Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Pillars of Eternity, is poised to push the boundaries of first-person fantasy RPGs with Avowed, their latest entry into the richly imagined world of Eora. Set in the mysterious Living Lands, Avowed offers players an expansive playground where magic, melee, and choice-driven storytelling converge. Pre-orders come with the Emperor’s Feast, a regal boost that grants players five curated dishes—Candied Nuts, Wild Mushroom Stew, Roasted Chicken, Paradisan Trout Pie, and Darkest Rauataian Chocolate Cookie—that restore health, mana, and temporarily enhance attributes, giving adventurers an early advantage as they step into this vibrant, enigmatic land.
Exploring the Living Lands
The Living Lands are the heart of Avowed, a diverse island teeming with life, danger, and hidden secrets. Obsidian has crafted an environment that feels simultaneously alien and familiar, as though the land itself recognizes the player’s presence. From lush forests to jagged mountains, serene lakes to corrupted swamps, every corner of the Living Lands offers its own ecosystem, complete with unique creatures, factions, and quests. Players will encounter a variety of settlements, from bustling frontier towns to isolated hamlets, each reacting dynamically to the decisions made during the adventure. Whether negotiating with warring factions, uncovering ancient mysteries, or rescuing locals from the brink of disaster, the Living Lands are designed to be an immersive experience where exploration and curiosity are richly rewarded.
A Story That Responds to You
In Avowed, players assume the role of an envoy of Aedyr, dispatched to investigate a mysterious plague sweeping across the Living Lands. Yet the mission quickly becomes personal, as the island seems to pull the protagonist toward a destiny that intertwines with its very being. Obsidian’s signature branching narrative shines here: every choice ripples through the world, influencing not only the fates of individuals and creatures but also the broader story of the Living Lands. Player decisions carry weight, and consequences often emerge in unexpected ways, ensuring that each playthrough is distinct.
The Anniversary Update further enhances replayability, introducing New Game Plus, additional character creation options, and three new playable races: Dwarf, Aumaua, and Orlan. Players can now change their appearance mid-game, experiment with Godlike presets, and adjust custom difficulty settings to fine-tune the challenge, providing an unprecedented level of freedom in character expression and gameplay strategy.
Combat That Empowers Choice
Combat in Avowed blends fluid, visceral action with strategic depth. Players can mix swords, staves, shields, guns, and spells to suit their preferred style, combining skills across four primary trees: Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, and Godlike. Layering companion abilities atop the player’s skillset creates opportunities for powerful synergies and inventive tactics. Whether unleashing devastating elemental spells, executing precise sword strikes, or combining ranged and magical attacks for maximum impact, combat is designed to feel responsive and rewarding. Obsidian emphasizes player agency, allowing for experimentation and customization so that no two warriors need fight the same way.
Companions Who Grow With You
No journey through the Living Lands is meant to be undertaken alone. A cast of richly developed companions, ranging from eccentric wizards to battle-hardened mercenaries, accompanies the player. These allies are not static NPCs; their personalities, goals, and abilities evolve based on the player’s choices and quest outcomes. Companions can provide crucial battlefield support, unlock new story paths, and even influence the outcome of key conflicts. This dynamic system encourages players to consider relationships and party composition carefully, adding a layer of emotional investment to the tactical and narrative elements of the game.
A World of Discovery and Detail
Exploration in Avowed is not merely about moving from point A to point B. The Living Lands are packed with environmental storytelling, hidden dungeons, and lore-rich encounters. Players may stumble upon ancient ruins, secret crafting recipes, or enigmatic side quests that expand the mythology of Eora. Even the smallest interactions can yield insight into the land’s history, its people, and its secrets, ensuring that curiosity is consistently rewarded.
Additionally, the Anniversary Update introduces Photo Mode and a new weapon type—two-handed staves—allowing players to capture and engage with the world in fresh ways. The ability to freely alter character appearance at any time, combined with an array of presets, empowers players to project their ideal hero onto this living canvas, making each adventure highly personal.
Why Avowed Matters
Avowed is more than just another fantasy RPG—it is an evolution of Obsidian’s design philosophy. By combining deep, choice-driven narrative, dynamic companion interactions, and a combat system that accommodates a wide spectrum of playstyles, the studio promises an experience that feels alive and reactive. The Living Lands are a place of danger and wonder, where every corner offers potential for discovery and every decision carries weight.
Pre-order bonuses, such as the Emperor’s Feast, highlight the game’s focus on giving players agency and a tangible edge in the early stages, setting the tone for a journey that balances strategy, exploration, and narrative impact. With the Anniversary Update expanding customization, gameplay variety, and replayability, Avowed positions itself as one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year.
Conclusion
For fans of Pillars of Eternity or those seeking a rich, immersive first-person RPG, Avowed offers a compelling mix of storytelling, exploration, and combat. Obsidian Entertainment is once again crafting a world that feels alive, dangerous, and intimately connected to the player’s choices. With its complex companions, dynamic combat, and vibrant Living Lands, the game promises countless hours of adventure, strategy, and discovery. Whether you’re a veteran of Eora or a newcomer ready to chart its Living Lands for the first time, Avowed is shaping up to be a must-play title in the modern RPG landscape.
