The Unwritten Rules of Avowed: Essential Tips for Survival
Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed has finally arrived, immersing players in the mystical world of Eora as they investigate the deadly Dreamscourge. While the game isn't the largest RPG, it offers plenty of content, deep exploration, and intense combat encounters. Understanding Avowed's unwritten rules will help players navigate the Living Lands more efficiently, uncover hidden mechanics, and make informed choices throughout their adventure.
Mastering Exploration in Avowed
Your Minimap and Hearing Are Key Tools in Avowed
Unlike many modern RPGs, Avowed minimizes hand-holding by omitting excessive map markers. Instead, players must rely on their minimap and keen listening skills. Lootable bodies appear as "X" marks, while collectible plants are also visible on the map. Additionally, a soft shimmering sound will guide players toward hidden items, making auditory awareness just as crucial as visual exploration.
Lockpicks Unlock More Than Just Doors
Lockpicks play a major role in Avowed, allowing access to locked chests and secret areas. Unlike traditional RPGs, there’s no minigame for lockpicking; instead, each locked container requires a set number of lockpicks. These can be purchased from vendors or looted from defeated enemies, so always keep a good supply on hand.
Multiple Paths to Every Destination
The Living Lands encourage creative problem-solving. Rather than forcing players down a single path, Avowed often provides multiple ways to reach objectives. If a door requires five lockpicks, look for an alternate entrance—perhaps a broken wall or a rooftop opening. This flexibility rewards players who take the time to explore and experiment.
Combat Tactics: Winning Every Battle
Stacking Food Buffs Gives You an Edge
Most RPGs use food as a minor health booster, but Avowed takes it a step further. Food buffs stack indefinitely and remain active until needed. This means players can consume multiple items in advance, essentially "pre-loading" healing for future battles. Smart preparation with food can turn tough fights into manageable encounters.
Healers Must Be Eliminated First
Healers are some of the toughest enemies in Avowed, capable of undoing an entire battle's worth of damage. Identified by a glowing green aura, these enemies—often labeled as priests or clerics—should be prioritized in combat. Stealthy players can use the Ranger tree's Shadowing Beyond skill to eliminate them before a fight even begins, preventing frustratingly prolonged battles.
Making the Right Choices in Dialogue
There Are No Perfect Answers
One of Avowed's standout features is its morally ambiguous dialogue system. Unlike traditional RPGs that push players toward "good" or "evil" decisions, Avowed ensures that choices are complex and often unpredictable. The best advice? Pick responses based on your instincts rather than trying to optimize every outcome.
Skill Checks Favor Mental Attributes
While combat skills matter, many of the game's important dialogue skill checks rely on attributes like Perception, Intellect, and Resolve rather than physical strength. Players looking to maximize conversation-based advantages should invest heavily in these stats to unlock unique interactions and persuasion options.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Living Lands Like a Pro
Surviving and thriving in Avowed means understanding its subtle mechanics. Whether it's relying on your minimap, preparing food buffs, or prioritizing dialogue skills, these unwritten rules will help players get the most out of their journey. Want more Avowed tips and strategies? Stay updated with the latest RPG guides and insights at GGGAMER!
