Avowed Is Launching on February 18, 2025, with Early Access Planned for Premium Edition Players

Avowed, the highly anticipated first-person RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment is launching on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S. As the studio behind iconic titles such as Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, Obsidian is gearing up to introduce players to a new, unexplored region of Eora, the rich fantasy setting from the Pillars of Eternity series.

Avowed launches on February 18, 2025. Pre-order today for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox app, https://t.co/bSPJFKWvJd, and Steam, or play it on day one with Game Pass. Buy the Premium Edition and get up to 5 days early access, 2 Premium Skin Packs, and Access to Avowed Digital Artbook and… pic.twitter.com/E4sTBNKERQ

— Avowed (@AvowedtheGame) November 14, 2024

While Avowed is not a direct sequel to the Pillars of Eternity games, it shares the same universe, which has already piqued fans’ interest. Set in the Living Lands, a previously unexplored and mysterious part of Eora, the game invites players to experience a world teeming with vibrant ecosystems, magical corruption, and dynamic biomes ranging from lush forests to arid deserts. This compartmentalized design echoes the world-building style of The Outer Worlds, where each distinct area promises rich storytelling, unique characters, and lore.

With just a few months until its release, Microsoft has outlined how eager fans can access the game early and what special editions will offer.

Everything You Need to Know to Avowed

Early Access Details and Editions

To build anticipation, Microsoft has announced that pre-orders for Avowed are now available, including a way for players to jump in early. By purchasing the Premium Edition, fans can gain up to five days of early access beginning on February 13, 2025. This edition comes packed with perks:

• Avowed Digital Premium Edition: Includes the base game, up to five days of early access, two premium skin packs (the Eora Collection and Obsidian Collection), a digital artbook, and a digital soundtrack.
• Avowed Premium Edition SteelBook: Adds a physical SteelBook case, a printed map of the Living Lands, and a letter from the developer.

Players can also upgrade from the Standard Edition to the Premium Edition to unlock early access and all digital extras, provided they do so before the official release date.

Also Read: Towers of Aghasba Early Access: Everything to Know Before November 19

Player Choice Matter and Spellbinding Combat

One of the standout features of Avowed is its emphasis on player choice, as the gameplay experience is built around the mantra, “At Obsidian, it’s your world, your way.” This philosophy translates into versatile combat mechanics that allow players to customize their approach, mixing spellcasting with melee and ranged weaponry. Whether you prefer wielding dual pistols and wands as a “gun-slinging mage” or casting fire and ice spells while holding a sword and shield, the options are abundant.

In addition, Avowed supports both first-person and third-person perspectives, adding flexibility to how players experience the world. The combat system will feature unlockable abilities, skill trees, and weapon upgrades, enhancing the RPG elements that Obsidian is celebrated for.

However, some concerns remain about whether the game will support a 60 FPS mode; current reports indicate that the game is aiming for a “bare minimum” of 30 FPS on Xbox Series X.

Companions and Character Customization

Moreover, Companions play a crucial role in Avowed, bringing depth and diversity to the story. Players can travel with up to two companions, each with unique motives and combat skills. While romance options won’t be part of the gameplay, the development team has focused on making companions integral to the narrative and combat experience.

Game Director Carrie Patel emphasizes that these characters will have opinions on the player’s choices, enriching the storyline with personal dynamics.

Besides, character customization options will allow players to align their avatars with their preferred playstyle. You can select a character’s background and blessing, which could influence dialogue and gameplay mechanics. However, options are limited to human and elf characters due to the protagonist’s roots in the Aedyr Empire.

Why Microsoft Delayed Avowed?

Initially scheduled for a fall 2024 release, Avowed was pushed back to February 2025. According to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, the decision was strategic, aimed at spacing out Xbox Game Studios’ packed release calendar rather than due to development issues.

This period includes massive releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, and Monster Hunter Wilds. Despite the delay, Spencer assured fans that Obsidian is using the extra time to polish the game, ensuring it meets the high standards set by previous titles.

Parting Thoughts

Although Avowed will not include co-op or multiplayer modes, it aims to be a defining single-player experience in a year packed with high-profile RPG releases, such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Monster Hunter Wilds. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play Avowed from day one, joining what is set to be an epic addition to the Game Pass library.

As the countdown to February 18 begins, Avowed stands poised to deliver a narrative-rich, choice-driven RPG experience that highlights Obsidian’s signature depth and creativity. Whether exploring its magical lands or delving into its strategic combat, this promises to be a memorable journey through the storied world of Eora.

For more gaming articles, follow our Facebook page for timely coverage of the latest announcements from the gaming family.