Lone Wolf moniker would be, or hear Sebille's thrilling tale of her escape from the Master. Such details only add to the rich story of the game.

10 Failing To Designate & Diversify Party Roles

Divinity Original Sin 2 Lohse as a Custom Huntsman

Although the player will choose each character's class as they join the party, first-time players may not realize which roles complement each other best. For example, Fighter and Knight fill similar niches; there's no need to have both in one party. Every group will need elemental damage dealers and physical attackers; every party needs one person with Hydrosophist healing skills.

This doesn't just go for combat. All civil abilities will be necessary throughout the game, but it's impossible for one character to max all of them. Choose one character on whom to raise Persuasion, another to be the designated lock-picker, etc. Even outside of battle, make sure everyone has a role to fulfill.

9 Not Using the Pet Pal Talent

Divinity Original Sin 2 Pet Pal

Most players understand the importance of choosing talents wisely, but Pet Pal often flies under the radar. Initially, speaking with animals seems less useful than additional AP or increased casting range. However, starting with this talent or obtaining it early is essential to making the most out of the game.

Several quests can only be received by speaking with animals. Loot and gold aside, chatting with Rivellon's critters is worth it for the lore tidbits and comic relief they provide in what is occasionally a dense and heavy game. With the above note in mind, designate one character as an animal liason, and talk to any creatures that cross the party's path.

8 Using Source In Front Of Magisters

Divinity Original Sin 2  Source Spell

Best not to try and search for spirits in places like Driftwood or Arx. Even benign Source spells like Spirit Vision will instantly cause Magisters (and often other NPCs) to immediately turn on the party, resulting in an unavoidable bloodbath. Depending on the player's level and moral alignment, that's not necessarily a bad thing — just make sure the party is prepared.

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Despite the appeal and power of Source magic, knowing when not to use it is often key, due to its reputation throughout Rivellon. Plenty throughout the world would gladly see all Sourcerers locked up in Fort Joy.

7 Not Using Bedrolls

Divinity Original Sin 2 Bedrolls

At first glance, new players might view bedrolls as random plates or empty sacks: useless clutter items that simply add a touch of realism. However, picking one up is essential, especially for players who are liable to take a beating while still learning fight mechanics.

At any time outside of battle, players can use a bedroll to fully restore the party's health. This also provides the Rested buff, which temporarily boosts certain stats while also preventing the Muted, Blind, Crippled, and Knocked Down effects.

6 Leaving Locked Chests

Divinity Original Sin 2 Chest

A lock on a chest is a near guarantee of valuable loot inside. However, new players often simply shrug and walk away from locks that they can't pick.

Even if there's no one in the party with a high enough skill to open it, just carry the locked chest in the party inventory or leave it on the deck of the Lady Vengeance until someone can level up their lockpicking. They can be pretty heavy, so it's helpful to designate the party's strongest character as a pack mule of sorts to bear the burden.

5 Healing Undead Allies

Divinity Original Sin 2 Fane

It's important to keep the party in good shape; however, healing spells and potions will harm any skeletal friends. Range of effect healing spells, like Steam Lance or Healing Ritual, have the most potential to cause damage by accidentally hitting friendly undead.

This mistake is relatively easy to avoid: make sure any non-living party members are out of range before casting the above spells or stick to single-target healing charms instead. To replenish an undead ally's Vitality, drink some poison or rest up with a bedroll.

4 Forgetting Environmental Effects

Divinity Original Sin 2 Combat

With elemental magic being flung every which way, effects on the world are inevitable. In Divinity, these take the form of surfaces and clouds, from blazing fire to pools of poison to blinding smoke.

A misstep can mean crippling status effects or elemental damage. It's also important to understand how effects interact; for example, poison and oil surfaces explode upon contact with fire.

Furthermore, be aware of how to use effects to gain the upper hand. Got an enemy standing in a puddle of oil? It's the Pyromancer's time to shine.

3 Killing Tarquin

Divinity Original Sin 2 Tarquin

This evasive fellow aboard the Lady Vengeance clearly isn't telling all he knows when the player first finds him in Dallis' stateroom. The player can kill Tarquin then and there if they deem him untrustworthy, but this is a grave mistake. If spared, he becomes the center of his own side story containing vital lore and considerable rewards.

Tarquin is also incredibly valuable as a merchant, selling Necromancy skill books as well as weapons and armor. What's more, Tarquin is worth keeping alive just for his entertaining dialogue.

2 Failing To Examine Enemies In Battle

Divinity Original Sin 2 qanna's stats

Even in the heat of a fight, a cunning mind like the Godwoken's can find a window to learn their enemies' pressure points. By hovering over a character and selecting "Examine," the player can learn whether the foe has any elemental weaknesses or resistances, as well as their armor ratings and any talents they possess.

Use this information to gain an advantage in battle. Don't use elemental attacks on enemies with 100% resistance or greater; those foes will heal instead of taking damage. Exploit elemental vulnerabilities, and don't turn one's back on a foe with the Opportunist talent.

1 Leaving Unfinished Quests

Divinity Original Sin 2 Side quests

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is separated into acts, each taking place within a discrete area. Leaving the area progresses the plot, but it also means abandoning quests. Some players, especially the first time through, are eager to move the story along; however, it's a mistake not to pursue side ventures first.

Unfinished quests mean free EXP left in the dirt, which can result in players being underleveled upon starting the next act. But more than that, side quests are about scrounging up gold, items, and every tidbit of lore, and that's the fun of an RPG!

Divinity: Original Sin 2 was released in 2017 and is available for the PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and macOS.

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