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Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming first-person RPG, Avowed, is scheduled for release on February 18, 2025. The game will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms, including Windows, Steam, and Battle.net. Avowed is set in the world of Eora, which is the same universe as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series, providing players with a new perspective on this rich fantasy setting.

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While Avowed is highly anticipated in the 2025 video game release calendar, it will not be an open-world game due to concerns about pacing. Developers have stated that managing player experiences in an open-world environment can be challenging, as it’s difficult to track where players are and what they are doing at any given time.

Players can expect a combination of magic and firearms in Avowed‘s gameplay. Obsidian Entertainment is known for creating detailed and immersive worlds, as demonstrated in their previous titles like The Outer Worlds and Grounded. This expertise indicates that Avowed will feature a deep and engaging fantasy environment for players to explore.

Pre-orders for Avowed are now open, and the game will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass on release day. A Premium Edition will also be available, offering early access and additional content for dedicated fans who wish to experience the Living Lands of Eora before the official launch.

You can also pick up the game for Xbox on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40CUGqA

Or for PC on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457220/Avowed/

Avowed’s Focused Scope: Why It Could Be a Strength

The Shift Away From Open World

Initially, Avowed was planned as a massive open-world game. However, Obsidian Entertainment has since adjusted its approach. The game will still feature large, explorable zones, but it won’t be a fully seamless open world. This change might seem like a downgrade to some, but it could actually be a smart move. Open-world games can sometimes suffer from bloated content and a lack of focus. By narrowing the scope, Obsidian can concentrate on crafting a more compelling narrative and richer character development. This approach aligns with Obsidian’s strengths, as they are known for their engaging stories and memorable characters, as seen in games like Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds.

Focus on Story and Characters

Avowed’s more focused structure allows Obsidian to dedicate more resources to what they do best: creating compelling narratives and building meaningful character relationships. The game’s story revolves around a mysterious plague called the “Dream Scourge” and the player’s role as an envoy investigating its origins. Companion characters will play a vital role, each with their own backstories, motivations, and questlines. This emphasis on narrative and character development could make Avowed a more memorable and impactful experience than a sprawling, but less focused, open-world game.

Combat and Gameplay Mechanics

Avowed features first-person combat, with the option to switch to a third-person perspective. Players can wield a variety of weapons, including swords, guns, and magic. Combining these different combat styles will be key to success. The game also includes a range of spells and abilities, allowing players to customize their playstyle. While the shift away from a full open world might mean less overall exploration, it could also lead to more polished and refined gameplay mechanics within the areas that are available.

Comparison with Other Obsidian Games

Obsidian’s previous titles offer some clues about what to expect from Avowed. Pillars of Eternity showcased their ability to craft rich and detailed worlds with deep lore. The Outer Worlds demonstrated their talent for creating engaging characters and branching narratives. Avowed appears to be combining these elements, taking place in the familiar Eora setting of Pillars of Eternity but with a greater emphasis on action and first-person combat, similar to The Outer Worlds.

Avowed vs. Other RPGs

The RPG market is crowded with open-world giants. By focusing on a tighter, more narrative-driven experience, Avowed could carve out its own niche. Games like The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring offer vast open worlds, but their sheer size can sometimes be overwhelming. Avowed’s more focused approach could offer a more manageable and intimate experience, allowing players to become more invested in the story and characters.

Feature	Avowed	Typical Open-World RPG
World Structure	Large zones, not fully open world	Seamless, fully open world
Focus	Narrative, characters, refined combat	Exploration, breadth of content
Pacing	Potentially more focused and directed	Potentially more sprawling and less directed

The Living Lands: A New Region of Eora

Avowed takes place in the Living Lands, a new region of the Eora setting familiar to fans of Pillars of Eternity. This new locale gives Obsidian the opportunity to expand upon existing lore and introduce fresh stories and characters. While connected to the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed is designed to be accessible to new players, so prior knowledge of those games isn’t required.

Looking Ahead

Avowed’s release on Xbox Series X/S and PC, including day one availability on Game Pass, positions it for a wide audience. Its performance will be a key indicator of Obsidian’s continued success and could influence the direction of future projects. While no sequels or spin-offs have been announced, the rich world of Eora offers ample opportunities for future stories.

The Importance of Scope in RPGs

Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. In the world of RPGs, a focused scope can be a powerful tool. By concentrating on narrative, character development, and refined gameplay, Avowed has the potential to deliver a more impactful and memorable experience. It demonstrates that a game doesn’t need a massive open world to be a great RPG.

The Appeal of First-Person RPGs

Avowed’s first-person perspective is a key part of its identity. This viewpoint can create a more immersive experience, drawing players deeper into the game world and allowing them to connect more closely with their character. First-person RPGs have a long and storied history, with games like The Elder Scrolls series and Deus Ex setting the standard for immersive storytelling and player agency. Avowed aims to build on this legacy, offering a fresh take on the first-person RPG genre. While some players may prefer the tactical overview of a third-person perspective, the first-person view can enhance the sense of presence and make combat feel more visceral. It’s a design choice that can significantly impact the player’s experience, and in the case of Avowed, it seems to be a deliberate move to create a more intimate and engaging adventure.

