Mastering Avowed: A Beginner's Guide to Obsidian's Latest RPG

Obsidian's Avowed offers a compelling RPG experience, blending elements appealing to both seasoned veterans and newcomers. This guide provides essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for those new to the genre.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Like most RPGs, Avowed utilizes an XP system. Completing quests, defeating foes, and exploring the world all contribute to XP gains, leading to level-ups. Each level provides attribute and ability points, allowing you to customize your character, shaping them into a formidable warrior, a powerful mage, or something entirely unique.

Attributes determine your character's strengths. While personal preference plays a significant role, Avowed's ability to respec your points offers a safety net, allowing experimentation without penalty.

Exploring the Living Lands

While not a completely open world, Avowed avoids strict linearity. While main story objectives provide direction, exploring is key. Delving into buildings, caves, and various locations yields valuable loot, resources, and a wealth of side quests—many offering easy XP gains.

Books and notes enrich the narrative, providing deeper lore. Seek out treasure maps for additional rewards. Thorough exploration also generates significant gold, crucial for acquiring superior weapons and gear, significantly impacting combat effectiveness, especially against challenging bosses. Rushing the main story can leave you underpowered; take your time to explore.

Managing Resources: Potions and Provisions

Early combat can be challenging. Balance physical and essence attacks, carefully monitoring health and essence levels. Health and essence potions are readily available from vendors and throughout the world (easily identified by their red and pink glows, respectively). However, conserve health potions; use food and herbs to replenish minor health losses, saving potions for critical situations. Remember, this isn't a rapid-fire shooter; strategic resource management is key.

Supporting Your Companions

Leveling up grants skill and attribute points impacting combat and dialogue. Remember to invest in your companions' abilities. Strong companions are invaluable in combat, providing support and even healing, significantly increasing your chances of success. Neglecting them can lead to frustrating setbacks.

Gear Enhancement

Gather resources to upgrade weapons and gear at the crafting station in your camp. Focus upgrades on gear you intend to use for a longer duration; early-game weapon changes make early investment less impactful. Upgrades enhance attack power, critical hit chance, and damage resistance.

Embrace the Journey

Avowed encourages immersion. Whether you focus on the main story or explore every side quest, the game allows for personalized experiences. Create your own narrative, explore the Living Lands at your own pace, and enjoy the journey.

Avowed is currently available on PC and Xbox.