head to head
vs
Pillars of EternityvsWasteland 2
Pillars of Eternity leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Wasteland 2 leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Pillars of EternityWasteland 2
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 2
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads1 vs 1
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance4 vs 5
Wasteland 2 leans harder on variance: Hidden skill check requirements and enemy placement create information gaps
Optimization9 vs 8
Pillars of Eternity leans harder on optimization: Per-encounter ability management and passive stacking define trial-of-iron mastery
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.