Larian's Latest Spell: Divinity: Original Sin 2 Gets a Shiny New Face, Days After Blowing Our Minds With 'Divinity 3' News
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Larian Studios has surprised us by dropping a free current-gen upgrade for their beloved 2017 RPG, *Divinity: Original Sin 2*, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, just days after announcing a new *Divinity* game that promises to be even bigger than *Baldur's Gate 3*.
Right, so Larian, bless their wonderfully chaotic hearts, just pulled a classic wizard move: distracting us with a flashbang announcement for a brand-new, even-bigger-than-BG3 *Divinity* game, only to then *quietly* slip a little something else into our pockets. And what a something it is, mate.
Mere days after The Game Awards saw them reveal a frankly gruesome, yet utterly compelling, teaser for the *next* chapter in the *Divinity* saga – a reveal, mind you, that finally solved the mystery of that bizarre statue chilling out in the Mojave Desert – Larian has gone and dropped a current-gen upgrade for the magnificent *Divinity: Original Sin 2*. Yes, that's right, the 2017 classic that cemented Larian's reputation as RPG royalty long before *Baldur's Gate 3* decided to devour our lives whole.
Now, this isn't exactly a bolt from the blue, if you've been keeping an eye on the digital tea leaves. We had a bit of a 'whoopsie' last week, didn't we? A leak emerged, hinting at a PS5 version of the Definitive Edition. Larian's own Director of Publishing, Michael Douse, even chimed in with a cheeky, "Hey we weren't meant to announce that yet." Ah, Michael, you absolute legend. Was it a genuine slip-up, or a perfectly orchestrated 'accidental' reveal, like a wizard's familiar 'accidentally' knocking over a potion of invisibility right before a grand entrance? With Larian, you just never quite know, and that's half the fun, isn't it?
So, what's the deal with this upgrade? Well, *Divinity: Original Sin 2* was already available on the PS4, Xbox One, and even the original Switch, not to mention its glorious PC debut. And yeah, you could play it on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S via backwards compatibility. But backwards compatibility is like trying to fit a dragon into a teacup – it works, but it's not quite *right*. This new upgrade, available for the shiny new Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, brings native support. That means higher resolution, smoother framerates, and a generally more polished experience. It's like taking off those murky, cursed spectacles and seeing the world of Rivellon in glorious 4K, probably with fewer imps clipping through the scenery.
And here's the kicker, the bit that really makes you nod in approval: it's a *free upgrade* for existing owners. Free, as in 'no additional gold pieces needed.' In an industry often plagued by double-dipping and season pass shenanigans, Larian continues to prove they're a different breed. It's a small but significant gesture, reinforcing that player-first ethos that has endeared them to millions.
But let's put on our wizard hats of inquiry for a moment. Why now? Why drop this just as the hype for the *next* *Divinity* game is reaching a fever pitch? It's a fascinating bit of strategy, if you ask me. Could it be Larian's way of gently nudging players back into the rich lore of Rivellon? Perhaps it's a clever move to introduce the 'new guard' – those who only discovered Larian through *Baldur's Gate 3* – to the incredible depth and freedom of their previous magnum opus. "You loved BG3, didn't you, mate? Well, let me introduce you to its spiritual predecessor, now looking better than ever!" It's like finding a secret library within a familiar castle, full of stories you never knew you needed.
This isn't just about a visual bump; it's about reminding us of Larian's journey, from the intricate narrative design of *Divinity: Original Sin 2* to the unparalleled player agency of *Baldur's Gate 3*. It sets a benchmark, too. If they're putting this much care into an upgrade for an older title, what kind of sorcery are they brewing for the *next* big *Divinity* game? The mind, as they say, boggles.
It's a curious blend of old and new, a delightful little refresh that feels less like a corporate obligation and more like a passion project. It's Larian reminding us that they not only create future legends but also cherish the ones they've already forged. And honestly, in a world where game preservation and access to classics can often feel like an afterthought for big studios, Larian just keeps casting 'Goodwill' spells with impressive accuracy.
So, whether you're a veteran Godwoken looking to revisit Fort Joy in crystal clarity, or a new adventurer curious about where the magic began before you ventured into Faerûn, now's a bloody good time to dive back into *Divinity: Original Sin 2*. Just try not to blow up too many peaceful villages, eh? Unless you're playing an Evil campaign, then by all means, let chaos reign! (Though, ethically speaking, maybe stick to the digital realm for that.)
Tags: Larian Studios, Divinity Original Sin 2, RPG, Gaming News, Current-Gen Upgrade
Original article: Eurogamer