Oh, look, another Xbox exclusive is destined to be less of a game and more of a talking point for console war die-hards. Some will use it as proof that “Xbox is dying” because Microsoft finally realized they can make more money by embracing Game Pass and selling games on PlayStation for $70. Others will demand it stay exclusive just to justify owning a black rectangle under their TV. But enough about the discourse—let’s talk about the game itself. However, after playing Avowed, I can say it’s actually quite good. It’s not a system seller, but it’s a solid blend of classic RPG elements and modern design. This is Obsidian we’re talking about, the same studio behind Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, so it’s no surprise that Avowed has strong writing, solid world-building, and a deep, reactive quest structure.
Avowed takes place in the world of Pillars of Eternity, specifically in the Living Lands—a mysterious and lawless frontier full of warring factions, supernatural mysteries, and ancient ruins hiding dangerous secrets. While it shares lore with Pillars, you don’t need to have played those games to understand what’s going on. Obsidian does a great job introducing players to the setting without overwhelming them with exposition dumps. The story revolves around your character, an envoy from Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a growing supernatural threat. Of course, things don’t go as planned, and soon, you’re caught up in the struggles of the region, choosing sides between different factions and deciding whether you want to be a force for order, chaos, or something in between. It’s classic Obsidian—choices matter, and the way you handle situations affects not just your reputation but how the world reacts to you. What I really appreciate about Avowed is its approach to moral choices. There’s no obvious “good” or “evil” option—just different perspectives, each with their own shades of gray. One faction might seem noble on the surface, but dig deeper, and you’ll find skeletons in their closet. Another might appear ruthless, but they have their reasons. These kinds of dilemmas make every decision feel weighty and personal.
The story revolves around your character, an envoy from Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a growing supernatural threat. Of course, things don’t go as planned, and soon, you’re caught up in the struggles of the region, choosing sides between different factions and deciding whether you want to be a force for order, chaos, or something in between. It’s classic Obsidian—choices matter, and the way you handle situations affects not just your reputation but how the world reacts to you. What I really appreciate about Avowed is its approach to moral choices. There’s no obvious “good” or “evil” option—just different perspectives, each with their own shades of gray. One faction might seem noble on the surface, but dig deeper, and you’ll find skeletons in their closet. Another might appear ruthless, but they have their reasons. These kinds of dilemmas make every decision feel weighty and personal.
Avowed strikes a good balance between guided storytelling and player freedom. While it’s not as open-ended as The Elder Scrolls, it still encourages exploration. The Living Lands are full of hidden caves, abandoned ruins, and weird supernatural phenomena. There’s always something to discover, and the game rewards curiosity. Side quests aren’t just filler—they often tie into the world’s lore and provide meaningful choices that impact the main story. One of my favorite aspects is how quests react to your play style. If you’re playing as a charismatic diplomat, you can talk your way out of fights. If you’re a sneaky rogue, you can bypass entire encounters by finding hidden paths. If you’re a brute, you can just smash your way through problems. This level of player agency makes the game feel personal rather than just a series of linear objectives.
Visually, Avowed is a mixed bag. On one hand, the art direction is fantastic—the Living Lands feel alive, with vibrant colors, unique architecture, and detailed character designs. On the other hand, the technical side of things isn’t always the strongest. Textures can be a little rough, character animations sometimes feel stiff, and there are occasional bugs (because it wouldn’t be an Obsidian game without a few janky moments).
Avowed is a strong RPG that deserves to be judged on its own merits rather than as part of the never-ending console war debate. It’s not a revolutionary game, but it doesn’t need to be. It delivers a well-crafted world, engaging combat, and meaningful choices—all hallmarks of a great Obsidian experience. It won’t replace The Elder Scrolls or Baldur’s Gate 3, but it doesn’t have to. Instead, it carves out its own niche, offering an experience that blends classic RPG sensibilities with modern design. If you’re looking for a deep, choice-driven RPG with strong storytelling, Avowed is well worth your time.
Score: 8 out of 10
Reviewed on Xbox Series X