Building comparison
head to head
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuravsPillars of Eternity
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is variance, and it is a single point.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A Victorian-era RPG where the magic-versus-tech split and schematic mastery reward deep system optimization.
Pillars of Eternity
Optimization · Pure Optimization
An original RPG system where engagement optimization and passive-stacking theory dominate hard-mode encounters.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick ObscuraPillars of Eternity
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Real-time mode is optional; turn-based eliminates all twitch
Pillars of Eternity
Real-time-with-pause removes all twitch pressure from the player
Reads1 vs 1
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
All NPCs and factions follow scripted dialogue and combat routines
Pillars of Eternity
All AI opponents use fixed scripted behaviour trees
Variance5 vs 4
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Hidden technology diagrams and faction reaction thresholds create exploration unknowns
Pillars of Eternity
Hidden enemy immunities and ability distributions require investigation
Optimization9 vs 9
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Magic versus technology stat split and schematic discovery are deeply optimizable
Pillars of Eternity
Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.