Game Overview

Avowed is an upcoming fantasy RPG set in the world of Eora. It combines magic and firearms in a first-person perspective, offering players a unique blend of combat and exploration.

Setting and Lore

Avowed takes place in the Living Lands, a frontier region of the Eora universe. This area is known for its untamed wilderness and dangerous creatures. Players will navigate through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to ancient ruins.

The game’s story revolves around the Aedyr Empire’s attempts to colonize the Living Lands. Political intrigue and cultural conflicts play a significant role in the narrative. Players will encounter various factions and make choices that impact the game world.

Obsidian Entertainment, known for their rich storytelling, has crafted a deep lore for Avowed. The game builds upon the established history and mythology of the Pillars of Eternity series.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Avowed features a first-person combat system that blends magic and traditional weaponry. Players can wield swords, bows, and guns alongside powerful spells. The dual-wielding mechanic allows for creative combinations of weapons and magic.

Character customization is a key aspect of Avowed. Players can choose from various classes and skill trees to create a unique playstyle. The game emphasizes player choice, with dialogue options and quest decisions impacting the story and world.

Exploration plays a crucial role in Avowed. The game world is filled with secrets to uncover and side quests to complete. Players can interact with NPCs, collect resources, and solve puzzles throughout their journey.

Development and Release

Obsidian Entertainment is developing Avowed using Unreal Engine 5. This advanced game engine allows for stunning visuals and improved performance on next-gen consoles and PC.

The game’s release date is set for February 18, 2025. It will be available on PC and Xbox Series X|S. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to Avowed on day one.

A Premium Edition of Avowed offers early access starting February 13, 2025. This version includes bonus content such as premium skin packs and a digital artbook.

Obsidian has been releasing regular updates about the game’s development. Trailers and gameplay footage have showcased the combat system and the game’s visual style.

Availability and Editions

Avowed offers multiple purchasing options and special editions with unique content. Players can choose from various platforms and bundles to suit their preferences.

Purchasing Options

Avowed will release on February 18, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Players can buy the game through the Xbox app, Battle.net, Steam, and the Microsoft Store. Pre-orders are available now. Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers can play Avowed on day one at no extra cost.

PC gamers have several digital storefronts to choose from. Xbox Series X|S owners can purchase a physical copy or download it from the Microsoft Store.

Special Editions

Avowed comes in Standard and Premium Editions. The Standard Edition includes the base game. The Premium Edition offers extra perks:

• Up to 5 days early access (starting February 13, 2025)
• Two premium skin packs
• Digital artbook and soundtrack

Physical copies may include a steelbook case, depending on the retailer. Collectors can look for special bundles like the Eora Collection Set or Obsidian Collection Set.

Additional Content

The Premium Edition’s skin packs add cosmetic options for characters and equipment. The digital artbook showcases concept art and designs from Avowed’s development. Players can enjoy the game’s soundtrack separately with the included audio files.

A map of The Living Lands might be available as a pre-order bonus or in collector’s editions. Obsidian may release more downloadable content after launch to expand the game world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy RPG, has generated significant interest among gamers. Players have questions about its platforms, gameplay, and features.

What platforms is Avowed available on?

Avowed will launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S. The game is not planned for release on PlayStation or Nintendo consoles.

How does Avowed gameplay differ from prior Obsidian Entertainment titles?

Avowed introduces first-person combat with a mix of magic and firearms. This marks a departure from Obsidian’s isometric RPGs like Pillars of Eternity.

The game blends spell-casting and physical combat in a fantasy setting. Players can expect a more action-oriented experience compared to some of Obsidian’s previous titles.

Will Avowed be included with Xbox Game Pass at launch?

Yes, Avowed will be available on Xbox Game Pass on its release date. This aligns with Microsoft’s strategy for first-party titles.

Game Pass subscribers can play Avowed without additional purchase on February 18, 2025. This applies to both Xbox consoles and PC.

Can you describe the special editions, if any, that are available for Avowed?

Avowed offers a Premium Edition for pre-order. This edition grants 5 days of early access starting February 13, 2025.

Full details about additional content or bonuses in the Premium Edition have not been revealed. More information is expected closer to launch.

What are the key features and setting of Avowed?

Avowed takes place in the Living Lands, a region in the world of Eora. This setting was first introduced in Pillars of Eternity.

The game features a blend of magic and physical combat in a first-person perspective. Players will explore a fantasy world with firearms and spells at their disposal.

Obsidian promises a detailed, immersive setting. The studio’s reputation for rich world-building suggests a deep narrative experience.

What reasons were given for any delays in Avowed’s release?

No official delays for Avowed have been announced. The February 18, 2025 release date appears to be the original target.

Obsidian has not publicly discussed any development challenges or reasons for choosing this specific release window.