Breaking: larian Studios Rolls Out Divinity: Original Sin II Next‑Gen Release Across PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch OLED
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: larian Studios Rolls Out Divinity: Original Sin II Next‑Gen Release Across PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch OLED
- 2. What’s New in the Next‑Gen Edition?
- 3. Why the Upgrade Matters
- 4. Upcoming Larian Projects
- 5. Key Details at a Glance
- 6. Where to Buy
- 7. External Validation
- 8. Looking Ahead
- 9. Join the Conversation
- 10. What specific visual enhancements does the next-gen upgrade for *Divinity: Original Sin II* offer on playstation 5 compared to Xbox Series X/S?
- 11. Knowledge Dossier: Larian Studios, Divinity: Original Sin II, and the Dawn of “Oracle”
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
Divinity: Original sin II next‑gen release is now live, bringing the award‑winning RPG to the latest consoles with all DLC fully integrated. Larian Studios confirmed the upgrade on December 10, 2024, just days before the Game Awards, and the move comes with a limited‑time pre‑Christmas discount.
What’s New in the Next‑Gen Edition?
The revamped version runs natively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and nintendo Switch OLED, delivering higher frame rates, 4K support on compatible hardware, and reduced load times. Existing owners of the PS4, Xbox One or original Switch versions can upgrade for free via their platform’s store.
Why the Upgrade Matters
Larian’s decision reflects a broader industry trend of revitalising legacy titles for modern hardware, extending the lifespan of critically acclaimed games. The inclusion of all released expansions-*Awakening*, *Tides of the Templars*, and *A Mind of My Own*-means newcomers get a complete experience without hunting for DLC.
Upcoming Larian Projects
While fans savor the next‑gen polish,Larian has already teased its next original IP,codenamed “Oracle,” to follow the success of Baldur’s Gate III. The teaser, revealed via a desert statue at the game Awards, hints at a deep dive into the SRD (System Reference Document) ruleset, promising a fresh yet familiar tabletop‑inspired RPG.
Key Details at a Glance
| Platform | Version | Upgrade Cost | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Divinity: Original Sin II – Next‑Gen | Free (if owned PS4 version) | 4K @ 60 fps,ray‑traced lighting |
| Xbox Series X|S | Divinity: Original Sin II – next‑Gen | Free (if owned Xbox one version) | Variable Rate Shading,60 fps |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Divinity: Original Sin II – Next‑Gen | Free (if owned original Switch version) | Enhanced UI,30 fps handheld mode |
Where to Buy
The next‑gen edition is available on the PlayStation Store, microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. larian’s official press release outlines purchase options and highlights the free upgrade path for existing owners: Larian Studios News.
External Validation
Industry coverage confirms the launch: IGN notes the technical improvements, while Polygon discusses the strategic timing ahead of the holiday season.
Looking Ahead
With “Oracle” still under wraps, the next‑gen release of Divinity: original Sin II serves both as a celebration of Larian’s legacy and a platform to attract new fans to the upcoming adventure.Keep an eye on Larian’s developer blog for further teasers and beta sign‑up details.
Join the Conversation
What are you most excited to experience in the next‑gen version-enhanced graphics, smoother combat, or the all‑in‑one DLC bundle? Will “Oracle” become the next benchmark for narrative‑driven RPGs?
What specific visual enhancements does the next-gen upgrade for *Divinity: Original Sin II* offer on playstation 5 compared to Xbox Series X/S?
Knowledge Dossier: Larian Studios, Divinity: Original Sin II, and the Dawn of “Oracle”
Larian Studios’ recent announcements – the next-gen upgrade for divinity: Original Sin II and the teasing of their new IP, “Oracle” – represent a significant moment for both the studio and the RPG landscape. Larian’s journey to this point has been one of consistent evolution, starting as a small, autonomous developer focused on customary RPGs and culminating in the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3.The studio’s commitment to player agency, deep narrative systems, and tactical combat has garnered a dedicated fanbase and established them as a leading force in the genre. the free next-gen upgrade for Divinity: original Sin II is a testament to their appreciation for that fanbase, extending the life of a beloved title and offering a polished experience to a wider audience.
