Celebrating a Year of Avowed: The Epic Anniversary Update
It’s hard to believe that Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s ambitious RPG, has turned a year old. In that relatively short span, the developers have been hard at work, continuously enhancing the game with a host of updates and features, most recently celebrating this anniversary by launching a significant update alongside the release of the PS5 edition.
New Classes and Skills: A Dynamic Gameplay Experience
One of the standout features of this anniversary update is the introduction of new classes. Players can now experience a revamped set of skills and abilities, with particular focus on reinventing the Fighter and Ranger classes. These enhancements allow for more nuanced gameplay strategies, offering players the chance to personalize their combat style further than before. The creativity behind these new mechanics makes character-building an even more thrilling aspect of the game.
Expanding Character Creation: Embracing Diversity
Character creation has taken a significant leap forward with the inclusion of three new playable races: Dwarves, Orlans, and Aumauans. This shift marks a dramatic expansion from the previous choices limited to humans and elves.
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Orlans: These cat-eared beings bring a playful, whimsical element to the game. The most notable Orlan in Avowed is Yatzli, beloved by players for his cheeky humor and innuendo-laden dialogue.
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Aumauans: With their unique design—half-human, half-fish—this race offers a fresh and intriguing perspective on gameplay. Fans of the game will remember Kai, a significant companion character, as an Aumauan.
Each race comes equipped with different starting attributes paired with new background options that provide additional stat boosts, enriching the role-playing experience. This expansion not only diversifies the options for players but also enhances their engagement with the game’s lore and world-building.
The Magic Mirror: Flexibility at Camp
For players who find themselves regretting their initial character choices, the addition of a Magic Mirror in camp is a game-changer. This feature allows players to modify their race or even change godlike features mid-playthrough, ensuring that the experience remains dynamic and tailored to individual preferences.
New Game Plus: Elevating Replayability
The concept of New Game Plus is not new in RPGs, but Avowed adds its own flair to the genre. Players can now restart their journey while retaining all previously acquired weapons, armor, and unlocked abilities—except for godlike ones. In this mode, enemies become sturdier and more formidable, raising the stakes and providing a greater challenge. Additionally, the cap on player’s attributes has been increased from 15 to 30, fostering a deeper engagement with character progression.
Enhanced Gameplay Features: Customization and New Mechanics
The update does not stop there. A new photo mode allows players to capture stunning moments from their adventure, enabling the sharing of epic encounters or breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, new difficulty sliders have been introduced, catering to all types of players, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or someone looking for a more relaxed experience.
The addition of a new quarterstaff weapon class introduces a novel combat mechanic. Described as a “new bludgeoning weapon,” these quarterstaffs will include unique wand-style stun finishers, offering fresh options in combat that can change the way players approach battles.
Full Patch Notes: The Depth of Updates
For those eager to dive into the nitty-gritty details of the recent updates, the complete patch notes are available on the Obsidian website. The extensive list reveals a myriad of enhancements and fixes, showcasing Obsidian’s commitment to refining and enriching the Avowed experience.
The first anniversary of Avowed marks not just the passage of time, but a celebration of continuous improvement and community feedback, ensuring that the game evolves to meet the desires of its passionate player base. Whether you are a returning player or new to Avowed, this latest update promises a richer, more immersive adventure through the stunning world Obsidian has crafted.
