Avowed Review: Obsidian's RPG Epic Is Here — And It Delivered

What Is Avowed?

Avowed is a first-person action-RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, specifically in the Living Lands — a region on the edge of the known world where ancient god-like powers lie dormant and a mysterious plague called the Dream Scourge is rewriting reality. You play as a Godlike emissary sent by Aedyran Emperor Perid III to investigate and contain the crisis.

You don't need to have played Pillars of Eternity to enjoy Avowed. The game handles its world-building through environmental storytelling, companion conversations, and well-written lore codex entries that feel rewarding rather than compulsory. Veterans of the PoE series will find rich callbacks; newcomers will find a coherent and gripping world.

How Does Avowed's Combat Work?

Avowed's combat is a deliberate hybrid. Your left hand and right hand can equip independently — a sword and a grimoire, two pistols, a shield and a wand, or any combination you choose. Spells are cast in real time with cooldowns rather than per-rest charges, giving fights a rhythm closer to an action game than a traditional CRPG.

The most satisfying builds lean into elemental synergies. Freezing an enemy with Ice Blast then shattering them with a Shield Bash deals enormous bonus damage. Setting an enemy on fire before switching to a fire-damage weapon extends the burn. The system rewards experimentation and punishes passivity.

The Writing: Where Obsidian Truly Shines

Obsidian's writing team has delivered four companions who rank among the best in the studio's history. Kai, the washed-up soldier with a drinking problem and a heart of gold. Giatta, the Animancer scholar wrestling with questions of consciousness and mortality. Marius, the Aedyran ranger whose loyalty to empire is tested at every turn. And Yatzli, the chaotic enchanter who provides most of the game's genuine comedy.

The main quest handles moral ambiguity with the nuance the studio is known for. There is no obviously correct answer to the Living Lands crisis. Every faction has legitimate grievances. Multiple endings feel earned rather than arbitrary based on a single final choice. This is Obsidian doing what Obsidian does best.

Technical Performance in 2026

Avowed launched in February 2025 on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Game Pass. The April 2026 Definitive Edition update delivered a substantial visual overhaul, adding volumetric fog, improved NPC pathfinding, and a 40fps Quality mode for console players. On PC with an RTX 5070, Avowed runs at a smooth 90+ fps at 1440p with all settings maxed.