In Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, the process of unlocking unique subclasses, such as the Blood Mage for Wizards and the Forbidden Fist for Monks, differs based on their classification within the base game and updates. Here’s a comprehensive overview of how to access these subclasses:

Base Game & Expansion Subclass Unlock Methods

Main Subclasses:
– Blood Mage (Wizard): This subclass is available by default for the Wizard class in both the base game and through expansions. Players can select it during character creation or when leveling up an existing character using the Adventurer’s Hall. No specific in-game actions are necessary to unlock the Blood Mage, as it is readily offered in the character selection interface following the latest updates and expansions.

– Forbidden Fist (Monk): Similar to the Blood Mage, the Forbidden Fist is now a selectable subclass for the Monk class. It became available through updates or DLCs and can be chosen right from the character creation or respec menus without the need for any additional unlocking conditions.

Hidden or Mod-Exclusive Subclasses:
– Certain subclasses, like the Priest of Rymrgand, remain hidden or require specific mods for access. For instance, the mod “Priest of Rymrgand (DLC) and other Hidden Classes Unlocked” can grant players access to these otherwise unavailable subclasses.

– Other mods, such as “PoE2 Deadfire Tweaks,” enable players to unlock various hidden subclasses that aren’t normally accessible in the base game or official expansions.

DLC and Update Content

With the advent of expansions and significant updates (notably Update 4.0.0), several subclasses have been incorporated directly into the game mechanics, including:
– Steel Garrote (Paladin)
– Arcane Archer (Ranger)

These subclasses are available for selection or respec, with no in-game quests or achievements necessary to gain access. They are automatically unlocked upon installation of the corresponding updates or DLCs.

Summary Table

| Subclass | Availability Method | Notes |
|——————|———————————-|—————————————-|
| Blood Mage | Selectable via character creation | Available with expansions/DLC |
| Forbidden Fist | Selectable via character creation | Available with expansions/DLC |
| Rymrgand Priest | Mod only (hidden in vanilla) | Requires mod to unlock |
| Other Hidden | Mod only | Use mods like Deadfire Tweaks |

Special Cases and Mods

Utilizing mods, such as “Deadfire Tweaks” or “Priest of Rymrgand Unlocked,” can unlock hidden subclasses, including those that were not officially released or are part of unreleased content. Notably:
– No specific achievements or quests are needed to access these subclasses within the standard game or its DLCs. If a subclass appears in the character creation or respec interface, it is acquirable.

Additional Tips

– Check Your Installed DLCs: Confirm that you have the latest updates and expansions installed since many subclasses were added in post-launch updates.
– Mod Usage: For access to hidden or unused subclasses, downloading mods is necessary. These are typically available through platforms like Nexus Mods or Steam Workshop.
– Respec Options: If you have an ongoing game, you can access new subclasses via the Adventurer’s Hall located in Neketaka for a fee.

Conclusion

To summarize, subclasses like the Blood Mage and Forbidden Fist are straightforwardly unlocked and selectable in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, thanks to updates and expansions. Conversely, subclasses like the Priest of Rymrgand require the use of mods for access.

Ensuring that your game is up to date and considering mod options can significantly enrich your gameplay experience by expanding your choices in subclasses.