Avowed: Obsidian’s Ambitious RPG Set to Redefine Fantasy Gaming in 2025

Introduction

Avowed, the forthcoming action role-playing game from Obsidian Entertainment, is set to launch on February 18, 2025, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms. As a first-party title under Xbox Game Studios, Avowed will also be accessible to Xbox Game Pass subscribers upon release.

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Setting and Narrative

Avowed is set in the expansive world of Eora, previously explored in Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series. The game specifically takes place in the Living Lands, a region characterized by diverse environments, including lush forests, arid deserts, and expansive caves. Players assume the role of an envoy from the Aedyr Empire, dispatched to investigate a mysterious affliction known as the "Dream Scourge."

Avowed is set in the expansive world of Eora, previously explored in Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity series.

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Gameplay Mechanics

Designed as an action RPG, Avowed offers both first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing players to tailor their experience. The game features a classless system, enabling players to freely combine abilities from various skill trees. Combat is versatile, incorporating melee weapons, magic, and firearms. Players can dual-wield weapons, such as pairing a sword with a pistol or using dual wands for spellcasting. The ability to switch between multiple setups, like a two-handed axe or a sword and shield combination, adds depth to combat strategies. The game emphasizes exploration within large open zones rather than a fully open world. This design choice allows for focused storytelling and character development, areas where Obsidian has historically excelled.

Designed as an action RPG, Avowed offers both first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing players to tailor their experience.

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Companions and Story Integration

Companions play a significant role in Avowed, being deeply integrated into the narrative. Players can journey with two companions at a time, each possessing unique personalities and combat skills. While the game does not feature romance options, player choices will influence relationships with companions, affecting both the storyline and interactions.

Players can journey with two companions at a time, each possessing unique personalities and combat skills.

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Development Background

Following its acquisition by Microsoft in 2018, Obsidian Entertainment embarked on developing Avowed as its first major project under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. Initially envisioned as a sprawling open-world experience akin to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the game's scope was later refined to focus on more confined, story-rich environments, aligning with Obsidian's strengths in narrative and character development.

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Anticipation and Expectations

As the release date approaches, Avowed has garnered significant attention within the gaming community. Its blend of rich storytelling, flexible combat systems, and the immersive world of Eora positions it as a highly anticipated title for RPG enthusiasts. With Obsidian's track record of delivering compelling narratives and engaging gameplay, expectations are high for Avowed to make a notable impact in the gaming landscape of 2025.