A Unique Tactical Layer Lost
The recent announcement regarding Larian Studios' departure from the innovative armor system introduced in Divinity: Original Sin 2 has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans. While acknowledging the possibility of even greater advancements in future titles, it’s impossible to ignore the significance and brilliance of what we’re losing. The criticism leveled against this system by some colleagues only amplifies the sense of regret.
Far Out, Man: Redefining RPG Combat
Crowd control has long been a staple of role-playing games, often relying on unpredictable chance mechanics like Dungeons & Dragons' saving throws. Divinity: Original Sin 2 boldly challenged this convention, introducing a system that fundamentally altered the flow and strategy of combat.
Instead of traditional health bars alone, each character and enemy in D:OS2 possesses both physical and magical armor bars. Physical armor is depleted by weapon attacks and abilities, while magic armor protects against spells and elemental effects. Once an armor bar is exhausted, subsequent attacks target the underlying health bar. The real innovation lies in how crowd control effects function – they only reliably work once the relevant armor has been removed, creating a dynamic where stripping defenses becomes paramount.
This system transforms every character, regardless of their typical role, into a vital asset for both damage dealing and crowd control. The traditional tank or healer archetype becomes less relevant; enemies can easily bypass defenses with mobility abilities, shifting the emphasis to armor depletion. Consequently, health itself takes a backseat to protective layers.
Every party member must excel in multiple roles—tanking, dealing damage, and controlling the battlefield—with character builds defined by their chosen weapons, armor, and skill trees. The result is an intensely aggressive turn-based combat system where players race to dismantle enemy defenses and neutralize threats before they can retaliate.
Bigger and Better? A Question of Innovation
While D:OS2's armor system isn’t without its flaws—such as the limitations on mixed-damage party compositions—these shortcomings are arguably less significant than the groundbreaking nature of the design itself. The game’s randomly generated loot and limited non-combat quests represent more substantial areas for improvement.
The core strength of D:OS2's system lies in its ability to create a uniquely strategic and engaging combat experience, something that sets it apart from other CRPGs. While Larian Studios is undoubtedly capable of developing innovative systems in the future, the loss of this particular mechanic represents a significant departure from what made Divinity: Original Sin 2 so special.
