Three months ago, MKAU had the chance to check out ‘Avowed’, the new RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, and now, Xbox Game Studios has given us access to the full-release version of this highly anticipated title. You can check out our preview write-up here: Avowed (PC) – Hands-On Preview

Set in the ‘Pillars of Eternity’ universe, Avowed transports players to Eora, a land gripped by the Dreamscourge—a devastating soul-plague that turns the afflicted into savage, feral creatures. You take on the role of a ‘Godlike’, a being chosen by the gods and born with divine powers and strange mutations. As an envoy of the Emperor, your mission leads you to the Living Lands, where you must uncover the source of this mysterious affliction and put an end to it.

One of Avowed’s defining features is its extensive character customisation. Players can shape their protagonist down to the finest details, beginning with their background—whether an academic scholar, a noble heir, or a seasoned war hero—each of which affects dialogue, starting equipment, and abilities. Beyond this, you can personalize your character’s appearance, voice, pronouns, and name, as well as distribute attribute and skill points across six unique categories.

The game offers a range of difficulty modes, from the story-driven experience of “Story Mode” to the gruelling challenge of “Path of the Damned.” Combat is dynamic and strategic, rewarding experimentation and adaptability. With a flexible loadout system, you can adjust your approach mid-battle, ensuring no two encounters play out the same way. Skill trees provide diverse playstyles—stealthy assassinations, brutal melee combat, or devastating spellcasting through a powerful ‘Grimoire’. Companion characters also play a vital role, leveling up alongside you and unlocking new abilities that enhance teamwork and combat effectiveness.

Progression in Avowed is deeply rewarding, with experience gained through combat and quests allowing you to upgrade your character’s attributes and abilities across multiple classes. Class abilities are gated by level progression, with skills unlocking between Levels 1 and 22, split into passive and active perks. As the game progresses, enemy difficulty intensifies—especially in the mid-to-late game—demanding careful strategy, pacing, and even grinding to strengthen your resilience.

Blending high-fantasy combat with powerful spell craft and even firearms, Avowed offers a variety of combat options. Players can dual-wield weapons, equip secondary gear, and wield unique weapons with distinct attributes.

Gear can be upgraded through multiple quality tiers, from Common to Legendary, ensuring even the most basic equipment can reach its full potential with the right materials. Enchantments add further depth, enhancing weapons with powerful effects—though these enhancements are permanent and cannot be undone.

The Living Lands are vast, filled with secrets, and divided into distinct biomes that encourage exploration. Large maps, fast travel points, and hidden pathways make traversal smooth and rewarding. Along your journey, you’ll gather resources and loot that can be used to craft consumables, counter debuffs, and enhance gear.

Party camps serve as essential hubs where you can rest, interact with companions, craft and enchant items, and manage inventory. These camps can be set up near Adra Weystones—glowing, mystical crystals scattered throughout the land—offering moments of respite in an otherwise perilous world.

With breathtaking visuals, exceptional voice acting, and masterfully written dialogue, Avowed delivers a deeply immersive experience. Its blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling creates a world that effortlessly pulls you in. Avowed delivers an unforgettable RPG experience that draws players in for hours on end.

Written by: Emily France