Avowed: A Deep Dive into the Upcoming Fantasy RPG from Obsidian Entertainment

Obsidian Entertainment, the powerhouse behind some of the most beloved RPGs like Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds, is back with a brand-new open-world action role-playing game: Avowed. Set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, Avowed promises to deliver a deep, immersive experience with a rich fantasy world, intriguing characters, and a story full of mystery, political intrigue, and adventure. As anticipation builds for its February 2025 release, let's take a closer look at what players can expect from this thrilling new RPG.

Setting the Stage: A World of Magic and Mystery

Avowed takes place in the Eora universe, the same setting as Pillars of Eternity, specifically in a region called the "Living Lands". This lush and expansive world is brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and political intrigue, making it a fascinating place to explore. Players will traverse a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to arid deserts, each filled with secrets to uncover.

One of the game's most compelling features is the richly detailed world-building. The setting is not just a backdrop for adventure, but a living, breathing part of the story. Players will find themselves immersed in the culture, politics, and history of the various factions and regions of Eora, especially as they interact with the characters they meet along the way.

A Unique Protagonist: The Messenger from Aedyr

At the start of Avowed, players will assume the role of a messenger from the distant kingdom of Aedyr, tasked with delivering an important letter to the governor of the port city of Heaven’s Reach (天堂城). The protagonist is a unique character, a mix of human and godly heritage, which grants them special abilities and a deep connection to the world they inhabit. Players will be able to fully customize the protagonist, including their appearance, gender, race, and skills, allowing for a truly personalized adventure.

As the story unfolds, players will find themselves drawn into a dark mystery—an unusual and dangerous plague that spreads across the land. The plague, resembling a fungal infection, causes those who are infected to lose their sanity. This presents a dangerous threat not only to the protagonist’s homeland but to the entire kingdom, setting the stage for an epic quest filled with dangerous encounters and tough decisions.

Combat, Exploration, and Role-Playing

Like many great RPGs, Avowed offers a mix of real-time combat, exploration, and role-playing elements. The real-time battle system encourages players to think on their feet, choosing from a variety of weapons, skills, and magic to defeat enemies. The combat feels fluid and dynamic, with players needing to balance attacking, defending, and evading.

Exploration plays a central role in Avowed, with a vast open world waiting to be explored. From the bustling city of Heaven’s Reach to hidden ruins and dangerous wilderness areas, the game encourages players to seek out secrets, complete quests, and uncover the rich lore of the world. The more players explore, the more they’ll learn about the ancient history and mysteries of Eora.

In terms of role-playing, Avowed shines with its depth. The decisions players make will have significant consequences on the story, relationships with characters, and the world itself. Dialogues with NPCs can lead to branching paths, impacting not just the main storyline but side quests and even the locations you’ll have access to.

Key Characters and Companions

One of the most beloved aspects of Obsidian’s RPGs is their richly developed companion characters, and Avowed is no exception. Players will meet a variety of companions during their journey, each with their own unique personality, backstory, and abilities.

• Kai: An idealistic yet practical Omau soldier from Nuwatai, Kai serves as a steady and reliable companion throughout the adventure. He is a valuable guide, especially when navigating the untamed borders of the Living Lands.

• Edri: A calm and clever elven archer, Edric specializes in ranged combat and reconnaissance. His strategic mind and sharp eyes make him an invaluable ally in combat situations.

• Mila: A lively human mage, Mila is skilled in a variety of powerful spells. Her inquisitive nature and enthusiasm for exploring magical forces make her an ideal companion when delving into the arcane mysteries of the world.

• Soren: A burly dwarf warrior with immense strength and durability, Soren excels in close combat. His bold personality and thirst for battle make him an excellent front-line fighter in any conflict.

• Alyss: A cunning human thief with a knack for stealth and stealing, Alyss is perfect for navigating dangerous areas and handling delicate situations where finesse is required.

Story-Driven Decisions and Multiple Endings

A hallmark of Obsidian’s games is the emphasis on player choice, and Avowed will feature plenty of tough decisions that will shape the narrative. Key moments in the story will have a lasting impact on both the player’s relationships with companions and the fate of the world itself.

At several points, players will be faced with critical decisions that will influence the direction of the plot, such as whether to trust certain characters, which factions to align with, or whether to explore dangerous, forbidden areas. These choices will not only determine the events that unfold but will also lead to multiple possible endings.

Audio-Visual Experience

Avowed utilizes cutting-edge graphical technology to bring the world of Eora to life. The game’s vibrant, detailed environments and character models will immerse players in a visually stunning fantasy world. Coupled with a rich, atmospheric soundtrack and high-quality sound effects, Avowed promises an auditory and visual experience that will pull players deep into its narrative.

Conclusion

With Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment is poised to deliver an expansive and immersive RPG experience that will satisfy both longtime fans of the studio and newcomers alike. Featuring a rich world filled with magic, politics, and ancient secrets, along with a dynamic combat system and complex character-driven story, Avowed is shaping up to be one of the most exciting RPG releases of 2025.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey when Avowed launches on February 18, 2025, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.