Avowed is a fantasy action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment that promises an immersive journey into the world of Eora. Players will step into the role of an envoy from Aedyr, tasked with investigating a mysterious plague in the Living Lands. The game is set to launch on February 18, 2025, with pre-order options available for eager fans.
Recently there was new gameplay posted on Reddit that went viral. You can see it here:
Reactions to the new Avowed gameplay are mixed. Many users are praising the apparent improvements in combat, noting that it looks less “flat” than in previous showings. Some specifically highlight the hit stun and impact as positive changes. There is excitement about the art style and level design, with some expressing surprise at the positive direction the game seems to be taking.
However, concerns remain. Some players still find the combat clunky, with animations described as floaty or stiff, and the overall presentation lacking polish. The 30fps cap on the Series X is also a contentious issue for some users. Additionally, there are mixed feelings about the game’s visual direction: while some desire a darker fantasy aesthetic reminiscent of the initial reveal, others have noted a shift towards a “bright fantasy” style.
Furthermore, discussions have emerged regarding how the game appears to be completely different from last year’s presentation. Lastly, some users see similarities to other games like Skyrim and Sea of Thieves.
This first-person RPG blends magic, melee combat, and firearms, offering players a diverse array of gameplay options. Avowed’s setting draws from the rich lore of Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series, expanding on the established universe with new stories and characters. The game will feature companion characters and dialogue choices, allowing players to shape their adventure and relationships within the game world.
Avowed aims to deliver a mature narrative experience, tackling complex themes and incorporating realistic violence. The game will also include elements of drug and alcohol use, adding depth to its storytelling and character interactions. With its blend of action, role-playing, and storytelling, Avowed is poised to be a significant addition to the Xbox Game Studios lineup.
Avowed: What We Know So Far
Release Date and Platforms
Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming first-person fantasy RPG, Avowed, now has a firm release date: February 18, 2025. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will also be included with Game Pass on day one. This means subscribers can play the game at no extra cost.
New Gameplay Footage and Community Reactions
Recent gameplay footage has given players a fresh look at Avowed. This footage, while from a two-month-old preview build, has sparked discussion among fans. Some are impressed with the apparent improvements to combat, particularly the weight and impact of attacks. Others remain concerned about aspects like animation quality and overall polish. A notable point of discussion is the shift in art style from the initial reveal, with some preferring a darker tone.
Gameplay Elements
Avowed is set in the Living Lands, a region within the world of Eora, familiar to fans of Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series. The game features a blend of melee combat, magic, and even firearms. Player choice is expected to play a significant role, impacting the narrative and the world around the player.
Combat Mechanics
The new gameplay showed off various combat styles. The impact of melee hits and the visual effects of spells have been points of focus. Some players have compared the combat to games like God of War and Monster Hunter, noting the importance of hit stun and satisfying feedback.
World and Exploration
While not a sprawling open-world game like Skyrim, Avowed offers explorable environments within the Living Lands. The game’s art style has been a topic of debate, with some finding it vibrant and appealing, while others consider it too cartoonish.
Comparing Avowed
Here’s a quick comparison to other games:
| Feature | Avowed | Similar Games |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | First-person (with optional third-person) | The Elder Scrolls (Skyrim), The Outer Worlds |
| Setting | Eora (Pillars of Eternity) | Pillars of Eternity series |
| Combat | Melee, magic, firearms | God of War, Monster Hunter |
| Scope | Focused explorable areas | The Outer Worlds |
What to Expect
Avowed aims to deliver a unique RPG experience with a focus on player choice and engaging combat. The game’s connection to the Pillars of Eternity universe adds another layer of depth for fans of Obsidian’s previous work. The recent gameplay footage and community reactions highlight the anticipation and expectations surrounding this title.
Key Takeaways
- Avowed launches on February 18, 2025, offering a new fantasy RPG experience from Obsidian Entertainment
- The game features a mix of magic, melee, and firearms combat in a first-person perspective
- Players can expect a mature narrative with companion characters and impactful dialogue choices
Game Overview
Avowed is an upcoming first-person RPG set in the Living Lands region of Eora. The game blends open-world exploration with rich storytelling and dynamic combat mechanics.
