Stepping back into the world of Eora feels like a homecoming for fans of deep role-playing, yet Avowed manages to make this familiar universe feel entirely fresh. Developed by the veterans at Obsidian Entertainment, this first-person fantasy action RPG trades the isometric perspective of Pillars of Eternity for an intimate, visceral experience. It is a game that balances high-stakes political intrigue with a flexible combat system, all set within one of the most vibrant and strange regions of the world: the Living Lands.
Journey into the Living Lands
The story places you in a position of significant power and immediate tension. You are the Envoy of Aedyr, a high-ranking representative of a powerful empire sent to the remote Living Lands on the personal orders of the Emperor. Your mission is to investigate the Dreamscourge, a mysterious and soul-corrupting plague that transforms the living into mindless, fungal husks.
However, your arrival isn’t greeted with open arms. The Living Lands are a frontier region, and the local population views the Aedyr Empire as a colonizing force. This creates a fascinating layer of political tension where every choice you make is filtered through the lens of your identity as an outsider. This is further complicated by the fact that you are a Godlike—an individual physically marked by the touch of a deity. Whether it’s coral growths or glowing features, your appearance triggers unique reactions from NPCs, ranging from religious awe to deep-seated prejudice.
Flexible Combat and the Mastery of Essence
One of the standout features is the complete removal of traditional class restrictions. Instead of being locked into a specific role, you have access to three primary skill trees: Fighter, Ranger, and Wizard. The beauty of this system lies in the ability to create hybrid builds on the fly. You can easily transition from a heavily armored warrior to a spell-slinging archer, provided you have the equipment and the skill points to support it.
The combat itself is fast-paced and rewards experimentation. You can dual-wield a variety of combinations, such as a pistol in one hand and a magic wand in the other, or a traditional sword and shield setup. Magic users will find the system particularly deep; you can carry different grimoires, which actually change the spells available on your quick-access dial.
However, playing as a caster requires careful planning due to the Essence system. Unlike many other RPGs, your mana (Essence) does not regenerate naturally over time. You must either defeat enemies to regain small amounts or rely on potions. This makes resource management a core part of the gameplay loop, especially during the game’s more brutal difficulty spikes.
A World of Choice and Consequence
Obsidian’s DNA is most evident in the game’s narrative reactivity. The Living Lands are not just a backdrop; they are a playground for choice and consequence. Throughout the journey, you will encounter situations where your decisions have permanent, world-altering effects. Some choices might lead to the death of major characters hours later as a result of a butterfly effect, while others can literally change the physical state of a region.
The world is structured around four substantial open-world hubs rather than one seamless map. Locations like the bustling city of Paradis feel lived-in and dense, filled with NPCs who have their own schedules and agendas. While exploring, you are accompanied by companions like Marius, a cunning dwarf tracker, and Kai, a loyal coastal Aumaua. These characters aren’t just there for flavor; they have unique companion skills that you can trigger in combat to turn the tide of a difficult fight.
Scope, Content, and Longevity
In terms of length, a focused run through the main storyline will take roughly 25 to 30 hours. However, for those who immerse themselves in the many side quests and exploration, the experience easily stretches toward the 50-hour mark. The game encourages you to stray from the beaten path to find powerful loot, engage in crafting and enchanting, and uncover the deep lore of the Dreamscourge.
While there is no New Game Plus at launch, the sheer variety of narrative paths and character builds provides high replayability. You might spend one playthrough as a diplomatic War Hero and the next as a ruthless Arcane Scholar, seeing entirely different facets of the story.
Why Avowed Stands Out
What makes this title unique is its refusal to paint the world in black and white. It forces you to confront the reality of being an agent of an empire, dealing with both the burden of duty and the resentment of those you are sent to “save.” Combined with a visually stunning world that mixes “postcard-perfect” landscapes with body-horror elements of the soul plague, it offers an atmosphere unlike anything else in the genre. It is an immersive, narrative-heavy adventure that puts the player’s agency at the very center of its universe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avowed going to be on PS5?
Currently, Avowed is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC. As an Xbox Game Studios title, there is no official information or confirmation regarding a release on the PlayStation 5.
Is Avowed bigger than Skyrim?
No, Avowed is not larger than Skyrim in terms of sheer map size. Instead of one massive, continuous open world, the game is structured around four substantial open-world hubs. While these areas are dense, colorful, and packed with personality, the individual maps are not especially large compared to the vast province of Skyrim.
How long does it take to beat Avowed?
If you choose to focus primarily on the main story and breeze through side quests on normal difficulty, you can beat the game in less than 25 hours. For those aiming for a completionist run—including all side missions and thorough exploration—it takes approximately 50 hours.
Is Avowed like Skyrim?
Yes, Avowed draws heavy inspiration from classic western RPGs like Skyrim. It features a first-person perspective where you can wield swords, bows, and spells to battle fantasy creatures like skeletons and lizard folk. It captures that familiar “RPG comfort food” feeling through looting, world-building, and character progression, though it focuses more on its specific lore and hub-based exploration rather than a singular endless sandbox.
Can You Change From First Person to Third Person In Avowed?
Yes! You can switch between first-person and third-person in the settings, allowing you to experience the game from different perspectives. Obsidian has ensured that both viewpoints are well-integrated into gameplay.
Since Avowed Is Set in the Pillars of Eternity Universe, Do I Need Prior Knowledge of the Franchise?
Not necessarily! Obsidian has confirmed that Avowed is designed to be friendly to newcomers, so prior knowledge of the Pillars of Eternity universe isn’t required. However, those familiar with the lore may appreciate deeper connections and references throughout the game.
