Which Divinity Original Sin II Mode Should You Play? (2024)

Divinity: Original Sin II is a time-consuming role-playing game where players are a Sourcerer, who can manipulate a form of energy known as the Source to cast spells. Players must save the fantasy world of Rivellon from monstrous creatures known as Voidwoken, guided by the God King. Players have many options to tell their character's story, including friends and their custom characters. The options that dictate their journey continue beyond the storytelling, though. There are five different difficulty modes or ways to experience the game beyond the typical easy or hard -- plus a few extras in the Definitive Edition. Unfortunately, some can be quite difficult, even for those used to playing similar-style RPGs.

Divinity: Original Sin II allows players to choose their path and pick their battles -- so long as they have the right stats or skills to pull something off. Divinity: Original Sin II's modes can make this easier or harder, depending on what players seek from their isometric RPGs. Players should also consider multiplayer when choosing, as it can affect how well things go or the sway of conversations. There are many Divinity: Original Sin II modes to choose from, so there's something for everyone.

Updated on May 29, 2024, by Antonio Samson: Tactical RPGs have had a resurgence in popularity. If fans want a game to jump into, Divinity: Original Sin II can scratch that itch. It offers multiple ways and game modes for fans to play. With a classic and definitive edition, there's a version for everyone. This article was updated to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.

DOS 2 Classic Edition Is for Players Who Want Freedom

Classic Edition has Limitless Potential

There are two versions of Divinity: Original Sin II available. The Classic version is the original one released in 2017, and it has higher skill and stat caps, which means building a character can be either daunting for those who aren't sure what they want or very rewarding (and even overpowered) for those who know what they are doing.

Some aspects, like the UI, were overhauled, and minor changes were made to things like dialogue and bug fixes. The classic edition is ideal for players who want a wilder isometric RPG experience with a bit more freedom, though newcomers may find it a bit daunting or difficult.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition Provides Balance

Definitive Edition Offers a Greater Challenge

Definitive Edition came out a year after Divinity: Original Sin II's initial release. It balanced out many skills and made gameplay a little smoother, not allowing players to become overpowered easily. However, it also caps skills at 10 and stats at a certain level. It can weaken some characters or classes, but not much. It mainly balances out the gameplay and provides more of a challenge in combat.

Sir Lora, a free DLC quest, was also added to this version. There is some extra story, improved dialogue, and additional lore to discover. This version is for those who prefer a more balanced and challenging game and is definitely recommended for first-time players, especially in multiplayer.

Story Mode Keeps Things Simple

Don't Worry About Combat with Story Mode

Story Mode is the easiest Divinity 2 mode to play, as it tips the game in the player's favor to focus on the story without the stress of difficult combat. Those who like to sit down with a good book, enjoy the politics of gaming, or prefer to destress at the end of the day with a good game will want to play this mode. Players and their parties receive huge boosts to damage, health, armor, dodge, and chance to hit, while enemies take a hit in these areas, effectively making them far weaker.

This means combat is, for the most part, over quickly and painlessly, allowing players to get on with the game. Even if someone does fall in battle (and it will likely be a boss battle), allies can be resurrected to full health and jump right back into the fray. Those who find RPG combat daunting or just want the story should go with Story Mode.

Explorer Mode Is Perfect for RPG Beginners

Explorer Mode Isn't Too Hard or Too Easy

Explorer Mode steps up the difficulty, although not too much. Instead of the huge, overpowering buffs from Story Mode, players and their teams only receive half of it, and NPCs are nerfed by half of what they are in story mode. Players also won't be resurrecting to full health should anyone die.

Those who have never played an isometric RPG but don't shy away from combat or are learning the ropes of DOS2 will find this is a good place to start. This is especially true in the Definitive Edition, as the balancing can make the game a little more difficult. Even someone who's played a few similar games in the past may want to consider this if it's their first time playing through.

DOS 2's Classic Mode Is Good for Experienced RPG Players

Classic Mode Offers Players a Balanced Experience

This is the game's basic, normal mode. Neither the player nor NPCs get buffs of any kind, and everything is generally at its standard. In the classic edition, this mode is fine for those who are generally good tacticians, have played similar games in the past, or don't shy away from a new challenge.

Since Classic allows more room for major specialization and has some balancing issues, it can be easy to pull off this mode. However, in Definitive Edition, things may be more difficult. Skills and stats cap lower, and players may have a hard time at the beginning of the game as they can't level as easily. If players are veterans of isometric RPGs, they may find this mode fine in the definitive edition.

Tactician Mode Challenges Players

Step Up the Difficulty With Tactician Mode

Tactician Mode is where the game can throw challenges at players. The player's side won't receive any buffs or debuffs, but enemies will. NPCs get a bonus to health, damage, defense, and hit chance, and even have their armor and defenses scaled up based on the party's levels.

They may also get more chances to attack and are smarter than their Classic Mode and below counterparts. Shops and traders also have different prices, so buying more powerful equipment is more difficult. The odds are far more stacked against the hero. This mode is meant for experienced DOS or DOS2 players who understand the battlefield, but players who love a good Dark Souls-esque challenge may just pull it off.

Honor Mode Is DOS 2's Most Difficult Challenge

Make Sure to Have Plenty of Experience Before Trying Honor Mode

In both editions, the highest difficulty level is Honor Mode. This mode isn't even available to first-time players because they want players to be ready for it—and with good reason. Players really need to understand not just the mechanics and the battlefield but also the game fairly well to avoid traps and pitfalls and know what to expect next in the story and combat to prepare appropriately.

This Divinity: Original Sin II mode has the same changes as Tactician, giving NPCs an advantage over the party, but it's also a survival mode. Players get one game save, which means no different slots to reload from. If the party dies, it's a true game over, and the save is deleted. Anyone going into this mode needs to be prepared, not just in the game, but to deal with the mental frustration of possibly losing 100+ hours of gameplay.

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition

When the original Divinity: Original Sin was first released on PC, it was lauded as a landmark for the genre. It brought back everything that long-time fans of the genre knew and loved, including an isometric point of view. The game also offered deep customization for its players, and it even included a level editor so players could make their own quests for never-ending play. Much of that same praise was heaped on its sequel upon its release.

Now the Xbox One has the definitive edition of Divinity: Original Sin II, and it makes for one of the best RPG experiences you can get on a console in general. In the game, players take control of the Godwoken, a Sourcerer who must rise up and defeat the dangerous creatures of the Void, led by their evil God King. The game is absolutely packed with fantasy tropes, but it never feels stale. In fact, the game breathes life into otherwise overdone fantasy tropes and archetypes, all while providing a fun and engrossing turn-based action experience.

Divinity: Original Sin II is also one of the few RPGs you can play with your friends thanks to local and online co-op. Combine that with the engrossing combat and robust character options, and Divinity: Original Sin II is without a doubt one of the best RPGs you can buy on the Xbox One. It’s a great option for new RPG fans and die-hard ones alike.

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