World and Setting
Avowed takes place in the Living Lands, a frontier region within the world of Eora. This setting draws inspiration from Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity universe. Players will explore diverse environments, from lush forests to arid deserts.
The game’s world promises to be smaller than Skyrim but more densely packed with content. Each area is designed to offer unique challenges and discoveries. Players can expect to encounter various factions, mythical creatures, and ancient ruins throughout their journey.
Plot and Storyline
Details about Avowed’s main plot remain scarce. The game casts players as an envoy sent to the Living Lands by the Aedyr Empire. Their mission involves investigating a mysterious threat that endangers the entire region.
Players will have the freedom to shape their character’s backstory and motivations. This customization will likely influence dialogue options and quest outcomes. The narrative is expected to feature complex moral choices and political intrigue, hallmarks of Obsidian’s storytelling style.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Avowed combines first-person combat with traditional RPG elements. Players can wield swords, bows, and magical spells, often dual-wielding weapons for varied combat strategies. The game emphasizes fluid, reactive combat that rewards player skill and tactical thinking.
Character customization plays a significant role. Players can choose from various classes and skills to create unique builds. The game incorporates a classless system, allowing for flexible character development throughout the adventure.
Exploration is a key component of Avowed’s gameplay. The open world design encourages players to venture off the beaten path to discover hidden quests, valuable loot, and secret areas. Environmental puzzles and interactive elements add depth to the exploration experience.
Core Gameplay Elements
Avowed offers a rich action RPG experience with diverse character development options, dynamic combat, and a versatile magic system. Players can customize their playstyle through various abilities and equipment choices.
Character Development
Players shape their character’s skills and attributes through a flexible progression system. The game allows for diverse build options, catering to different playstyles. Characters can specialize in combat, magic, or a mix of both.
Skill trees unlock new abilities as players level up. These abilities range from passive bonuses to active combat skills. Players can respec their character, allowing for experimentation with different builds.
Equipment choices also play a key role in character development. Weapons, armor, and accessories can be upgraded and customized to enhance specific attributes or playstyles.
Combat System
Avowed features a visceral combat system that blends melee and ranged combat with magical abilities. Players can seamlessly switch between different weapons and spells during battle.
Melee combat includes swords and shields, offering a mix of offensive and defensive options. Ranged combat incorporates guns and bows, providing tactical advantages in certain situations.
The game emphasizes player choice in combat encounters. Enemies present varied challenges, requiring different strategies to overcome. Players can approach fights head-on or use stealth and environmental hazards to gain an advantage.
Combat feels weighty and impactful, with each weapon type offering a unique feel and playstyle.
Magic and Abilities
Magic plays a central role in Avowed’s gameplay. Players can access a wide array of spells through a grimoire system. Spells cover various elements and effects, from fireballs to healing magic.
Abilities complement the magic system, providing additional combat options and utility skills. These can include special weapon techniques, defensive maneuvers, or unique magical effects.
Players can combine spells and abilities to create powerful combos. For example, a fire spell might be enhanced by a wind ability to create a devastating area-of-effect attack.
The magic system also extends beyond combat. Players can use spells to solve puzzles, navigate the environment, and interact with the game world in unique ways.
Narrative and Worldbuilding
Avowed’s narrative and worldbuilding draw heavily from the rich lore established in the Pillars of Eternity series. The game weaves a complex tapestry of factions, quests, and ancient secrets set against the backdrop of a mysterious island plagued by danger.
Factions and Politics
The island of Aedyr serves as the primary setting for Avowed’s political intrigue. Players take on the role of an envoy from Aedyr, thrust into a web of competing interests and power struggles. Major factions vie for control, each with its own agenda and methods.
The Royal Deadfire Company seeks to expand trade and influence. The Vailian Trading Company focuses on profit above all else. Indigenous groups fight to protect their lands and traditions. Religious orders clash over interpretations of ancient prophecies.
