Divinity: Original Sin is Larian Studios’ 2014 party-based RPG, the game that came before Divinity: Original Sin 2 and quietly reshaped what the studio was capable of. Set generations before its sequel, you play a pair of Source Hunters investigating a murder that unravels into a conspiracy involving forbidden magic and the fate of the free nations of Rivellon.
It introduced the elemental, environmental combat and genuine freedom to solve problems however you want that Larian later refined into their signature style. Turn-based tactics, a world that reacts to fire, water, and electricity in ways few RPGs bothered with at the time, and a tone that’s lighter and more playful than its more serious sequel.
Where exactly does it rank? Our full breakdown of the best party-based RPG games puts it in context against everything else on this list.
Is Divinity: Original Sin Worth It?
Yes, strongly, especially the Enhanced Edition, which is the version currently sold. It holds an 88 on OpenCritic’s “Mighty” tier from 40 critics, and reviewers consistently praise it as a genre highlight, “the best game I played this year” per one RPGWatch editor, with sharp, amusing dialogue, a colorful and inviting world, and combat that manages to feel fast and dynamic despite being fully turn-based. The freedom to split your party, experiment with elemental interactions, and approach nearly any problem multiple ways earns consistent comparisons to genre classics like Baldur’s Gate.
The one specific, recurring criticism worth knowing: several detailed reviews flag the game’s second half as noticeably weaker than its excellent opening, more repetitive combat encounters and a less balanced difficulty curve that diminishes some of what made the first several hours so strong. Inventory management also draws minor complaints, everything takes up a slot regardless of size, so it fills up fast if you’re the type to pick up everything you see. None of this seriously undercuts the overall verdict, but it’s worth knowing the game’s quality isn’t perfectly even from start to finish.
Gameplay & Features
You play two Source Hunters, either both custom-built or one pre-made alongside a custom partner, recruiting additional companions along the way. Turn-based combat rewards genuine experimentation: set an oil slick on fire, electrify a puddle enemies are standing in, or freeze the ground beneath their feet, environmental interaction here isn’t a gimmick, it’s core to how fights actually play out.
The Enhanced Edition, the version currently sold, adds full voice acting, local and online co-op for two players, an overhauled crafting system, and new content beyond the original 2014 release.
- Turn-based combat built around genuine elemental and environmental interaction
- Full local and online co-op for two players throughout the entire campaign
- Sharp, frequently funny dialogue and a lighter tone than its more serious sequel
- The Enhanced Edition adds full voice acting and a reworked crafting system
- 50-70 hours for a full playthrough
PC System Requirements
Divinity: Original Sin is comfortably light on hardware, more than a decade old at this point and forgiving even at its recommended tier.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, or 10 (64-bit) | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, or 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 | Intel Core i5-2400 |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics | DirectX 9.0c compatible, 512 MB VRAM | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 or AMD Radeon HD 6000 series, 1 GB VRAM |
| Storage | 10 GB available | 10 GB available |
It’s also officially supported on macOS and Linux, and it’s Steam Deck Verified. Console players can find it on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
How to Buy & Play Divinity: Original Sin
The Enhanced Edition is priced at $39.99, and it goes on sale often, historically dropping as low as $4-6 during major sales. A bundle with Divinity: Original Sin 2, called The Source Saga, is also available at a combined discount.
- Buy Divinity: Original Sin – Enhanced Edition on Steam, for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Also available on GOG, PlayStation, and Xbox.
After purchase, install through your chosen storefront. For the more refined, higher-budget follow-up, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is worth playing afterward, and our full RPG catalog covers more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Divinity: Original Sin worth buying?
Yes, strongly, especially the Enhanced Edition. Reviews consistently praise its combat and writing, with the main caveat being a noticeably weaker, more repetitive second half compared to the strong opening hours.
Do I need to play this before Divinity: Original Sin 2?
No, DOS2 stands entirely on its own with a different cast and setting generations later. Playing this first adds context but isn’t required.
What’s the difference between this and the Enhanced Edition?
The Enhanced Edition, the version currently sold, adds full voice acting, local and online co-op, a reworked crafting system, and additional content over the original 2014 release.
Does it support multiplayer?
Yes, full local and online co-op for two players throughout the entire campaign.
How long does it take to finish?
Around 50-70 hours for a full playthrough, depending on how much side content you explore.
Who made Divinity: Original Sin?
Larian Studios developed and published it, originally releasing in June 2014, with the Enhanced Edition, the version now sold, following in October 2015.
