01. Introduction
As 2025 approaches, fans of ARPGs are gearing up for an unprecedented feast of games.
Following the reveal of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, other highly anticipated titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the new Fable, and today’s star, Avowed, are vying to captivate players with immersive audiovisual and emotional experiences. Among them, Avowed stands out with its unique allure.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment—the studio behind classics like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds—Avowed carries the heavy expectations of the Xbox Game Studios team. As Obsidian’s first AAA fantasy title, it has fans buzzing with excitement.
Thanks to an invitation from Xbox China, I had the chance to try a two-hour preview of the game. Although I couldn’t fully grasp the scope of Avowed in such a short time, its deep world-building and gripping storyline were enough to captivate me. Given that the Chinese localization in the preview was incomplete, with a mix of English and Chinese text, I opted to switch entirely to English. Some translations in this preview are my own, so the final game’s localization may differ.
02. Experiencing “Avowed”
I first learned about Avowed through an interview with Feargus Urquhart, Obsidian’s studio head. In the interview, Feargus reflected on his 20 years in the industry, highlighting both good and bad decisions he had made—Avowed being one of them.
For a long time, Avowed was developed as a multiplayer game. This decision was influenced by the fact that Obsidian was still an independent studio at the time, and making a multiplayer game was a more attractive pitch to potential publishers. However, during the early stages of development, the multiplayer design led to confusion within the team. After much discussion, they realized this approach strayed too far from what they excelled at. Ultimately, Obsidian decided to return to their roots and refocus the game as a single-player experience.
At first glance, Avowed might draw comparisons to The Elder Scrolls. However, Obsidian clearly isn’t content with merely replicating a successful formula. Instead, they’ve forged a unique path. The game begins with a meticulously designed tutorial dungeon, gradually unfolding into a vast, exploration-rich world. It offers the freedom and depth of an open world within a tightly structured framework.
Character Creation
The first interactive segment is character creation. Avowed provides extensive customization options, allowing players to meticulously shape their hero’s appearance and choose a backstory. These choices impact how your character interacts with the world throughout the adventure.
A New World
The story begins in a brand-new setting called the “Living Lands,” a world plagued by a phenomenon known as the “Dreamscourge.” This plague manifests as strange and vibrant fungal infections that corrupt everything in their path, sparking madness, rage, and death.
As the protagonist, you play as an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, embarking on a journey to uncover the truth behind the plague and save the land. The Aedyr Empire’s history is fraught with invasion and colonization, and your character’s identity—marked by a rainbow-colored fungal scar—makes you a unique yet contradictory presence in this magical realm.
Storytelling and Themes
Avowed serves as a spinoff of the Pillars of Eternity series, inheriting its depth and nuance while reaching new heights in storytelling. The game weaves together themes of colonial violence, court intrigue, hallucinations, madness, and religious fanaticism. Through rich dialogue and interactive lore items, players gradually unravel the world’s mysteries. Each new character you meet boasts a distinct personality and backstory, compelling you to explore their pasts and futures.
Combat and Customization
In terms of gameplay, Avowed offers players a high degree of freedom in character creation. Whether you choose to be a warrior, ranger, or mage, the game lets you tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences. The inclusion of a godlike skill tree further enriches character progression, providing near-limitless possibilities.
Combat is dynamic and strategic. Players can switch between two weapon configurations on the fly, utilizing a variety of skills and tools to tackle challenges. The arsenal includes swords, spears, bows, shields, spellbooks, wands, pistols, and war hammers, each with unique attributes and uses. Tactical decisions, stamina management, and the stun bar form the core of the combat system, making battles thrilling and rewarding.
Exploration and Immersion
Exploration is another key element of Avowed. Every corner of the game world is filled with secrets and treasures, from lore-rich artifacts and potions to quirky creatures and valuable tools. The breathtaking landscapes immerse you in a fantasy world that feels remarkably real.
In one large, open area, I encountered various NPCs and took on side quests filled with challenges and twists. These missions not only expanded the game’s lore but also made every exploration feel fresh and exciting. The addition of a new companion, Kai, brought even more joy and warmth to my journey. While romance options are absent, the camaraderie and emotional bonds with characters like Kai add depth to the narrative.
Accompanied by Kai, I embarked on a quest to combat the Dreamscourge. This mysterious plague affects both the living and the land, dragging the protagonist into a battle against an enigmatic voice. Though the preview was brief, the story’s potential and depth left me eager for more.
Visuals and Presentation
Avowed also impresses with its visuals. Medieval landscapes, psychedelic fungi, vibrant creatures, and diverse NPCs make for a memorable aesthetic. One standout moment was seeing firelight reflect off Kai’s teal-green scales—a testament to the game’s attention to detail. While I haven’t tested the Xbox version, I’m confident it will shine on the Series X and Series S platforms.
The game seamlessly integrates elements and callbacks to the Pillars of Eternity series. For longtime fans, these references are a delight; for newcomers, they remain accessible and engaging. Structurally, Avowed resembles The Outer Worlds, balancing open-world exploration with a tightly woven main storyline. This design ensures a coherent narrative flow while granting players the freedom to make meaningful choices.
According to the developers, the full game will feature even more content and deeper world-building. Both main and side quests are crafted with care, offering varied lengths depending on players’ choices and exploration. Whether you speed through the narrative or thoroughly explore every corner, Avowed promises a rich and fulfilling experience.
03. Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Avowed is shaping up to be a must-play for RPG enthusiasts. It combines Obsidian’s hallmark style and depth with advancements in storytelling, combat, exploration, and visuals. When it launches on Steam and Xbox Series X/S on February 18, 2025, it will undoubtedly deliver an unforgettable journey into a fantastical realm.
