*Avowed* has just hit the shelves, and Obsidian’s latest offering is a treat for RPG aficionados while remaining welcoming to those new to the genre. Diving into RPGs can be daunting, but fear not—here are some tips to help you navigate *Avowed* with ease.
Know the Basics
Like many RPGs, *Avowed* rewards you with XP for completing quests, vanquishing foes, exploring new areas, and more. As you accumulate XP, you'll level up, earning attribute and ability points to customize your character. Whether you envision your avatar as a formidable warrior or a potent wizard, the choice is yours.
Your chosen attributes will define your character's strengths. Personally, I gravitate towards the scholar class due to my love for lore, but *Avowed* encourages you to experiment. The game's beginner-friendly design allows you to reassign your points if your initial build isn't working out, making it easier to find your perfect playstyle.
Explore Avowed’s World
While *Avowed* doesn't feature a fully open world, it offers ample freedom beyond linear progression. While the main storyline beckons with clear objectives, don't be afraid to stray off the beaten path. RPGs like *Avowed* thrive on exploration, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the game's world.
Venturing into uncharted territories can yield valuable loot and resources. Side quests are plentiful and often provide easy XP. Delving into the lore through books and notes enriches your understanding of the game's narrative, a hallmark of Obsidian's storytelling prowess. Treasure maps hidden throughout the world can lead to special gear or heaps of coins, which are crucial for upgrading your arsenal.
By exploring extensively, you'll amass gold, enabling you to acquire better weapons and gear swiftly. This preparation is vital for tackling formidable foes, so take your time and ensure you're well-equipped before rushing through the story.
Stock Up On Health and Essence Potions
Early combat in *Avowed* can be challenging for newcomers. Balancing physical and essence attacks while keeping an eye on your health and essence bars is key. Stock up on health and essence potions, easily identifiable by their bright red and pink hues, respectively. These can be found scattered across the world or purchased from vendors in cities.
Use potions judiciously; if your health is only slightly depleted, opt for food items you've collected. Some foods and herbs can counteract negative effects like poison, so save them for when you truly need them. Reserve health potions for when your health is critically low, unlike in games like *Call of Duty* where you might reload after every encounter.
Give Your Companions Some Love
As you level up, you'll gain skill and attribute points to enhance your combat prowess and dialogue options. However, don't overlook your companions. Neglecting their upgrades can lead to frustrating restarts after tough battles.
Your companions are invaluable in combat, offering support and even healing capabilities. Keeping them strong ensures they can handle enemy swarms, making your journey through *Avowed* smoother and more enjoyable.
Upgrade Your Gear
As you traverse the map, you'll gather resources that can be used to upgrade your weapons and gear. At your camp, you'll find a station to the left upon entering where you can enhance your equipment.
Early on, you might switch weapons frequently, so be strategic about where you invest your resources. Upgrading gear, especially items you plan to use long-term, can significantly boost your attack power, critical hit chance, and damage resistance, among other benefits.
Have Fun and Play Your Way
The essence of RPGs like *Avowed* lies in losing yourself in another world. Whether you focus solely on the main storyline or dive into every side quest, the game accommodates your playstyle. *Avowed* is about crafting your own narrative in the Living Lands, so enjoy the journey on your terms.
And there you have it—a beginner's guide to *Avowed*. Dive in and let the adventure begin!
*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*
