The wait is almost over. Avowed, the highly anticipated first-person RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, launches globally on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X/S and PC. For those eager to dive into the Living Lands ahead of schedule, Premium Edition owners get five days of early access starting February 13 so it’s already available and reviews/comments have been trickling out.
As one of Microsoft’s biggest first-party RPGs in recent years, Avowed has been the subject of immense curiosity. Obsidian, known for Pillars of Eternity, Fallout: New Vegas, and The Outer Worlds, brings their signature narrative depth and player-driven choices to this all-new adventure set in the expansive world of Eora—a realm that has already captured the imaginations of RPG fans.
What to Expect from Avowed’s World and Gameplay
Unlike traditional open-world RPGs that favor sprawling landscapes and endless map markers, Avowed embraces a hub-based world design similar to The Outer Worlds. Players will explore four massive, handcrafted regions, each with its own conflicts, stories, and moral dilemmas.
The Living Lands, where the game is set, are vibrant yet dangerous, featuring warring factions, ancient secrets, and a land brimming with magic. Unlike the structured kingdoms seen in Pillars of Eternity, this untamed frontier allows players to make choices that truly shape the world around them.
Combat is a fast-paced mix of melee, magic, and ranged weaponry, with a variety of weapon-switching mechanics that allow for fluid playstyles. Whether you prefer slinging fireballs, wielding enchanted blades, or combining magic with swordplay, Avowed gives players the freedom to experiment.
Early Reviews Are In—What Critics Are Saying
As early access begins, reviews are rolling in, and the general consensus is highly positive. The game currently holds an 83 average score on OpenCritic, with 88% of critics recommending it.
Here’s a look at what reviewers are saying:
- “A must-play RPG with excellent storytelling and fluid combat” – But Why Tho? (9.5/10)
- “Obsidian at its best, crafting a vibrant world with engaging choices” – Checkpoint Gaming (9.5/10)
- “A strong RPG that doesn’t reinvent the genre but delivers a compelling experience” – Digital Spy (4/5)
- “Its focus on action and player agency makes for a breezy, well-paced RPG” – Console-Tribe (88/100)
- “Satisfying combat and an immersive world, though side content could be deeper” – Gaming Nexus (8/10)
While most critics praise its storytelling, world-building, and combat, some have noted a lack of enemy variety and occasional technical hiccups. However, these seem to be minor flaws in an otherwise well-crafted RPG experience.
How Avowed Stands Out in the RPG Landscape
In a gaming world still buzzing from the massive success of Baldur’s Gate 3, many wondered whether Avowed could live up to the hype. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it excels at what Obsidian does best—delivering a richly written, choice-driven RPG that balances compelling storytelling with action-packed gameplay.
Unlike The Elder Scrolls series, where players are often left to wander aimlessly, Avowed provides a more focused narrative with impactful decision-making. Your choices affect faction alliances, relationships with companions, and even the fate of entire regions—ensuring a dynamic and reactive RPG experience.
Final Thoughts—Is Avowed Worth Your Time?
If you’re a fan of deep role-playing, immersive world-building, and meaningful player choices, Avowed is shaping up to be one of the biggest RPGs of 2025. While it may not shake up the genre, it offers a polished, engaging adventure that fans of Obsidian’s past work will love.
For those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, Avowed will be available on day one, making it an easy recommendation. Whether you start your journey on February 13 with early access or wait for the full launch on February 18, Avowed promises an adventure worth experiencing.
Key Takeaways
- Premium Edition grants early access starting February 13, while standard release launches February 18, 2025
- Players’ choices influence the story through war, mysteries, and political intrigue in the world of Eora
- First-person fantasy combat combines with deep RPG systems from veteran developer Obsidian Entertainment
Gameplay and Features
Avowed brings together deep character customization, dynamic companion relationships, and a fluid combat system that blends magic with traditional weaponry in a rich fantasy setting.
The World of Eora
Players explore detailed regions across the Living Lands, each with distinct environments and challenges. The areas feature dense settlements, ancient ruins, and wilderness paths filled with secrets to uncover.
Obsidian has created focused, handcrafted zones that emphasize quality over quantity. Each location connects meaningfully to the main narrative and side quests.
The game introduces a mix of familiar and new elements from the Pillars of Eternity universe. Players can expect to encounter unique flora, fauna, and magical phenomena specific to this unexplored region of Eora.
Character and Companion Dynamics
Character creation offers extensive options for building unique heroes. Players can mix different combat styles and abilities to create specialized builds.
The companion system features NPCs with distinct personalities and combat roles. Each companion has personal questlines that evolve based on player choices and actions.
Relationships with companions affect both story outcomes and tactical options in combat. Players can customize companion equipment and abilities to complement their playstyle.
Combat Mechanisms
The first-person combat system combines swordplay, gunplay, and spellcasting. Players can dual-wield different weapon types, from swords and shields to guns and magical staves.
Combat emphasizes active participation with dodging, blocking, and positioning playing key roles. The spell system features creative combinations of elemental and supernatural effects.
Equipment choices significantly impact fighting style. Players can switch between loadouts to handle different combat situations effectively.
A skill-based progression system lets players specialize in their preferred combat approaches. This includes both active abilities and passive bonuses that enhance combat effectiveness.
Release Information and Availability
Avowed’s launch features multiple purchase options across PC and Xbox platforms, with both standard and premium editions offering different access dates and bonus content. Early access begins February 13, 2025 for premium buyers.
Pricing and Editions
The Standard Edition costs $69.99 and releases February 18, 2025. Players can begin their adventure at 10 AM PST/1 PM EST on launch day.
The Premium Edition grants 5-day early access starting February 13, 2025 at 10 AM PST. This edition includes exclusive bonuses like a digital artbook.
Pre-orders are now available through the Microsoft Store and Steam for both editions.
Platform Compatibility
Avowed releases simultaneously on PC and Xbox Series X|S. The game requires Windows 10 or newer for PC players.
Players can pre-load the game before release to start playing immediately at launch.
Full system requirements and download size details will be announced closer to release.
Subscription Services
Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers can play the Standard Edition on day one – February 18, 2025.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members get access on both PC and Xbox Series X|S platforms.
Game Pass subscribers must wait for the standard release date, as early access is exclusive to Premium Edition purchases.
The game will be permanently available in the Game Pass library after release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avowed’s release brings specific platform availability, download options, and gameplay features for players to explore, with early access starting February 13, 2025.
What are the system requirements for Avowed on its release date?
System requirements for Avowed have not been officially announced by Obsidian Entertainment.
PC players should expect requirements similar to other recent Unreal Engine games.
Will Avowed be available on console platforms such as Nintendo Switch upon release?
Avowed will launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC platforms.
The game will not be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or previous generation consoles.
What features can players expect from Avowed when it launches?
The game features a focused, non-open world design with deep combat mechanics.
Premium Edition owners receive bonus content including skin packs and a digital artbook.
How can players download Avowed upon its release?
PC players can download Avowed through Steam or the Microsoft Store.
Xbox Series X|S users can access the game through the Xbox digital store.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers get immediate access on launch day.
What are the critics’ reviews saying about Avowed?
No critic reviews are available as the game has not released yet.
Professional reviews will start appearing closer to the February 18 launch date.
Are there any pre-release walkthroughs available for Avowed?
No official gameplay walkthroughs have been released.
Limited gameplay footage and developer commentary videos showcase some game mechanics and environments.
