Avowed: A Beginner's Guide

Embark on your *Avowed* adventure with these tips, designed to make Obsidian's latest RPG enjoyable for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. RPGs can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you'll be conquering the Living Lands in no time.

RPG Basics: Leveling Up and Character Building

*Avowed*, like many RPGs, rewards exploration and combat. Earn XP by completing quests, vanquishing foes, and uncovering hidden areas. This XP fuels your character's growth, granting attribute and ability points to shape your hero. Craft a mighty warrior, a powerful mage, or something entirely unique—the choice is yours. Attributes determine your character's strengths; experiment and find what suits your playstyle. Don't worry about making mistakes; *Avowed* lets you respec your points, offering unparalleled flexibility for beginners.

Explore the World of Avowed

*Avowed*'s world blends linear story progression with ample opportunities for exploration. While following the main quest is tempting, resist the urge to rush. Delve into buildings, caves, and hidden areas to uncover valuable loot, resources, and a wealth of side quests—some offering easy XP boosts. Discover lore through books and notes, enriching your understanding of the game's captivating narrative. Seek out treasure maps for unique gear and gold. Thorough exploration not only enhances the experience but also provides the gold needed to acquire superior weapons and gear, making combat significantly easier, especially against challenging bosses. Taking your time will pay off handsomely.

Mastering Potions and Resources

Early combat in *Avowed* can be challenging. Manage your health and essence carefully, utilizing health and essence potions strategically. These readily available items, easily identifiable by their bright red (health) and pink (essence) glow, are found throughout the world and sold by vendors. However, conserve your health potions; use food and herbs to restore minor health losses, saving potions for dire situations. Remember, this isn't *Call of Duty*; replenishing health isn't instantaneous.

Supporting Your Companions

As you level up, don't forget your companions! Upgrading their abilities is crucial for success. Strong companions provide invaluable support in combat, including healing capabilities. Neglecting them will leave you vulnerable and significantly increase the difficulty.

Gear Upgrades: Enhancing Your Arsenal

Gather resources as you explore to upgrade your weapons and gear at the crafting station in your camp (located to the left upon entering). While early-game weapon swapping is common, focus your resources on gear you intend to use for a longer period. Upgrades significantly boost attack power, critical chance, and defense, making a substantial difference in combat.

Embrace the Journey: Play Your Way

Ultimately, *Avowed* is about your journey. Whether you focus on the main quest or explore every nook and cranny, the game adapts to your playstyle. Create your own story, conquer the Living Lands, and most importantly, have fun.

Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.