A year after its initial release, Avowed has received its most extensive update to date, coinciding with its debut on PlayStation 5. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the update introduces a range of new features and quality-of-life improvements that expand both the gameplay and customization options available to players. According to Gameplay Director Gabriel Paramo, the update caps the studio’s post-launch roadmap, incorporating community feedback alongside several additions designed to enhance the overall experience.
Expanded Character Creation Options
One of the most significant changes in the anniversary update is the addition of three new playable races. Players can now select Dwarves, Orlans, or Aumaua in addition to the existing human and elf options when creating their envoy. These new choices allow for greater customization, influencing both appearance and gameplay through unique attributes and godlike visual variants. For players already deep into their journey, a new Magic Mirror feature at the Party Camp enables changing race or appearance mid-playthrough without restarting. Presets have also been added, offering a quick way to update a character’s look while maintaining previously unlocked abilities.
New Game+ Mode Offers Extended Progression
Avowed’s New Game+ mode lets players revisit the Living Lands with their previously earned abilities, unique weapons, armor, and enchantments carried over from a completed playthrough. Enemies are scaled up in difficulty to maintain challenge, but players benefit from an increased attribute cap, allowing further development of skills like Might, Dexterity, and Constitution. The mode also supports custom difficulty adjustments, giving players control over enemy stats, their own damage output, resource pools, and carrying capacity. This ensures that both returning players and newcomers can tailor the experience to their preferred level of challenge.
Combat, Exploration, and Gameplay Enhancements
The update also introduces a Photo Mode, allowing players to capture their journey and the environments of the Living Lands. A new weapon type, the quarterstaff, expands combat options, particularly for magic-oriented playstyles. Quality-of-life improvements include adjustments to lighting, the ability to skip certain previously unskippable dialogue sequences, and enemy respawn modifications to keep areas active. These changes build on earlier post-launch content that added new abilities, skill tree expansions, accessibility options, and adjustments to enemy behavior, offering a more refined experience across exploration, combat, and story progression.
The Living Lands and Player Experience
Set in the world of Eora, first introduced in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed casts players as an envoy sent to investigate a spreading plague in a mysterious island environment. The Living Lands feature diverse landscapes and ecosystems, with combat combining melee weapons, ranged options, spells, and shields. Companions accompany players, each with distinct abilities and narrative arcs influenced by player choices. Exploration, strategic combat, and decision-making form the core of the gameplay experience, providing multiple ways to engage with the world.
Platform Availability and Editions
The anniversary update coincides with the game’s launch on PlayStation 5, joining existing platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and handheld devices supporting Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud. The Standard Edition is priced at $49.99, while the Premium Edition, costing $59.99, includes early access, cosmetic packs, and a digital artbook with soundtrack. As an Xbox Play Anywhere title, the game supports cross-platform play, allowing progression to continue across supported devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the Avowed anniversary update released?
The anniversary update went live one year after Avowed’s initial launch, adding new features and gameplay improvements.
Which new races are available in Avowed?
The update adds three new playable races: Dwarves, Orlans, and Aumaua, in addition to humans and elves.
What does New Game+ offer in Avowed?
New Game+ allows players to carry over abilities, unique weapons, armor, and enchantments from a completed playthrough while facing tougher enemies and having an increased attribute cap.
Can I change my character’s race after starting the game?
Yes, the Magic Mirror feature at the Party Camp allows players to switch races and appearances mid-playthrough without creating a new character.
Is Avowed available on PlayStation 5?
Yes, the anniversary update includes the PlayStation 5 release, featuring all previous updates and content from the past year.
What other features are included in the anniversary update?
The update introduces Photo Mode, a new weapon type (quarterstaff), custom difficulty modifiers, and multiple quality-of-life improvements including enhanced lighting and adjustable dialogue sequences.
Where can I purchase Avowed?
Avowed is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC through Steam and Battle.net, and via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Both Standard and Premium editions are offered, with the Premium edition including additional digital content.