Players must navigate these complex relationships. Alliances formed and broken shape the island’s future. Careful diplomacy or decisive action can tip the balance of power.
Quests and Consequences
Avowed’s quest system emphasizes player choice and lasting consequences. The main storyline revolves around investigating a spreading plague threatening the island’s inhabitants. Side quests offer opportunities to explore the world and impact local communities.
Decisions made during quests ripple outward. Helping one faction may anger another. Choosing to save or sacrifice individuals affects future encounters. The game tracks these choices, altering dialogue options and quest availability.
Some quests present moral dilemmas with no clear right answer. Players must weigh competing interests and their own moral compass. The outcomes of these choices shape the player character’s reputation and the island’s fate.
Lore and Backstory
Avowed builds upon the deep lore established in Pillars of Eternity. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, hinting at long-lost civilizations. Forgotten magic and technology wait to be rediscovered.
Players uncover the island’s history through exploration, conversations, and found documents. Legends speak of a catastrophic event that reshaped the land centuries ago. Competing theories about its cause drive current conflicts.
The game delves into themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the cyclical nature of history. Players piece together how past events connect to present-day challenges. Uncovering these links proves crucial to solving the mystery of the plague and the forces threatening the island.
Technical Information
Avowed’s system requirements and platform availability are crucial for players interested in experiencing this upcoming role-playing game. The technical specifications and release details provide key information for potential players.
System Requirements
Avowed demands substantial hardware capabilities. Players need a minimum of 16 GB RAM and 75 GB free disk space. The game supports a range of graphics cards, with the GeForce GTX 1070 as the baseline. For optimal performance, Obsidian Entertainment recommends a GeForce RTX 3080.
The CPU requirements have not been officially announced. Given the game’s scope, a modern multi-core processor is likely necessary. Players should ensure their systems meet or exceed these specifications for smooth gameplay.
Availability and Platforms
Avowed is set for release on February 18, 2025. Early access begins five days prior for select players. The game will be available on multiple platforms, catering to a wide audience.
Xbox Series X|S owners can look forward to playing Avowed on their consoles. PC gamers have options too, with the game coming to Windows 10 and 11 systems. It will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass, offering subscribers immediate access upon release.
Steam users can also anticipate Avowed’s arrival on the platform. Pre-orders are expected to open closer to the launch date. A gameplay trailer has been released, giving players a glimpse of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, has generated significant interest among gamers. Many questions surround its release, gameplay features, and connections to other titles.
What is the expected release date for Avowed?
Avowed is set to launch on February 18, 2025. This date represents a delay from the initial fall 2024 window. Obsidian Entertainment pushed back the release to ensure a polished final product.
Can we anticipate Avowed to have open-world gameplay?
Avowed will feature expansive environments for players to explore. While not confirmed as fully open-world, the game promises vast landscapes and freedom of movement. Players can expect to embark on epic quests across diverse terrains.
Will Avowed be available on platforms other than Xbox and PC, such as PS5?
Avowed is currently announced for Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms. There are no plans for a PlayStation 5 release. The game will be available through Battle.net on PC, expanding its accessibility for computer gamers.
Has a gameplay trailer for Avowed been released?
Obsidian has not yet released a full gameplay trailer for Avowed. Fans eagerly await more footage to showcase the game’s mechanics and world. Updates may come as the release date approaches.
Is Avowed a continuation of an existing series?
Avowed is set in the world of Eora, which was first introduced in the Pillars of Eternity series. While not a direct sequel, it shares the same universe and lore. This connection allows fans of Pillars of Eternity to find familiar elements in Avowed.
What are the main differences between Avowed and other RPGs like Skyrim?
Avowed distinguishes itself with a first-person perspective in a fantasy setting. Unlike Skyrim, it draws from the rich lore of the Pillars of Eternity universe. The game may offer unique magic systems and combat mechanics that set it apart from other RPGs.