Avowed isn't revolutionary, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure; Avowed successfully recreates that sense of discovery.

Table of Contents

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

Set in the rich world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues. You play an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. Your character is unique, touched at birth by a god—though which one remains a mystery. This divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Your arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; your ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting—you find chaos reigns: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray. A classic RPG setup, executed perfectly.

Exploration immediately reveals the game's joy. My first act was diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, I stumbled upon smugglers, eavesdropped on their plans, and made a daring escape. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and began exploring every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare boots with a unique history, and stunning views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets. This is just a taste of what awaits.

Surprises are everywhere. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers, a coin-filled nest perched precariously on beams, a backpack hanging off a cliff, a sun-bleached skeleton… even throwing an ice grenade into the water freezes it, allowing access to submerged loot. The level of detail is astonishing.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear unexpectedly—on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills—leading to quests, rare items, and compelling narratives. I stumbled upon a blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries, helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring (which boosted my health regeneration!), and discovered a tragic tale of lovers who died together near a lift leading to a northern outpost guarded by soldiers examining a dead smuggler. This led to a fight through a reptilian camp and a battle with a giant, testing my skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without even touching the main quest. I focused on exploration, experimentation, and discovering item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, every choice opened new possibilities. With so much left unexplored, my journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed is a testament to why RPGs remain captivating.