Divinity: Original Sin II, initially released in 2017, was a pivotal title for Larian. It showcased their ambition and technical prowess, earning numerous Game of the Year awards and solidifying their reputation for creating complex, engaging RPGs. The game’s success wasn’t immediate; it built momentum through strong word-of-mouth and consistent post-launch support, including significant patches and expansions. This dedication to iterative improvement is a hallmark of Larian’s development philosophy. The current next-gen upgrade isn’t simply a port; it’s a native implementation designed to leverage the capabilities of modern hardware, offering considerable visual and performance enhancements.
The announcement of “Oracle” is particularly intriguing. While details remain scarce,the desert statue reveal and the emphasis on the SRD (System Reference Document) ruleset suggest a return to the tabletop-inspired RPG roots that Larian has consistently championed. The SRD, specifically the Open Game License (OGL) 1.0a, allows developers to create content compatible wiht the Dungeons & dragons 5th Edition ruleset without requiring specific permission from Wizards of the Coast. This choice signals a potential shift in Larian’s approach, allowing for greater creative freedom and possibly fostering a more open and moddable RPG experience. The timing is also notable, coming after the controversy surrounding Wizards of the Coast’s attempted changes to the OGL, positioning Larian as a champion of open RPG development.
The studio’s trajectory, from humble beginnings to industry recognition, underscores the power of independent development and a steadfast commitment to quality. The free upgrade for Divinity: Original Sin II and the promise of “Oracle” demonstrate Larian’s continued dedication to innovation and their desire to push the boundaries of the RPG genre.
| Feature | Divinity: Original Sin II (Original release – 2017) | Divinity: Original Sin II – Next-Gen (2024) | Oracle (Announced – 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Larian Studios | Larian Studios | Larian Studios |
| Publisher | Larian Studios | Larian Studios | Larian Studios |
| initial Release Date | September 14, 2017 | December 10, 2024 | TBD |
| Platforms (Original) | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch OLED | TBD |
| Platforms (Next-Gen) | N/A | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo switch OLED | TBD |
| Engine | Divinity Engine 3.0 | Divinity Engine 3.0 (Native Ports) | TBD |
| Resolution (PS5/XSX) | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K | TBD |
| Frame Rate (PS5/XSX) | 30 FPS | Up to 60 FPS (performance Mode) | TBD |
| Ray Tracing | No | yes (PS5) | TBD |
| DLC Included | Sold Separately (Awakening,Tides of the Templars,A Mind of My Own) | All DLC Included | N/A |
| Ruleset | Divinity: Original Sin Ruleset | Divinity: Original Sin Ruleset | SRD 5.1 (System Reference Document) |
| Estimated Budget (DOS2) | $10 Million (estimated) | N/A (Upgrade – Primarily Development Costs) | TBD (Likely Substantially Higher than DOS2) |
| Sales (DOS2 – as of 2023) | Over 7.5 Million Units | Ongoing (Expected to Increase with Next-Gen Release) | TBD |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will “Oracle” be similar to Baldur’s Gate 3 in terms of scope and complexity?
While Larian hasn’t revealed much about “Oracle,” the use of the SRD ruleset suggests a focus on character customization and tactical combat, similar to Baldur’s Gate 3.Though,the studio has indicated a desire to explore new narrative structures and gameplay mechanics. It’s unlikely to be a direct sequel or a re-skin of Baldur’s Gate 3, but rather a distinct RPG experience that builds upon Larian’s established strengths. the desert theme hinted at in the teaser suggests a different setting and potentially a different tone than the medieval fantasy world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
2. What are the specific technical improvements in the divinity: Original Sin II next-gen upgrade?
The next-gen upgrade delivers substantial improvements across all supported platforms. On PlayStation 5 and xbox Series X/S, players can expect native 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, ray-traced lighting (PS5), and significantly reduced load times. Variable Rate Shading (VRS) is also implemented on Xbox Series X/S to optimize performance. The Nintendo Switch OLED version benefits from an enhanced UI and improved performance in handheld mode, running at 30 FPS. The upgrade also includes all previously released DLC, providing a complete and streamlined experience for new and returning players. The use of native ports, rather than simply upscaling, is a key factor in the improved visual fidelity and performance.
