Leak Hints at Beach Starting Area for New Divinity Game, Reviving Series Tradition

Echoes of Rivellon: A Leaked Glimpse into Divinity's Next Chapter

Imagine awakening on a sun-drenched shore, the crash of waves mingling with the cries of distant seabirds, as you begin a grand adventure in a world teeming with magic and peril. This familiar scene, straight out of Larian Studios’ acclaimed Divinity series, may soon return in their upcoming project, based on recent leaks circulating among fans.

The Divinity Franchise's Coastal Legacy

The Divinity series, developed and published by Larian Studios, has long been a cornerstone of the RPG genre, known for its deep storytelling, tactical combat, and player-driven narratives. Originating in 2009 with Divinity: Dragon Commander, the franchise gained widespread acclaim with Divinity: Original Sin in 2014 and its 2017 sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2. These isometric RPGs emphasize cooperative gameplay, environmental interactions, and moral choices that shape the world of Rivellon.

• Original Sin begins with characters shipwrecked on Cyseal’s beach, setting a tone of exploration and discovery amid a murder mystery.
• The sequel expands this to a broader starting point but retains coastal elements, allowing players to manipulate elements like water and fire from the outset.
• Larian’s success with the series paved the way for their 2023 hit Baldur’s Gate 3, which sold over 10 million copies in its first three months and won multiple Game of the Year awards, though it is not part of the Divinity universe.

Historical context underscores Larian’s commitment to iterative design: the studio, founded in 1996 in Ghent, Belgium, has evolved from point-and-click adventures to turn-based RPGs, with Original Sin 2 achieving over 5 million sales by 2020. No official announcement has confirmed a new Divinity title since Original Sin 2’s Definitive Edition in 2018, but rumors persist of a potential sequel or spin-off, fueled by Larian’s post-Baldur’s Gate 3 focus on original IPs.

Unpacking the Leak: Beach Beginnings and Fan Speculation

A recent data mine from what appears to be early build files has sparked excitement, suggesting the starting area for an unannounced Divinity project could once again feature a beach setting. Screenshots and asset leaks depict sandy shores, rudimentary campsites, and environmental hazards like tidal pools, reminiscent of Cyseal but with updated visuals—possibly leveraging Larian’s evolved engine for more dynamic weather and destructible terrain. Key details from the leak include:

• Visual assets showing a coastal village with wooden docks and scattered debris, implying a shipwreck or arrival-by-sea narrative hook.
• Integration of core mechanics like source magic and companion recruitment, potentially allowing up to four-player co-op from the prologue.
• Subtle nods to Rivellon lore, such as void-touched creatures lurking near the water’s edge, tying into the series’ ongoing battle against otherworldly threats.

While the leak originates from unofficial channels—likely a hacker or insider share on gaming forums—its authenticity remains unverified. Larian Studios has not commented, and past leaks for their projects, such as Baldur’s Gate 3’s early reveals in 2019, have proven accurate over time. Fans on platforms like Reddit and Discord have dissected the images, noting improved lighting and animation fluidity compared to Original Sin 2.

"If this is real, it's a smart callback to what made the series special—starting simple but building to epic scope," said one anonymous community moderator in a popular thread.

Uncertainties persist: the files could pertain to a remaster, DLC, or entirely new entry, and no release timeline or platforms have been mentioned. Larian’s history of radio silence on leaks suggests any confirmation would come via official channels, possibly at events like The Game Awards. This potential return to roots highlights the series’ enduring appeal in an RPG landscape dominated by open-world epics. For players, a beach start could mean immediate access to elemental synergies, like combining water from the sea with fire spells for strategic depth. Would a nostalgic coastal launch entice you to dive back into Rivellon’s mysteries?