With Greedfall 2: The Dying World currently in early access, its developers are receiving valuable feedback from players, which is proving to be a critical phase in refining the game, similar to how Larian Studios approached Baldur’s Gate 3. One of the major areas of interest in Greedfall 2 is how its combat system stacks up against the first game.
In contrast to the action-RPG combat of the original Greedfall, the sequel takes a significant departure, adopting a more tactical, role-based combat system reminiscent of old-school CRPGs like Dragon Age: Origins. This change in combat design sets the stage for a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre, as Greedfall 2: The Dying World aims to provide a more strategic and thoughtful battle system.
Every GreedFall 2 Companion So Far Explained
GreedFall 2: The Dying World's early access period currently features five of its companions, each of whom has a distinct personality and background.
Greedfall’s Tactical Depth vs. Action-Based Simplicity
The first Greedfall, released in 2019, featured combat that leaned heavily toward the action RPG genre. Although Greedfall attempted to integrate some tactical elements by allowing players to pause combat and issue commands, the system remained closer to titles like The Witcher or Dark Souls—demanding that players master dodging, timing attacks, and utilizing different weapons.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two games is their approach to combat complexity. Greedfall relied on real-time action with light tactical options, such as breaking enemy armor before damaging their health or balancing various melee, magic, and technical combat styles. However, players often found that the tactical pause feature was underutilized, as the action-heavy gameplay encouraged continuous movement and attacking rather than careful strategizing.
In contrast, Greedfall 2: The Dying World shifts towards a more tactical style akin to Dragon Age: Origins. Here, players will spend more time pausing the game to assess the battlefield, issue commands, and queue up abilities for each party member. This slower, methodical approach prioritizes planning and coordination over reflexes. It also provides players with more control over their companions, allowing them to issue specific commands to each character, unlike the limited control available in the original Greedfall.
Greedfall’s Party Dynamics and Role-Based Combat
Another significant change in Greedfall 2’s combat system is the introduction of distinct roles and party management. In Greedfall, players controlled a single protagonist, De Sardet, while their companions acted independently, with limited input from the player. Combat was heavily reliant on the player’s chosen fighting style, whether it be melee, magic, or technical, with little variation in how the companions contributed.
Greedfall 2:The Dying World, however, introduces party-based mechanics. Each character in the player’s party can be assigned specific roles, and players can toggle between them to manage their abilities in real time. This brings a much-needed diversity to combat scenarios, as each companion brings unique skills to the table—whether it’s tracking animals, disarming traps, or dealing devastating melee damage.
Greedfall 2’s Strategic Layering and Old-School Influence
The decision to adopt a more old-school, semi-real-time combat system marks a bold departure from the original Greedfall’s hack-and-slash style. The developers have drawn clear inspiration from games like Dragon Age: Origins, as Greedfall 2:The Dying World puts more emphasis on strategic thinking. Players will need to pause the action regularly, queue up commands, and think several moves ahead.
In Greedfall 2, the slower pace gives players more time to evaluate the battlefield, consider enemy weaknesses, and plan accordingly. For instance, the introduction of abilities like laying down traps or launching area-of-effect spells that immobilize enemies adds a new dimension to combat. Players will need to learn how to efficiently manage cooldowns and coordinate their party’s actions to succeed.
By drawing inspiration from games like Dragon Age: Origins, Greedfall 2 seeks to refine the combat experience. Whether this new direction will resonate with fans remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest a more tactical and rewarding combat system that could define the sequel.
WHERE TO PLAY
The story starts three years before the events of the first chapter and the adventures of De Sardet.
This time you play as a native of Teer Fradee, snatched from your island and taken to the continent of Gacane, the homeland of the colonists. In this old world ravaged by war and scarred by the Malichor plague and the political scheming of the different factions, you need to regain your freedom and take back control of your own destiny. Using diplomacy, cunning or combat, as well as help from allies you find along the way, it's up to you to end one man's ambitions of conquest, which could spell the end for both the continent and your island.
Dive back into the unique world of GreedFall, this time exploring the old continent! Travel across new landscapes, from Olima – the city of stars of the Bridge Alliance – to the shores of Uxantis, and uncover the secrets of these ancient lands. Meet all the factions that share control over these nations and navigate the treacherous waters of their schemes and conspiracies.
Create your own character and find allies to join your team. Help them with their quests, uncover their secrets and make them your friends, rivals or even lovers. As well as equipping them the way you want, you can also take control of them in combat.
Immerse yourself in an ever deeper RPG experience where every choice you makes has an impact on your adventure, and where diplomacy, manipulation, infiltration and combat are all viable ways to achieve your ends.
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
