In an engaging chat with MinnMax’s Ben Hanson, Carrie Patel, the game director of Avowed, fielded a staggering 175 questions about the highly-anticipated RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. As we gear up for its release on February 18, 2025, on Xbox Game Pass, the interview brought to light some thrilling details about the game, touching on everything from gameplay mechanics to frame rates and even sneaky cameos. Let me break down the highlights for you.
Avowed Isn’t Your Typical Open-World Game
Patel cleared the air by explaining that Avowed isn’t a fully open-world experience. Instead, it embraces what’s called an "open-zone" approach. So, what’s the difference? Think of open-world games as vast, limitless landscapes you can explore at your own pace, whereas open-zone games navigate through defined areas in a particular order.
For instance, transitioning from Dawnshore to Emerald Stair in Avowed will up the ante with tougher battles, necessitating players to bolster their armor and weaponry. Patel likened the exploration scope to The Outer Worlds and revealed that the largest settlement in Avowed will host around 100 NPCs for players to interact with. Plus, fans of Obsidian’s beloved Pillars of Eternity series can look forward to familiar faces making cameo appearances, since they’re set in the same universe.
Performance and Frame Rates on Xbox
One of the standout confirmations was that Avowed will support up to 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, which is music to the ears of performance enthusiasts. Although only Series X performance was officially discussed, some leaks hinted by Insider Gaming suggest that those on the Series S might experience 30 and 40 FPS modes, offering a nice range of options.
What’s New Game Plus and What Lies Ahead?
Avowed will introduce a New Game Plus mode, allowing players to carry over their progress into new adventures. A well-thought-out feature is the clear "point of no return," ensuring that gamers don’t accidentally bypass side quests or exploration opportunities.
When questioned about a sequel, Patel hinted intriguingly that decisions made in Avowed could potentially transfer over, saying, “Hypothetically, yes.” Although there was no definitive DLC announcement, Patel left doors open with a playful “maybe.”
Companions and Build Customization
Players will have the freedom to instruct companions on combat tactics, choose which powers to upgrade, and even tweak their appearance with skins available in the Premium Edition. For Game Pass subscribers, this edition is priced at $24.99 and boasts five days of early access starting February 13.
Flexibility in builds is emphasized, with Patel revealing possibilities like dual-wielding a wand and pistol for a uniquely exciting experience. For those seeking a bit of quirky fun, she suggested dual-wielding maces might just be the way to go.
Dive Into the Dialogue, and Don’t Shy Away from Being the Villain
Patel promised a robust and lively dialogue system in Avowed, stating, “You can be a pretty sassy little jerk—it’s fun.” Interestingly, players have the option to ally with the game’s villain, paving the way for a completely nefarious playthrough.
Polishing the Game for a Smoother Experience
The decision to delay Avowed’s release from 2024 to 2025 has allowed Obsidian precious time to polish the game further. This extra development period has contributed to more balanced difficulty levels and refined upgrade costs.
Mark Your Calendars for Our Full Review
A couple of us are already diving into the world of Avowed and we’ll be bringing you a full review along with an array of guides to aid your journey against the Dreamscourge. Keep an eye out on February 13!
Catch the Full MinnMax Interview
To watch the complete interview with MinnMax, just head over to YouTube. Click the link to dive right into their 175 rapid-fire questions and get an even deeper understanding of what Avowed has in store for you.
