Demystifying the Divinity Saga: Your Guide to Playing the Games in Order

Alright, let's be honest. Trying to figure out the playing order for Larian Studios' 'Divinity' series can feel a bit like untangling a particularly stubborn knot of old-school fantasy lore. With prequels, sequels, spin-offs, and numerical inconsistencies, it's enough to make even the most dedicated RPG fan scratch their head. But fear not, intrepid adventurer! We're here to cut through the confusion and give you the clearest path to experiencing this truly incredible universe.

First, a crucial distinction: there are effectively two main branches to the Divinity family tree, and understanding this split is key. You've got the original 'Divinity Saga,' which kicked off way back in 2002, and then you have the modern, critically acclaimed 'Divinity: Original Sin' (DOS) series. While they share a universe and deep lore, their gameplay styles and narrative focus are quite different, making your entry point a significant decision.

So, where should you start? For the vast majority of players, especially those new to Larian's particular brand of tactical turn-based RPG excellence, the absolute, hands-down, best starting point is Divinity: Original Sin II. Seriously, don't even hesitate. This game is a masterpiece – a sprawling, choice-driven, character-rich adventure that redefined what a modern RPG could be. It's incredibly polished, offers a robust story that largely stands on its own (while subtly weaving in deeper lore for those who look), and features some of the best turn-based combat and player freedom you'll find anywhere. You truly don't need to play anything else to appreciate its brilliance.

But what if you're a lorehound? What if you want to soak up every drop of narrative, every subtle nod to past events? In that case, you're looking at a slightly different, more extensive journey. Chronologically within the Divinity universe's timeline, the story actually begins with Divinity: Original Sin (the first one). This game is a direct prequel to the entire saga, setting up much of the world's magic systems and ongoing conflicts. While a fantastic game in its own right, it's a bit less refined than its sequel, and its sense of humor can be a little more... peculiar. Playing it before DOS2 will enrich your understanding, but it's not strictly necessary.

After the two Original Sin games, if you're truly dedicated to the overarching narrative, you'd then move onto the older titles. This means diving into Divine Divinity, the original isometric action RPG that started it all. It's a proper old-school title, charming but certainly showing its age. Then comes Beyond Divinity, a direct sequel to Divine Divinity that many fans find less compelling. Next in line is Divinity II: Ego Draconis (often played with its excellent expansion, Flames of Vengeance), which shifts to a third-person action RPG perspective and lets you transform into a dragon – a pretty neat gimmick, honestly. Lastly, there's Divinity: Dragon Commander, a truly unique RTS/RPG hybrid that takes place roughly between Divinity II and Original Sin. It's an interesting curiosity, but definitely not essential for following the core narrative.

Ultimately, don't let the sheer number of games intimidate you. While the connections are there for the keen-eyed, Larian has always made an effort to craft experiences that can be enjoyed in isolation. If you want the best modern RPG experience available, jump straight into Divinity: Original Sin II. If you crave the full historical journey, starting with Divinity: Original Sin then moving to its sequel, and only then exploring the older titles, is your best bet. Whichever path you choose, prepare yourself for hundreds of hours of witty dialogue, intricate quests, and tactical combat that will challenge and delight you. Happy adventuring!