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, and 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 plunges players into a richly detailed world without demanding prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental clues.

The plot follows an emissary, chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls, driving people to madness. In this world, souls cycle through life, death, and reincarnation. The protagonist is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which god remains a mystery), this divine touch manifests as unusual plant-like growths on their head, a source of fear for some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; the protagonist's ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), they find high-ranking officials missing, the gates closed, and chaos reigning. A classic RPG setup, indeed.

Exploration immediately reveals the joy of discovery. My first act? Diving into the sea near the port, uncovering sunken treasure while narrowly avoiding a watery grave. From there, a stumble into a smugglers' camp, eavesdropping on their plans, and a hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, quests beckoned, and the exploration began in earnest.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight: breaking into a locked house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding like a mountain goat to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare yellow-tier boots with a unique history, and breathtaking views. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets.

Surprises abound. A chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (requiring a bit of fire magic). A coin-filled nest perched precariously on beams. A backpack filled with goodies hanging from a cliff edge, with a sunbathing skeleton below. Even an ice grenade freezing the water to retrieve 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. A blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries in the slums. Helping a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer (which, conveniently, boosted my health regeneration). Two lovers who died together near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards examined a dead smuggler.

Following that trail further, a fight through a reptilian camp and a showdown with a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, countless adventures unfolded without focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. Exploration, experimentation with different character builds, and discovering item interactions took center stage. Whether wielding shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.

With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game delivers an endless stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain captivating.