Divinity Stays Turn-Based as Larian Develops a New Ruleset

Divinity will be a turn-based RPG with a new ruleset of its own. Swen Vincke confirms this in PC Gamer’s original interview of 16 December 2025. Larian wants to combine lessons from earlier games without simply reusing Original Sin 2 or Baldur’s Gate 3’s rules.

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Combinations Rather Than a Copy

From 02:13, Vincke describes linking actions in interesting ways. At 02:50, he explicitly confirms turn-based combat. This explains a design goal rather than a complete list of actions, costs or classes.

The January AMA adds a concrete difference. Design lead Nick (u/Nick_Larian) says Original Sin 2’s magic armour system will not return. Characters will have protection, but interesting abilities should not have to wait for that damage barrier to be depleted. Larian is developing a system intended to make repeatedly stunning a lone boss with level-one skills more difficult.

Why Recording Does Not Mean Development Is Nearly Over

From 05:15, the interview explains that recording is intended to continue throughout development. Voice and performance work already being underway does not place the game close to completion. The story-entry explainer explains the standalone adventure; detailed build rules remain unrevealed.

Choices Are Intended to Extend Beyond Individual Conversations

From 00:23, Vincke describes more agency in both narrative and game systems. Situations should connect so that their consequences form a longer, coherent story. This is Divinity’s stated ambition, rather than a tested list of decision paths.

The technical work supports that goal. From 04:24, Vincke describes new technology built on Larian’s existing engine. From 10:31, he explains how faster recording integration, more flexible rules tools and automated testing are intended to support experimentation. Dialogue can work differently in the game than on paper; recording and trying it again should remain part of development.

That connection is more useful than a new-engine label: Larian wants to test rules and narrative consequences together.