Obsidian Entertainment has long been synonymous with crafting deeply immersive worlds and choice-driven narratives, and their latest action RPG, Avowed, is no exception. Set within the beloved universe of Eora, familiar to fans of the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed invites players to a fresh, untamed frontier: the Living Lands. This mysterious island promises not just grand adventures and challenging combat but also a complex web of political intrigue, ancient secrets, and personal discovery.
Released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S on February 18, 2025, and later for PlayStation 5 on February 17, 2026, Avowed quickly garnered generally positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and rich lore. While it may not have met all sales expectations, it has undoubtedly cemented its place as a fascinating new chapter in Eora's history. Join us as we take a deep dive into what makes the Living Lands such a captivating and crucial element of the Avowed experience.
Welcome to the Living Lands: Eora's Untamed Frontier
The Living Lands isn't just a backdrop for adventure; it's a character in itself. This diverse region within the world of Eora beckons with an untamed wilderness that feels both foreign and intrinsically connected to the player. As an island teeming with mysteries and secrets, it's a place where the very land seems to call out for help, hinting at a deeper, almost sentient nature that players will undoubtedly unravel throughout their journey.
Environments within the Living Lands are incredibly varied, ranging from the verdant canopy of lush forests to the harsh, sun-baked expanse of arid deserts. Players will traverse sprawling cave systems, navigate treacherous valleys, and discover unique ecosystems thriving in each corner of this diverse frontier. This geographical variety isn't merely aesthetic; it promises distinct challenges, unique fauna, and environmental storytelling that enriches the lore of Avowed and the broader Eora universe.
Exploring these zones offers a sense of vastness, even if Avowed isn't a fully open-world game. Instead, it features several large, intricately designed explorable zones, each packed with content, secrets, and opportunities for both combat and peaceful interaction. This focused approach allows Obsidian to inject incredible detail and depth into every area, ensuring that every discovery feels meaningful.
The Dream Scourge and the Envoy's Perilous Journey
At the heart of Avowed’s compelling narrative is the mysterious "Dream Scourge," a devastating plague spreading throughout the Living Lands. Players assume the role of an envoy from the distant Aedyr Empire, dispatched to investigate this looming threat. Their journey begins in the bustling port city of Paradis, a melting pot where representatives of the Aedyran Empire clash with the island's native inhabitants, leading to immediate tensions and a complex political landscape.
Upon arrival, the envoy is thrust into a maelstrom of conflict and intrigue. Early interactions reveal the presence of not just the imperial forces and local rebels but also the Steel Garrote, a militant religious order determined to eradicate the chaos plaguing the Living Lands, often with extreme measures. This volatile environment quickly proves deadly for the envoy, who is tragically murdered by Paradis rebels.
However, death is not the end. The envoy is revived by a mysterious deity, who offers a second chance at life in exchange for their help in destroying the Dream Scourge. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the player's overarching quest and immediately presents them with profound choices. Do you seek revenge for your murder, trying to uncover the true source of the Dream Scourge? Or do you attempt to mediate between the warring factions in Paradis, siding with the Empire, the rebels, or even the Steel Garrote in an effort to bring stability to the troubled island?
These initial decisions are far from trivial. Like in Obsidian’s previous titles such as The Outer Worlds, Avowed's Narrative Choices: Factions, Fate, and the Dream Scourge are central to the experience, shaping not only the immediate storyline but also influencing how companions interact with you and assist in combat and questing. The path forward will eventually lead players beyond Paradis to regions like the Emerald Stair, known for producing most of the Living Lands' food, but also embroiled in its own set of controversies.
Exploring Avowed's Dynamic Landscapes and Engrossing Gameplay
Beyond the narrative, Avowed offers a rich gameplay experience that blends traditional RPG elements with dynamic action. While exploring the Living Lands, players will engage in combat using a versatile arsenal that includes magic, melee weapons, and firearms. The game allows for both first-person and third-person perspectives, catering to different playstyles and preferences.
Combat shines with its fluid system that encourages creative combinations. Imagine freezing an enemy mid-charge with a powerful spell, then shattering them with a crushing melee strike. Players can quickly switch between various combat setups on the fly, whether dual-wielding pistols for ranged superiority, cleaving foes with a two-handed axe, or balancing offense and defense with a sword or gun paired with a shield. Deep skill trees allow for unlocking new abilities, further customizing your combat approach, while individual weapon upgrades ensure your gear keeps pace with increasingly dangerous threats. For a more detailed look into the mechanics, check out Avowed's Dynamic Combat: Spell Combos, Weapons, and Skill Trees.
Interacting with the diverse non-player characters (NPCs) is another cornerstone of the experience. Dialogue choices are key, allowing players to shape their character's tone—from compassionate to cynical—and directly influence relationships with their companions. While romance isn't an option, the bonds forged with characters like Kai, a coastal aumaua from Rauatai known for his military prowess and preference for speed over heavy armor, will significantly impact your journey and how they support you in battle.
Obsidian has also shown a commitment to player comfort and accessibility. For those who find the giant spiders of Eora a bit too unsettling, a thoughtful option allows players to swap them out for less arachnid-like "floating orbs that wield sword-arms," ensuring a more comfortable adventure for everyone.
Navigating Power Struggles and Unraveling Ancient Secrets
The Living Lands is not merely a place of natural wonder and immediate threats; it is a crucible of competing ideologies and hidden histories. As the envoy, your decisions will echo through the diverse regions, influencing the delicate balance of power between the Aedyr Empire, the native rebels fighting for their homeland, and the Steel Garrote, whose zealotry might bring order at a high cost.
Each faction offers a unique perspective on the Dream Scourge and the future of the island, and your alignment—or refusal to align—will open up different quest lines and reveal new facets of the overarching mystery. Players are encouraged to thoroughly explore dialogue options and consider the long-term consequences of their actions. Will you side with imperial authority, champion the cause of the indigenous people, or perhaps seek a more radical solution with the militant order? The true source of the Dream Scourge, and indeed, the island’s ancient secrets, are often intertwined with these factional allegiances.
Furthermore, the narrative hints at a personal connection the envoy discovers to the Living Lands itself, an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. This personal stake elevates the quest beyond mere investigation, transforming it into a journey of self-discovery and a fight for the very soul of this enigmatic frontier and, perhaps, your own.
Avowed challenges players to not only master combat but also to navigate complex moral dilemmas. Your character’s tone and choices will directly impact how companions perceive you, how certain quests unfold, and ultimately, the fate of the Living Lands. This emphasis on player agency and consequence is a hallmark of Obsidian Entertainment, promising a truly personalized epic.
The Living Lands of Avowed stands as a testament to Obsidian Entertainment's masterful world-building. From its breathtakingly diverse landscapes to its intricate political landscape and a compelling central mystery, this newest frontier in Eora offers a rich tapestry of adventure, danger, and profound choices. Players are not just exploring a new region; they are actively shaping its destiny and uncovering its deep, personal connection to their own journey. As the envoy, you hold the power to uncover ancient secrets, mediate bitter rivalries, and ultimately decide the fate of an island calling out for help. So, steel your resolve, choose your path wisely, and prepare to immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience that is Avowed.