Obsidian Entertainment has released a new update for its action roleplaying game Avowed. Version 1.3 brings several community requested improvements, such as providing an extra talent point for the main character at levels 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. Players who have already leveled up to the max won’t have to worry, as their characters will also retroactively receive the extra talent points. While playing the game, I did have the feeling that the game was a bit stingy with talents. This will definitely help with build creation.
Obsidian also introduced several quality of life improvements with this Avowed patch:
- A new option to increase font size and apply bold styling to all documents, tutorials, in-game pop-ups, and the ledger’s quest tab in an effort to improve readability
- Improved customization for the HUD (Heads-Up Display), including a new keybind (set to backslash by default) that hides all interface elements to help with screenshot captures and an opacity slider
- A new FOV (Field of View) slider for third-person camera
- A static compass option that always points to the north instead of rotating
- Full support to customize controller keybinds
- A toggle between walking and running for mouse and keyboard users
Of course, there are also several balance tweaks, bug fixes, and minor performance improvements, too.
So far, Avowed has seemingly done well enough to satisfy Obsidian and Microsoft. It rightfully should. While perhaps not quite a masterpiece, it comes close, as I explained in my review:
Avowed marks a significant step up for Obsidian compared to The Outer Worlds. The game retains the studio’s signature excellent writing and narrative while improving the combat (especially the challenge level) and providing a lot of great content to go through. The visuals and performance are also praiseworthy. There are a few shortcomings, but if you’re a fan of Western RPGs, you don’t want to miss Avowed. It may have started as a spin-off, but it could go on to be the main series in Eora.
Will there be a sequel? It’s too early to say. Game Director Carrie Patel shared her enthusiasm to do more with the team now that they had found their groove. However, in a more recent interview with Eurogamer, she seemed a bit more tentative, hinting that there may be a new IP in the cards for the studio, too.
The wonderful thing about the reception Avowed has gotten is it shows that there is certainly an appetite for new fantasy IPs. I recognise that some of our players are coming from Pillars and Deadfire, but I think for the majority of people, this is their first time in the world of Eora, so it’s heartening to see that there is appetite for that novelty, that players are interested in jumping into something new. It certainly gives us a lot of enthusiasm and optimism for continuing to be ambitious, continuing to introduce players to new worlds, and bringing them into the games we’re making and the things that are exciting to us. I know we’re always excited to try new things.
Should Obsidian make a sequel to Avowed or something else entirely after they’re done with The Outer Worlds 2? Let us know your opinion below.
