Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that will capture the hearts of exploration enthusiasts. It evokes the spirit of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind's magic lay in the adventure hidden everywhere—in every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has brilliantly recreated that sense of discovery in Avowed.
Table of Contents
- The World of Pillars of Eternity
- A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
- Treasures Beneath Every Stone
- Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
- Endless Possibilities and Exploration
Set in the richly detailed world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through gameplay and conversation. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague that’s driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Your character is unique, touched at birth by one of the gods—though which one remains a mystery. This divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear in some.
A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
Your arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful. Your ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards, and you find yourself in Paradise—a port city where the name is both ironic and fitting. High-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and chaos reigns. A classic RPG setup, indeed!
Exploration immediately reveals the joy of discovery. My first foray was into the sea near the port, where I found sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being spotted. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began exploring every corner.
Treasures Beneath Every Stone
One unforgettable moment involved breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I found a treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique history, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets. The surprises never end. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be burned away. Nearby, a nest perched precariously on beams contained coins. A backpack filled with goodies hung from a cliff edge, while below, a weary skeleton basked in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water temporarily froze it, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.
Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. While scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. I also helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, only to discover it boosted my health regeneration—a valuable item I kept for myself. Another touching encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I battled through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my skills and equipment.
Endless Possibilities and Exploration
In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or repetitive grinding. I explored, experimented with different character builds, and discovered how items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my journey in Avowed is far from over. Ahead lies a path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed delivers an endless sequence of discoveries that remind us why RPGs remain captivating.