Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that will capture the hearts of exploration enthusiasts. It evokes the spirit of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind promised adventure everywhere – in every rock, bush, mountain, even the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has brilliantly recreated 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 Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed immerses players in a richly detailed world without requiring prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental storytelling.

You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious 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 peculiar 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 maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), you find chaos reigns: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray. A classic RPG setup, perfectly executed.

Exploration immediately reveals the game's joy. My first act? Diving into the sea near the port, discovering sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, a stumble into a smugglers' camp, some eavesdropping, a near-miss, and then back to the port to accept quests and explore every nook and cranny.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight: breaking into a locked house, looting it, then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the glowing mushrooms revealed new paths and secrets. The surprises are everywhere. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (burn them away!), coins in a nest perched precariously on beams, a backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff, and a sun-bathing skeleton below. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water freezes it, allowing access to submerged loot!

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are constant. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing scenarios. I broke into a shack in the slums and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (and kept it – it boosted health regeneration!). I found two lovers who died together, a trail leading to a reptilian camp and a giant boss fight.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures *without* focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. I explored, experimented with builds, and discovered item interactions. Shield and staff? Heavy armor and melee? Each choice opened new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. Avowed delivers an endless sequence of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs remain captivating.