Divinity Combat Debate Explained: Turn‑Based vs. ARPG
GamesRadar captured the mood perfectly: one fan declared, “If Divinity is not a turn‑based CRPG, I will eat a raw potato.” Yeah, not exaggerating here—that’s just how strongly players associate Divinity with tactical, turn-based combat. For many, the franchise’s identity is inseparable from the slow‑burn strategy of positioning, elemental combos, and Source‑driven decision‑making.
The idea of Larian abandoning that DNA feels like sacrilege (wouldn’t be surprised if a shout of blasphemy was heard at one point). After all, Original Sin 2 wasn’t just a hit—it was a genre‑defining masterpiece that proved turn‑based systems could be commercially viable and critically adored.
PC Gamer’s Counterpoint: Why the Panic?
PC Gamer took a calmer stance, arguing the answer seems obvious: of course, it will be turn‑based. Larian has built its reputation on that foundation, and even Baldur’s Gate 3—a D&D adaptation that could have leaned real‑time—was firmly turn‑based. The studio has shown no appetite for chasing the ARPG crowd, especially when its current formula is winning awards and selling millions.
So why the uproar? Because fans are conditioned to expect the worst. The industry is full of franchises that pivoted into action combat to chase broader audiences—Final Fantasy, Dragon Age, and even Assassin’s Creed. The fear is that Larian might follow suit, especially with Divinity now positioned as a flagship series alongside Baldur’s Gate.
Trust and Genre Identity in CRPGs
This isn’t just a squabble over mechanics. It’s about trust. Larian has become the torchbearer for CRPGs, reviving a genre many thought niche. If Divinity suddenly went action‑heavy, it would feel like a betrayal of that legacy. Fans aren’t just asking about combat systems—they’re asking whether Larian will stay true to the philosophy that made them beloved.
At the same time, the discourse highlights how much weight players put on genre identity. For some, turn‑based combat isn’t just a mechanic—it’s the soul of Divinity. Strip it away, and you risk stripping away the franchise’s cultural resonance.
Divinity’s Combat Future Still Unknown
The truth is, nobody outside Larian knows yet. The trailer gave us horror‑tinged imagery, not gameplay. But if history is any guide, the smart money is on turn‑based. The potato wager may never need to be cashed in.
Still, the debate itself is telling: fans aren’t just excited about a new Divinity—they’re protective of what it represents. And until Larian shows its hand, the arguments will keep simmering, maybe boiling that potato for the long shot of it being an ARPG.
