Introduction to the Game

Welcome, Source Hunter, to the world of Rivellon! Divinity: Original Sin is a sprawling, turn-based RPG that rewards exploration, clever thinking, and tactical combat. This guide will help you navigate the initial challenges and set you on the path to uncovering the mysteries of Cyseal and beyond.

Getting Started: Your First Steps

Upon starting a new game, you'll be thrust into the role of two Source Hunters, tasked with investigating a murder in the coastal town of Cyseal. The early game focuses on familiarizing you with the core mechanics and introducing you to key characters. Don't rush through the initial dialogues; they often contain vital clues and establish the rich lore of the world.

Character Creation & Party Composition

While this guide won't delve into exhaustive character builds, here are some quick tips for your starting duo:

Balance is Key: Aim for a mix of physical and magical damage. A Warrior/Rogue and a Mage/Cleric combination is a strong starting point.
Essential Skills: Consider investing in Loremaster (to identify items), Blacksmithing (for repairs and crafting), and Bartering (for better prices). Pickpocketing can also be incredibly useful, but be wary of getting caught!
Talents: "All Skilled Up" and "Lone Wolf" (if playing with only two characters) are powerful early-game talents.

Initial Walkthrough: The Beach and Cyseal Gates

Your adventure begins on the beach near Cyseal. Here's a step-by-step guide to your immediate objectives:

Tutorial Combat: Engage the first group of Orcs. This serves as your introduction to the turn-based combat system. Pay attention to environmental interactions – oil barrels and water puddles can be exploited with fire and lightning spells, respectively.
Loot Everything: Seriously. Every barrel, crate, and fallen enemy can contain valuable items, crafting components, or gold. Use the "Alt" key to highlight interactable objects.
The Lighthouse: Head towards the Lighthouse. Inside, you'll encounter a ghost. Speaking with him initiates the quest "The Lighthouse."
Cyseal Gates: Proceed to the gates of Cyseal. You'll be stopped by a guard. Engage in dialogue to gain entry.

Exploring Cyseal: Your First Hub

Cyseal is your primary hub for the first part of the game. It's filled with NPCs, quests, and opportunities to gather resources. Don't be afraid to explore every nook and cranny.

Key Locations and NPCs

The Cyseal Market: Located in the town square, this is where you'll find various vendors to buy and sell goods. Prioritize upgrading your equipment if possible.
Legion Headquarters: Speak with Aureus, the commander, to receive your initial quest directives regarding the murder investigation.
The King Crab Inn: A central social hub. You'll find many NPCs here with potential side quests.
Arhu's Lab: Located above the Legion Headquarters. Arhu, a quirky wizard, will be a crucial contact. You'll need to find him as part of the main quest, "Finding Arhu and Aureus."

Early Quests and Strategies

Your immediate goal is to investigate the murder of Councillor Jake. This involves several steps:

The Murder Scene: Head to the crime scene, located near the Cyseal docks. Interact with the body and surrounding objects. You'll discover a "Strange New Realm" through a mysterious portal.
Gathering Clues: Speak to everyone in the vicinity of the murder. Use your "Perception" skill to spot hidden clues.
Interviewing Witnesses: Many citizens of Cyseal will have opinions or information about Jake. use the "Persuasion" skill in dialogues to get more information or better outcomes.
Finding Arhu: As mentioned, Arhu is vital. His lab is a good place to start looking.

Remember, Divinity: Original Sin encourages player agency. There are often multiple ways to approach a problem, and your choices will have consequences. Take your time, experiment with skills and combat, and most importantly, have fun uncovering the secrets of Rivellon!