*Avowed* has hit the shelves, and Obsidian's latest RPG is designed to enthrall both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the genre. Diving into an RPG can be daunting if you're new to it—I've been there. But fear not; these tips will help you navigate *Avowed* with confidence and enjoyment.
Know the Basics
In *Avowed*, like in most RPGs, you'll accumulate XP through various activities such as completing quests, defeating enemies, and exploring new areas. As you level up, you'll be awarded attribute points and ability points, which you can allocate to tailor your character to your preferred playstyle. Whether you want to create a formidable warrior or a masterful wizard, the choice is yours.
Your character's attributes will determine their strengths. Personally, I gravitate towards the scholar class due to my love for lore and books, but *Avowed* offers flexibility for everyone. A key feature for beginners is the ability to reassign your points if your initial build doesn't suit you, making *Avowed* particularly user-friendly for those new to RPGs.
Explore Avowed’s World
*Avowed* blends elements of open-world and linear gameplay. While clear story objectives guide you through the game, don't be afraid to stray from the path. Exploring is at the heart of the RPG experience, and *Avowed* rewards curiosity. Venturing into buildings, caves, and various locales not only yields loot and resources but also uncovers side quests that offer easy XP.
Engage with the game's books and notes to deepen your understanding of the story. Obsidian excels in crafting immersive narratives, so use these items to enrich your experience. Keep an eye out for treasure maps scattered across the world, leading you to special gear and valuable coins. Thorough exploration also means accumulating more gold, crucial for purchasing better weapons and gear, especially for tackling tougher enemies. Rushing the main storyline might leave you under-equipped, so take your time to explore and prepare.
Stock Up On Health and Essence Potions
Combat in *Avowed* can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Balancing physical and essence attacks while keeping an eye on your health and essence bars is essential. Health and essence potions are your go-to items: health potions restore a significant amount of health, while essence potions replenish your essence bar. These are readily available throughout the world and from vendors in cities, with health potions glowing bright red and essence potions a vivid pink.
Use these potions judiciously. If your health is only slightly depleted, opt for food items you find during your travels. Some food and herbs can also cure effects like poison, so save them for when they're needed most. Reserve health potions for when your health is critically low, unlike in games like *Call of Duty* where you might reload after every encounter.
Give Your Companions Some Love
As you level up, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your character's skills and attributes, which influences both combat prowess and dialogue options. However, don't overlook your companions. Upgrading their abilities is crucial; neglecting them can lead to frustrating restarts after tough battles.
Your companions are vital in combat, offering support and sometimes even healing capabilities. A strong party is essential to avoid being overwhelmed by enemies. By keeping your companions upgraded, they'll become invaluable assets, helping you secure victories more easily.
Upgrade Your Gear
Throughout your journey, you'll gather resources that can be used to enhance your weapons and gear. At your camp, there's a station where you can perform these upgrades, located to the left as you enter. Early in the game, you might switch weapons frequently, so be selective about where you invest your resources.
Upgrading gear is particularly beneficial for items you plan to use for an extended period. While higher-quality gear costs more to upgrade, the benefits—such as increased attack power, critical hit chance, or better damage protection—are well worth it.
Have Fun and Play Your Way
The essence of games like *Avowed* lies in immersing yourself in its world. Whether you choose to focus solely on the main storyline or dive into every side quest available, the key is to enjoy the journey. RPGs like *Avowed* allow you to craft your own narrative within the game's universe. So, save the Living Lands in your unique way and have fun doing it.
That's your beginner's guide to *Avowed*. Dive in and make the most of your adventure!
*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*
